Learning and Leading - August 2010

Collaboration. What type of collaboration is currently happening at your school? Is it informal, or is it more formal, such as a common preparation period? A defined collaborative approach is crucial for helping build an ethos of sharing that leads to successful laptop integration. If your collaboration is informal, start a wiki or use another Web-based tool to share ideas, websites, and electronic materials. Work toward a more formal collaborative approach. Teachers engaging in a PLC can use this time to address common goals and share how to use laptops to meet student needs. They can also use PLC planning time for professional development.

Progression of use. Does your school
have a plan that outlines how students
will be using laptops throughout a
school year and from grade to grade?
This type of document can provide
structure, serve as a communication
tool, and support a shared vision of a
laptop program. Many districts have a
technology plan in place that can pro-
vide guidance in the development of
such a document. You should also use
ISTE’s NETS for Students as a guide
when drafting this document. You can
find a chart to help with the planning
process at http://groups.google.com/
group/1-to-1-computing-initiatives.

Tim Green, PhD, is a professor for the College of Education at California State University, Fullerton. He is an educational technology specialist whose re- search interests include one-to- one computing initiatives in K– 12 and higher education, online learning and teaching, and effective uses of emerging technologies.

Loretta Donovan, PhD, is a professor for the College of Edu- cation at California State Uni- versity, Fullerton. She is also an educational technology specialist whose research interests include one-to-one computing initiatives in K– 12 and higher education, online learning and teaching, and effective uses of emerging technologies.

Kim Bass is a second grade teacher at Robert C. Fisler K– 8 School in Fullerton, California. She has been effectively integrat- ing technology into the curricu- lum for the past 20 years. Bass regularly provides professional development on technology integration to teacher candidates and inservice teachers.