Digital Learning for All, Now: A School Leader's Guide for 1:1 on a Budget / Edition 1

by Jonathan P. Costa

Overview

Designing the practically paperless classroom

Imagine students carrying mobile devices instead of a backpack. This breakthrough guide shows educators how to affordably transform schools into digital learning centers. Jonathan P. Costa, Sr. outlines a step-by-step road map of solutions for overcoming budget and systems barriers and moving forward with a sense of urgency. His field-tested strategies show how to:

• Acquire and pay for necessary equipment
• Save money by utilizing open source, crowd sourcing, and Bring Your Own Device
• Align instruction, assessment, curriculum, and professional development for a 21st century learning environment

A content-rich companion website provides adaptable tools, step-by-step guidance, resources, and access to an online interactive community.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781452220055
Publisher:	SAGE Publications
Publication date:	03/01/2012
Pages:	208
Product dimensions:	6.90(w) x 9.90(h) x 0.50(d)

About the Author

Jonathan P. Costa, Sr. is director of school and program services for the EDUCATION CONNECTION, a regional education service center in Litchfield, Connecticut. A former public and private school social studies teacher, educational consultant and businessman, Costa’s current responsibilities include supervision of the highly regarded Center for 21st Century Skills and the delivery of all professional development and consulting interventions on behalf of the agency throughout the tri-state area. Through his 30 years of service, he has provided close support for strategic and technology planning in dozens of districts, guided all manner of instructional improvements, as well as consulted on the promotion, identification, definition, instruction and assessment of 21^st century skills. He is a frequent speaker at regional and national conferences and his writings have appeared in publications as varied as Educational Leadership and Runner’s World.

 

Table of Contents

List of Tables and Illustrations ix

Foreword Kenneth R. Freeston xiii

Preface: Potential Within Reach xv

Acknowledgments xxi

About the Author xxiii

Part I Why we Need Digital Learning for All, Now 1

Chapter 1 Beyond a Doubt: Digital is the Future of Teaching and Learning 3

Starting With the End in Mind 3

Truth 1 The Future of Learning and Work is Digital 4

Truth 2 Proper Preparation for the Digital Age Requires Digital Access 13

Truth 3 Continued Investment in Print is a Waste 15

Chapter Summary 21

Part II Getting to 1:1 23

Chapter 2 BYOD: Crowdsourcing Hardware and Closing the Equity Gap 25

An Introduction to Bring Your Own Device 25

Three Trends That Make BYOD Possible 26

Implementation Challenges for BYOD 38

Planning for the Issues and Adjustments Needed for BYOD 49

Chapter Summary 52

Chapter 3 Take the Open Path: The Browser and Open Source—Saving Money and Improving Learning 53

Introduction to Open-Source Software 53

How Much Can We Save? 60

Open-Source Productivity Software Resources 61

Strategies for Supporting Open-Source Change 64

Open Source and Online Instructional Materials 69

Free, Engaging, and Rigorous 72

Chapter Summary 80

Chapter 4tOvercoming Barriers to Success: Strategies for Defeating the Inertia of Print and Other Blocking Forces 81

Unwavering Faith 81

Barrier 1 It's All About Control—Part A: Curriculum and Instruction 83

Barrier 1 It's All About Control—Part B: Access and Equipment 88

Barrier 2 One Size Fits All 92

Barrier 3 Risk Aversion 95

Chapter Summary 104

Part III Building the System 105

Chapter 5 Systems and Measurement: Aligning Instruction, Assessment, and Support Systems With 21st Century Outcomes 107

Three Phases of Technology Integration 107

Systems of School Improvement and Their Impact on 21st Century Learning 110

Four Foundational Systems: Part 1—Focus, Focus, Focus 114

Four Foundational Systems: Part 2—Instruction and Assessment 123

The Next Level: Critical Support Systems—Curriculum and Communication 128

The Next Level: Professional Support, Professional Evaluation, and Resource Deployment 131

Chapter Summary: What is Your Readiness for Realignment? 135

Chapter 6 Leading the Change Process: Modeling the Skills and Behaviors We Expect From Our Students 137

Staring Into the Abyss 137

21st Century Skills: Modeling the Change We Hope to See 139

Skill 1 Communication 141

Skill 2 Independence and Collaboration 144

Skill 3 Innovation and Adaptability 146

Skill 4 Critical Thinking 148

Skill 5 Information Literacy 151

Skill 6 Personal Responsibility 155

Conclusion 159

Glossary of Terms 161

References 165

Index 169

Editorial Reviews

"WOW! I wish I had this book several years ago. It sets an intellectual framework and then provides a pragmatic view that leads to implementation. This timely text should be read by all educators. It gives multiple on-ramps to the instruction, content, and context of this century. "

Dr. Rick Miller

"This book supplies all of the tools necessary to make the leap off the cliff into the next evolution in education. Here you will find the support you need to overcome the risks, get through the mess, and make the best change for our students. "

J. Petrina Mc Carty-Puhl

"A must-read for all who desire to make technology integration a priority in their school. "

Amie Brown

"This book is for teachers and schools seeking to truly prepare students’ for the future. It moves past the excuses and into a plan for legitimate and practical technology use. If you buy just one book this year, this is the one. It will change your school and the life of your students! "

Renee Peoples

"This book is the answer to the question that everybody has been asking about the 21st century classroom. For those who have stated, 'Wait until we are ready,' this is the resource that will make it happen now! "

Lyndon Oswald

"Costa's blueprint is not just a theoretical exercise. He takes the reader step-by-thoughtful-step through teh process of making this drastic change in an affordable manner and with a plan. "

Beth E. Anderson

"Digital Learning addresses the importance of our ever-growing world of technology. It helps educators to stay abreast of the newest technologies and better assist their students. "

Tanna Nicely

"This book supplies all of the tools necessary to make the leap off the cliff into the next evolution in education. Here you will find the support you needto overcometherisks, get through the mess, andmake the best change for our students."

J. Petrina McCarty-Puhl

"WOW! I wish I had this book several years ago. It sets an intellectual framework and then provides a pragmatic view that leads to implementation. Thistimely text should be read by all educators. It gives multiple on-ramps to the instruction, content, and contextof this century. "

Doctor - Rick Miller