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I thought the word "satchel" was already obsolete? HA! And does anyone else agree that they use the term "obsolete" very loosely in some of their explanations - for example HOMEWORK - doesn't "some work at school and some work at home" still constitute homework? And about Standardized TEACHING - until Standardized TESTING goes away, HG and supporters can advocate for this type of teaching reform, but try as we might (and many of us do offer alternative lessons and assignments to take advantage of the multiple intelligences within our classroom), end of the day, we still have to get our kids to pass those tests. It is how we as students, teachers, schools, districts, states and a nation are continually evaluated as being successful.

I think this article is a little odd too. I think that a lot of times, writers of articles want to make these large shocking claims in their headlines. When you read the actual body of the text though, it becomes evident that the term "obsolete" isn't what they're after - but rather, it's about renaming or altering the way we think about current systems. Also, I was interested in what they meant by changing the actual architecture of schools. When I looked into the gallery though, it was a group of photos of a bunch of weird structures that didn't really show anything about schools (maybe the outsides?).

Very cool interactive graphic detailing the K-12 education technology market

Kasthuri - I attended a session at ISTE last summer on using the iPad with Special Needs students (my oldest son has special needs) and discovered many apps that are created for "typical" learners can be adapted for students with special needs. The particular app and use in this article has (in my opinion) one huge advantage and one huge disadvantage. The advantage is price and therefore more widespread accessibility. Augmented Communicative Devices (http://www.abilityhub.com/aac/aac-devices.htm) can cost thousands of dollars. The iPad ($500-800) and app ($100) keeps the cost well below that and can give SES students with this particular need a greater chance in getting the device. The Disadvantage (in my opinion) is the FINE MOTOR skills necessary to operate the touch screen feature of the iPad. The children that I have seen who need this device to communicate have multiple issues at work that prevent them from isolating their fingers in such a way to make this a feasible way for them to communicate effectively. Some of the devices you can see in the link have distinct boundaries that account for mobility and fine motor deficiencies that make the use of the device successful to those who need that adaptation. I am not knocking the iPad for Special Needs students, simply pointing out that it is not the best tool for everyone.

This artcile points out a strong frustration of mine. I've long believed that teachers and educators need a space to share how products work in the "real world" beyond the studies self-reported by companies. I have been familiar with the whatworks clearinghous and I have to say that the site is cumbersome without any commenting. If the site had a stronger design, compiled information better, and then allowed for users of the vetted programs to comment then they would have a useful tool.

Allison, do you know of any non-goverment or non-profit "Consumer Reports" style ed tech review forums which provide a balanced, ind-depth review (and where users can share their experiences)? After looking at the DOE what works clearing house website, I agree it is not well-layed out.