I was recently asked, "Why are you giving the teachers choice of a laptop? Why not just go all in with one device?" My answer, simply stated, is that homogenization of any tool is never a good idea in a context that is intended to foster creativity.
"At New Milford High School, it is not uncommon to see students finishing homework assignments on their MacBooks in the cafeteria or using cellphones in class to text an answer.
"It's giving them the freedom and autonomy to use the devices to support what they are doing in their classes," said Principal Eric Sheninger."
"the staff needed to educate themselves on how personal devices could be used as a learning tool. New Milford's teaching staff set out to teach students about three main focal points when it came to allowing personal devices in their classrooms. They started with demonstrating digital responsibility, digital citizenship and creating positive digital footprints. These points would establish a learning environment that would inform students about what was expected of them, as well as set a foundation for years to come when they enter the work force."
In college classrooms where innovations like smart phones and Facebook are getting in the way of learning, some tech-savvy professors are taking an "if you can't beat 'em join 'em" approach. They're asking students to bring their web-enabled mobile devices to class and keep them turned on.
"From multimedia to geocaching, the possibilities for using mobiles to engage learners are endless. Teachers tell Emma Drury how and why they are using the devices in school"
"There is an emerging opportunity to boost student achievement and improve working for teachers here in the U.S-and a huge opportunity to expand access to quality learning to every young person on earth. That's the most interesting and important thing anyone could work on. The opportunity is to make learning more compelling, customized, connected and competency-based."