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The report Pockets of Potential: Using Mobile Technologies to Promote Children's Learning, by Cooney Center Industry Fellow Carly Shuler, makes the case that our nation's leaders should not overlook the role mobile technologies can play, if well deployed, in building human capital and in helping to stimulate valuable innovation. As Sesame Street has proven over four decades of remarkable work, exposure to research-tested educational media starting early in life can accelerate children's skills, while producing enduring economic benefi ts to society. Pockets of Potential argues that despite legitimate public concern about the "disruptive track record" of mobile devices in schools, there is reason to be excited about their potential. As an analysis of key industry trends, opportunities, and challenges, including small-scale studies of academic and industry projects, the paper recommends a series of urgent action steps for key sectors to consider. Of particular note are the promising innovations developed by an international group of mobile technology thought leaders - from Silicon Valley to Seoul to sub-Saharan Africa - whose pioneering work is featured in this report and its appendices. The report joins a series of studies the Cooney Center has undertaken since launching one year ago. We hope to stimulate a new debate that will lead industry, funders, scholars, and caregivers to consider how the devices children now rely upon as their social currency may one day help them learn essential skills needed for success. As Mrs. Cooney recently noted, "Now is the time to turn the new media that children have a natural attraction to into learning tools that will build their knowledge and broaden their perspectives." Unless we do, the gulf between what children do informally and in school will widen, diminishing the educational opportunities all of our children need and deserve.

Over the years, the question of how many computers per student or per classroom has emerged as a pivotal issue. Advocates for different perspectives agree that technology-enabled learning is important and the ideal is one-to-one computing and anytime, anywhere learning. In today's economic environment, school districts must budget wisely and get the most out of each dollar invested. One way to address student computing and anywhere anytime access is with netbook PCs. This eBook will explore the issues and showcase districts that have implemented successful and cost-effective programs.