Bruce-
What are you wanting/needing the computers to do at the K-5 setting?
Are you looking for research and "game/skill building" type things?
Without knowing your replacement needs/curricular needs -- I am just
going to share what we are looking at . . . and as I facilitated a
session with various elementary staff last night on some possibilities
of some things we could be looking at/think about funding sources for--
they were intrigued:
I still think there needs to be the "lab" setting in our case (because
a 1:1 is probably not in our near future) in order to use for
productivity and other software specific needs. However -- an iPad or
iTouch will take care of a majority of basic level computer use/needs
-- such as internet research, (iTouch runs the iLife app -- word
processing, presentation software, and has an adapter to connect to a
projector) . . . but the BIG educational value are all the apps
available for teachers to use either whole class activity type
instruction or as center based instruction (currently we try to find
machines that will run the old OS 9 software as well as online
activities). There are all kinds of apps that will serve PK-5
students -- many free, and most of the rest 99ยข. Math, reading,
spelling, handwriting, etc. -- drills and reinforcement. And how
awesome for students to be independently using these devices for skill
development specific to them. It doesn't matter if you are Mac or
PC . . . but when I watch my own children (1st & 4th grade) engaged
doing what has in the past been "boring" flash card type drills - but
now ask to use their Touch to "play" an app . . . and use Safari --I
just see a lot of potential for a feasible way to get more devices out
to students in our situation.
If your current computers are still in useable shape . . . I just
think the "bang for your buck" that will allow for more technology in
the hands of kids and suit a majority of your needs . . . this is an
option. Sorry for the randomness of my thoughts - hope it all makes
sense.
Jackie
On Apr 27, 2010, at 8:28 AM, Bruce Ludwig wrote:
Sorry for all the other information. Meant to take the other stuff
from the Sioux City School out.
Here it is again.
Good Morning:
I am asking thoughts from our aea and aea8 tech groups.
Would like to know your feelings on switching from a computer lab to
mobile labs in a K-5 setting. I really have mixed feelings and
wanted to get more ideas from the group. We currently have a lab of
24 desktops, we would take and put 3 in each section 3-5 in their
classroom from the computer lab. Our lab would be a lab of 24 minis
on a cart. Thanks for the feedback. Have a great day.
Bruce Ludwig
LeMars Community Schools
LeMars, IA 51031
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