A colleague referred me to the work of Chris Dede of Harvard University. He has done some pretty incredible work in academic technology integration and I have been enjoying the resources linked from his Harvard profile. What a pioneer!
I was especially mesmerized by the SCALE tutorial he developed for Microsoft. Here, scale refers to the adaptability of innovation to sustain in any environment, specifically in education in this model. The interactive grid provides a valuable infrastructural perspective of critical process relevant and applicable to any innovation project or development.
The tutorial provides a 'scaling tool' for innovation and addresses the core dimensions of 'depth, sustainability, spread, shift and evolution' by identification and development of the layers of 'power of dimension, traps to avoid, role of technology and next steps to explore' for each dimension. It's a valuable tool for anyone who affords process its due in sustainable, adaptable and evolutionary change.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Open Source Releases in 2009
This article features the 25 most exciting open source software releases anticipated in 2009.
For the uninitiated, "open source" software is nonproprietary, or noncommercial, software that is written by a collective of persons who contribute their time and talent to the good of mankind rather than the promise of profits. And it's free! The term "open source" refers to the open nature of the code, allowing access to anyone who wants to work on software development, patches and upgrades. The open source community has been around a long time, but use of open source software is still struggling into the mainstream consciousness. However, most non-geek types now have heard of Mozilla Firefox, perhaps the most widely known open-source Web browser. Many use Open Office, a fully functioning and highly compatible suite of office products that rival Microsoft's Office suite.
There is more good information out there about open source software than I could practically link to this post. If a reader has a particular need or question, feel free to email me at digiTenn at gmail.com. In the meantime, if you're not already using open source, Mozilla Firefox and Open Office are good places to start!
For the uninitiated, "open source" software is nonproprietary, or noncommercial, software that is written by a collective of persons who contribute their time and talent to the good of mankind rather than the promise of profits. And it's free! The term "open source" refers to the open nature of the code, allowing access to anyone who wants to work on software development, patches and upgrades. The open source community has been around a long time, but use of open source software is still struggling into the mainstream consciousness. However, most non-geek types now have heard of Mozilla Firefox, perhaps the most widely known open-source Web browser. Many use Open Office, a fully functioning and highly compatible suite of office products that rival Microsoft's Office suite.
There is more good information out there about open source software than I could practically link to this post. If a reader has a particular need or question, feel free to email me at digiTenn at gmail.com. In the meantime, if you're not already using open source, Mozilla Firefox and Open Office are good places to start!
Monday, March 9, 2009
Education 2.0
Karen Archer Perry blogs,
People say that Web 2.0 democratizes the web and democratizes content creation. It does. But while Web 2.0 and other digital media tools provide the hardware and software platforms for collaboration, it is digital inclusion and ubiquitous broadband access that truly democratize the web. Without access, these new tools of empowerment will remain the purview of the few, when our society really needs engagement from many.More here.
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Educators wrestle with digital-equity challenges
Students who lack this access to technology are at a disadvantage, ed-tech advocates say, because they are missing out on opportunities to learn and to become participants in an increasingly digital workforce and society. ...
Resta listed six things that he called "essential conditions" for digital inclusion: (1) basic literacy skills; (2) access to information and communications technology (ICT) devices, software, and connectivity; (3) access to culturally relevant content in the student's local language; (4) the ability to create, share, and exchange digital content; (5) access to educators who know how to use digital tools and resources in pedagogically sound ways; and (6) access to effective leadership in policy and planning.
The story here.
Internet for Everyone
I just came from the NC town hall meeting with Internet for Everyone in Durham. It was an amazing day. I talked with new friends and colleagues from very diverse corners of the Digital Divide issue. I listened to stories and told my own.
We heard the Rev. Dr. William J. Barber II, president of the NC NAACP State Conference Branch speak about the nature of the Digital Divide and a proposal for its immediate closure. We simply change the password, he said! The password, of course, is "everyone" ... if any entity wants to draft a policy or implement an initiative, they have to be able to provide the correct password. Or access is denied.
When the notes from the meeting are compiled and distributed, I'll share them here. The bottom line of the day is that we all agreed ... community technology is the economic stimulus that can put our globe into the realm of sustainability on so many levels. It is the educational reform that will save our children and it is the legislative priority that will bring the healing of digital equity and social justice to disenfranchised and underserved communities.
I never pass up an opportunity to quote Curtis Mayfield. "People get ready ..."
We heard the Rev. Dr. William J. Barber II, president of the NC NAACP State Conference Branch speak about the nature of the Digital Divide and a proposal for its immediate closure. We simply change the password, he said! The password, of course, is "everyone" ... if any entity wants to draft a policy or implement an initiative, they have to be able to provide the correct password. Or access is denied.
When the notes from the meeting are compiled and distributed, I'll share them here. The bottom line of the day is that we all agreed ... community technology is the economic stimulus that can put our globe into the realm of sustainability on so many levels. It is the educational reform that will save our children and it is the legislative priority that will bring the healing of digital equity and social justice to disenfranchised and underserved communities.
I never pass up an opportunity to quote Curtis Mayfield. "People get ready ..."
Friday, January 23, 2009
Gates Foundation gives $22M for data-driven decision making
This is incredibly exciting news. The Gates Foundation has committed $22 million for the purpose of funding programs that "support the development of data systems and research initiatives in K-12 education."
In the same spirit, I am in the process of developing a project proposal for a digital media needs assessment on P-16 levels across the state of Tennessee. If there is data out there that ties access to and experience with digital media to traditional statistical benchmarks (graduation rates, college enrollment, standardized test scores, etc.) I have not yet found it.
Service learning and technology can provide a synergy that is far greater than either can achieve alone. By combining the powerful forces of technology and engagement, multidisciplinary becomes omnidisciplinary and program becomes research.
For more information (or to share yours), please email me at digiTenn at gmail dot com.
In the same spirit, I am in the process of developing a project proposal for a digital media needs assessment on P-16 levels across the state of Tennessee. If there is data out there that ties access to and experience with digital media to traditional statistical benchmarks (graduation rates, college enrollment, standardized test scores, etc.) I have not yet found it.
"Useful data and solid research about what works will help empower teachers, schools, and districts to more effectively keep students on the path to success in college and beyond. Our education system must be grounded in reliable [information] that assesses what works best in the classroom and serves the interests of all students." (Bill Gates)This project I'm developing proposes a collaboration between interested stakeholders and would provide just such data to be used not only as a current indicator of where those relationships exist, but a baseline of statistics by which our future technology and service learning projects' success can be measured. We want to take the scope of the Gates'-funded initiatives a step further by folding in the critical participation of students themselves in not only doing the research, but taking leadership in the data analysis and subsequent program development and implementation.
Service learning and technology can provide a synergy that is far greater than either can achieve alone. By combining the powerful forces of technology and engagement, multidisciplinary becomes omnidisciplinary and program becomes research.
For more information (or to share yours), please email me at digiTenn at gmail dot com.
House panel moves forward with broadband stimulus
The news gets better and better with each passing day.
"We live in a digital age, but we still treat telecom like a luxury, we tax it like a sin, and we regulate it like a utility," [Bruce Mehlman] said.The whole story here.
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