Digital Learning for All, Now: A School Leader's Guide for 1:1 on a Budget

by Jonathan P. Costa

Overview

Designing the practically paperless classroom

Instead of carrying bulging backpacks, imagine students carrying mobile devices that allow them to access information from anywhere at any time. How do we transition from print to digital learning in the midst of economic challenges? This breakthrough guide shows educators how to affordably make the shift to one-to-one computing and transform schools into digital learning centers. Jonathan P. Costa, Sr. outlines a step-by-step road map of solutions for overcoming budget and systems barriers and moving forward with a sense of urgency. His field-tested strategies show how to

• Acquire and pay for necessary equipment
• Save money by utilizing open source, crowd sourcing, and Bring Your Own Device
• Align instruction, assessment, curriculum, and professional development for a 21st century learning environment

A content-rich companion website provides adaptable tools, step-by-step guidance, resources, and access to an online interactive community. Digital Learning for All, Now will help educators make digital learning a reality on a districtwide scale that is supported at every level, and prepares students for life and work in the 21st century. The time to act is now, and this guide shows you how.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781452284224
Publisher:	SAGE Publications
Publication date:	03/01/2012
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	208
File size:	3 MB

About the Author

Jonathan P. Costa, Sr. is director of school and program services for the EDUCATION CONNECTION, a regional education service center in Litchfield, Connecticut. A former public and private school social studies teacher, educational consultant and businessman, Costa’s current responsibilities include supervision of the highly regarded Center for 21st Century Skills and the delivery of all professional development and consulting interventions on behalf of the agency throughout the tri-state area. Through his 30 years of service, he has provided close support for strategic and technology planning in dozens of districts, guided all manner of instructional improvements, as well as consulted on the promotion, identification, definition, instruction and assessment of 21^st century skills. He is a frequent speaker at regional and national conferences and his writings have appeared in publications as varied as Educational Leadership and Runner’s World.

 

Table of Contents

List of Tables and Illustrations
Foreword by Kenneth R. Freeston
Preface: Potential Within Reach
Acknowledgments
About the Author
Part I: Why We Need Digital Learning for All, Now
1. Beyond a Doubt: Digital Is the Future of Teaching and Learning
Starting With the End in Mind
Truth 1: The Future of Learning and Work Is Digital
Truth 2: Proper Preparation for the Digital Age Requires Digital Access
Truth 3: Continued Investment in Print Is a Waste
Chapter Summary
Part II: Getting to 1:1
2. BYOD: Crowdsourcing Hardware and Closing the Equity Gap
An Introduction to Bring Your Own Device
Three Trends that Make BYOD Possible
Implementation Challenges for BYOD
Planning for the Issues and Adjustments Needed for BYOD
Chapter Summary
3. Take the Open Path: The Browser and Open Source--Saving Money and Improving Learning
Introduction to Open-Source Software
How Much Can We Save?
Open Source Productivity Software Resources
Strategies for Supporting Open-Source Change
Open Source and Online Instructional Materials
Free, Engaging, and Rigorous
4. Overcoming Barriers to Success: Strategies for Defeating the Inertia of Print and Other Blocking Forces
Unwavering Faith
Barrier 1: It′s All About Control--Part A: Curriculum and Instruction
Barrier 1: It′s All About Control--Part B: Access and Equipment
Barrier 2: One Size Fits All
Barrier 3: Risk Aversion
Chapter Summary
Part III: Building the System
5. Systems and Measurement: Aligning Instruction, Assessment, and Support Systems With 21st Century Outcomes
Three Phases of Technology Integration
Systems of School Improvement and Their Impact on 21st Century Learning
Four Foundational Systems: Part 1--Focus, Focus, Focus
Four Foundational Systems: Part 2--Instruction and Assessment
The Next Level: Critical Support Systems--Curriculum and Communication
The Next Level: Professional Support, Professional Evaluation, and Resource Deployment
Chapter Summary: What Is Your Readiness for Realignment?
6. Leading the Change Process: Modeling the Skills and Behaviors We Expect From Our Students
Staring Into the Abyss
21st Century Skills: Modeling the Change We Hope to See
Skill 1: Communication
Skill 2: Independence and Collaboration
Skill 3: Innovation and Adaptability
Skill 4: Critical Thinking
Skill 5: Information Literacy
Skill 6: Personal Responsibility
Conclusion
Glossary of Terms
References
Index

Editorial Reviews

"WOW! I wish I had this book several years ago. It sets an intellectual framework and then provides a pragmatic view that leads to implementation. This timely text should be read by all educators. It gives multiple on-ramps to the instruction, content, and context of this century. "

Dr. Rick Miller

"This book supplies all of the tools necessary to make the leap off the cliff into the next evolution in education. Here you will find the support you need to overcome the risks, get through the mess, and make the best change for our students. "

J. Petrina Mc Carty-Puhl

"A must-read for all who desire to make technology integration a priority in their school. "

Amie Brown

"This book is for teachers and schools seeking to truly prepare students’ for the future. It moves past the excuses and into a plan for legitimate and practical technology use. If you buy just one book this year, this is the one. It will change your school and the life of your students! "

Renee Peoples

"This book is the answer to the question that everybody has been asking about the 21st century classroom. For those who have stated, 'Wait until we are ready,' this is the resource that will make it happen now! "

Lyndon Oswald

"Costa's blueprint is not just a theoretical exercise. He takes the reader step-by-thoughtful-step through teh process of making this drastic change in an affordable manner and with a plan. "

Beth E. Anderson

"Digital Learning addresses the importance of our ever-growing world of technology. It helps educators to stay abreast of the newest technologies and better assist their students. "

Tanna Nicely

"This book supplies all of the tools necessary to make the leap off the cliff into the next evolution in education. Here you will find the support you needto overcometherisks, get through the mess, andmake the best change for our students."

J. Petrina McCarty-Puhl

"WOW! I wish I had this book several years ago. It sets an intellectual framework and then provides a pragmatic view that leads to implementation. Thistimely text should be read by all educators. It gives multiple on-ramps to the instruction, content, and contextof this century. "

Doctor - Rick Miller