[Yr7-10it] netbooks being distributed to every year 5 and 6
studentin northern victoria primary schools
Bill Kerr
billkerr at gmail.com
Sun Apr 5 20:13:39 EST 2009
1:1 netbooks in schools, summary of my analysis so far
*unstoppable force*:
a device which can be used educationally which has become -
- cheaper
- lighter
- take home 24/7
- personal ownership
- robust
- world wide communication and collaboration
- cloud computing
- free software and hardware (the latter linked to communication plans)
*immovable object*:
- teachers as gatekeepers of standards
- historically packaged curriculum which eschews diversions
- resistance to unguided youthful exuberance
- technology is everything invented since you were born
- the disturbing aspect of young people being generally quicker learners
of new technology than older people
- teachers overworked, don't have time
- incredibly diverse nature of teachers work
- available teacher time is small chunks not large chunks required for
paradigm shift
Larry Cuban has been saying for years that there is no substantive studies
that demonstrate that computers improved measured outcomes in general -
although he does praise the work done in schools of the 10% of teacher
computer enthusiasts
On Thu, Apr 2, 2009 at 5:41 PM, Bill Kerr <billkerr at gmail.com> wrote:
> hi Darrel,
>
> thanks for the warning re. scratch - if that is the case then the shortage
> of screen resolution does become quite important - scratch is one of my
> favourite bits of software so I want that running properly, without bits
> lopped off
>
> just listened to the podcast between darrel and rob too, it's well worth a
> listen IMO
>
>
>
>
> On Wed, Mar 25, 2009 at 4:18 PM, Darrel Branson <ictguy at gmail.com> wrote:
>
>> G’day Everyone,
>> Sorry for being late getting in on this thread. I’m an advocate of
>> opensource software in schools (moodle, drupal, firefox, etc) and the free
>> scratch program (
>> http://www.smsn.vic.edu.au/ictguy/index.php/scratch-resources/)
>>
>> Just be aware that, from memory, the 1024 px by 600px netbook screen
>> resolution presents it’s share of problems. For example, Scratch wants
>> 1024x768 to run. So the the bottom of the screen gets lopped off :(( And I
>> couldn't find a solution on the scratch forums for Scratch on netbooks. Also
>> for the above reasons, the netbook ships with kahootz version 2, because
>> version 3 requires a greater screen resolution.
>>
>> We are working through other issues of drivers and software on a case by
>> case basis. It’s early days, but I all I can say is that *the students
>> are ready for ‘1 to 1’.* It will be interesting to see if both students
>> and teachers maintain this initial enthusiasm.
>>
>> Rob Sbaglia and I recorded some of our initial thoughts on a podcast (not
>> exciting stuff but may be of interest).
>>
>> http://www.smsn.vic.edu.au/ictguy/index.php/2009/03/22/ictguy0903-1-to-1-netbooks-with-doctor-rob/
>>
>> Kind Regards
>> Darrel
>>
>> BTW I thought it would have been bold to do a linux netbook rollout but
>> unfortunately Vic DEECD is very much an M$ shop. Performance is ok at the
>> moment but time will tell if they suffer windows rot. And the performance of
>> Windows Movie Maker and VISTA on low spec’d hardware will be interesting –
>> I’ll try and keep you posted.
>>
>> -------------------------------
>> Darrel Branson
>> Ultranet Coach
>> Sunraysia Mallee Schools Network
>> http://www.smsn.vic.edu.au
>> Blog http://www.smsn.vic.edu.au/ictguy
>> email:branson.darrel.l at edumail.vic.gov.au
>> skype: ictguy
>> Ph:50235190 Fax:50231294 Mobile: 0408 231029
>>
>>
>>
>> On 25/03/09 11:15 AM, "Bill Kerr" <billkerr at gmail.com> wrote:
>>
>> thanks again Anne, for now I'll just post the software here for those who
>> are interested, an interesting mix of proprietary and FLOSS
>>
>> Bruce Dixon goes back a long way, I think he was involved (through
>> computelec) with the first laptop saturation programme at MLC Victoria,
>> circa 1990, logo was the main software they used for a while - I went to
>> their conference back then :-) Note that MSW Logo is on the list (developed
>> by Brian Harvey, George Mills) - it's very powerful although last time I
>> looked the interface is clunky - it has recently been adapted to the OLPC as
>> well
>>
>> Also pleased to see Scratch, Gamemaker, GIMP and some mind mapping
>> software, although I have yet to check out that particular one yet
>> (freemind)
>>
>> I'm still surprised that Vista is the OS given what I have heard about
>> Vista (but no direct experience there)
>>
>>
>> *Adobe Flash Player
>> *Create and view animated content
>> *Adobe Reader 8
>> *Provides options for basic PDF viewing and comment-making
>> *Adobe Shockwave Player
>> *Displays web content that has been created by Adobe
>> *Apple Quicktime
>> *A multimedia framework capable of handling various formats of digital
>> video, media clips, sound, text, animation, music and interactive panoramic
>> images
>> *Audacity
>> *Open source software for recording and editing sounds
>> *Blender
>> *Open source, cross-platform suite of tools for 3D creation
>> *CD Burner XP
>> *Application to burn CDs and DVDs, including Blu-Ray and HD-DVDs
>> *Cute PDF Writer
>> *Create PDF files from any printable document, save PDF forms using
>> Acrobat Reader, make PDF booklets, impose, rearrange pages and more
>> *Debut
>> *A simple, easy-to-use video recorder program that lets you capture files
>> directly
>> *DEECD Fonts Victorian Cursive
>> *Downloadable electronic font of Victorian Modern Cursive script to make
>> handwriting exercises, posters, crosswords, flashcards and other classroom
>> resources on your netbook
>> *DVD Flick
>> *A simple DVD authoring tool
>> *Free Mind
>> *A Mind Mapping application
>> *Gamemaker
>> www.yoyogames.com <http://www.yoyogames.com>
>> *
>> Make exciting computer games, without the need to write a single line of
>> code
>> *GIMP
>> *Stands for the GNU Image Manipulation Program and is a raster graphics
>> editor used to process digital graphics and photographs
>> *Google Picasa 3
>> *Helps you organise, edit and share your photos
>> *Google Sketchup
>> *Create, modify and share 3D models
>> *Irfan View
>> *An image viewer and convertor that opens and edit images, as well as
>> multiple media formats
>> *Jahshaka
>> *An open source video editing and effects application
>> *Java runtime environment
>> *Run Java applications
>> *Kahootz V2
>> *Create, explore and invent in 3D (V3 upgrade available soon)
>> *Microsoft Internet Explorer
>> *Web browser
>> *Microsoft Office 2007
>> *Word, Excel and PowerPoint
>> *Microsoft Office Media Content
>> *
>> Includes the Microsoft Clip Organiser and a library of clip art and other
>> media files that users can insert into Office documents
>> *Microsoft PhotoDraw 2.0
>> *Graphic software
>> *Microsoft PhotoStory 3
>> *Create multimedia video presentations using still images
>> *Microsoft Producer for PowerPoint
>> *Provides users with many powerful new features that make it easier to
>> synchronise audio, video, slides and images to create engaging and effective
>> rich-media presentations
>> *Microsoft Silverlight
>> *Delivers high-quality, interactive video across the web and mobile
>> devices.
>> *Microsoft Student with Encarta Premium
>> *Encyclopaedia software
>> *Microsoft Windows Media Player
>> *Store and play music, video and pictures
>> *Microsoft Windows Vista Enterprise
>> *Operating system
>> *MonkeyJam
>> *Create stop-motion movies
>> *MSW Logo
>> *
>> Logo is a computer programming language <
>> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer_programming_language> used for
>> functional programming <
>> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Functional_programming>
>> *NVU
>> *Create web pages with a program that does not require previous web
>> editing knowledge
>> *Paint.NET
>> *Image and photo editing software for computers that run Windows
>> *Scratch
>> *Create your own interactive stories, animations, games, music and art
>> *Symantec Client Security (anti-virus)
>> *Anti-virus software
>> *Tuxmath
>> *Educational maths tutor for children starring Tux, the Linux Penguin
>> *Tuxtyping
>> *Educational typing tutor game starring Tux, the Linux Penguin
>> *VLC Player
>> *VideoLAN Client is a portable multimedia player for various audio and
>> video formats
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> On Wed, Mar 25, 2009 at 8:20 AM, Baird, Anne P <
>> baird.anne.p at edumail.vic.gov.au> wrote:
>>
>> Hi Bill
>>
>> Here are a few responses to your queries...not as detailed as I would like
>> but don’t have time at this stage. I’m very happy to try to answer more
>> questions as they come up and will probably be asking a few myself...
>>
>>
>>
>> There is a wiki that has been set up to support the trial and you will
>> find the answers to almost everything you have asked on it.
>>
>> Go to http://netbooktrial.wikispaces.com <
>> http://netbooktrial.wikispaces.com>
>>
>>
>>
>> If you go to http://netbooktrial.wikispaces.com/Key+documents <
>> http://netbooktrial.wikispaces.com/Key+documents> and download the *Sample
>> Policy document* and go to Section 10, you will find the list of software
>>
>>
>>
>> Students are allowed to download and install software and in almost all
>> cases will have administrator rights. These are personal computers that can
>> be used at home and at school. Students and teachers are being encouraged to
>> manage the netbooks themselves and while we provide limited technical
>> support we are trying to upskill students to take over as much of this
>> management themselves. We do have a repair button on all the netbooks which
>> means that as a last resort this will restore/repair the netbook to school
>> settings in the instance of corruption or crashing. Students know about this
>> but will only be asked to so this as a last resort.
>>
>>
>>
>> All students and parents sign an acceptable user agreement which clearly
>> outlines appropriate and acceptable use. Individual incidences will be dealt
>> with at a school level although of course we would offer advice if
>> requested. Because the netbooks are to be a fundamental learning tool for
>> students for the duration of the trial and hopefully beyond, long term
>> confiscation of the netbook would only be in the most extreme of
>> circumstances.
>>
>> The netbooks are self insured by DEECD but parents have to pay $100 excess
>> for loss and non-warranty repairs. We have an agreement with Lenovo of a 3
>> day turnaround on repairs.
>>
>>
>>
>> My understanding is that most of the initial work and forward planning has
>> been done in conjunction with Bruce Dixon, Anywhere, Anytime Learning
>> http://www.aalf.org/ as you have mentioned already. He has done
>> preliminary work in 2008 with all stakeholders, principals and teachers
>> involved in the trial here and he has also presented to Year 7 teachers and
>> principals from those schools this year. The netbooks will be going with the
>> students to the secondary colleges next year.
>>
>>
>>
>> The eLearning Branch team has worked tirelessly to get all of this ready
>> to go for the trial and they have done all of the work regarding the support
>> documents that you see on the wiki.
>>
>>
>>
>> The vision is based on much of the work that Bruce Dixon has done and we
>> are guided by the 21 Steps process as well as the Blueprint for Education
>> and Early Childhood development. Far too big a topic for this reply though.
>>
>>
>>
>> Very little resistance so far and I would say overwhelmingly positive
>> responses in the classroom and at the leadership level in schools. Having
>> attended a few parent information evenings over the past few weeks, parents
>> are generally positive however there are some concerns about the management
>> and safety of internet access at home and at school. (parents are advised
>> that students do not have to have internet access at home for the purposes
>> of the trial, although if they already have broadband then the netbooks can
>> be configured to access at home) I had one parent ask about internet
>> addiction too. There are isolated incidences of parents who refuse to be
>> involved. Some concern about kids carrying netbooks to and from school and
>> being targettedKids are very excited and can’t wait to take them home.
>>
>> Ultranet coaches who have been instructed to focus on the netbook trial
>> for this year are reporting a highly positive response by both teachers and
>> students.
>>
>>
>>
>> Anne Baird
>>
>> Project Manager,
>>
>> 1 to 1 Netbook Trial
>>
>> Loddon Mallee Regional Office
>>
>> Havlin St East
>>
>> Bendigo 3550
>>
>> Ph. 54403107 Mob. 0417340276
>>
>>
>>
>> Wiki - http://teaching-with-technology.wikispaces.com/ <
>> http://teaching-with-technology.wikispaces.com/>
>>
>> Flickr - http://www.flickr.com/photos/anne_loves_pink/ <
>> http://www.flickr.com/photos/anne_loves_pink/>
>>
>> My bookmarks - http://del.icio.us/annieb3525 <
>> http://del.icio.us/annieb3525>
>>
>> Skype - annieb3525 Twitter - annieb3525
>>
>>
>>
>> *From:* yr7-10it-bounces at edulists.com.au [
>> mailto:yr7-10it-bounces at edulists.com.au<yr7-10it-bounces at edulists.com.au>]
>> *On Behalf Of *Bill Kerr
>> *Sent:* Tuesday, 24 March 2009 9:55 AM
>>
>> *To:* Year 7 - 10 Information Technology Teachers' Mailing List
>> *Cc:* lindsay.winen at woodvillehs.sa.edu.au; Simon Newbury
>> *Subject:* Re: [Yr7-10it] netbooks being distributed to every year 5 and
>> 6 studentin northern victoria primary schools
>>
>>
>>
>> thanks for information, Anne
>>
>> software:
>> I'd like to see a full list of the software installed, if possible (is
>> there scratch, etoys, logo, gamemaker, inform 7, inkscape, opera browser to
>> display svg animations ?)
>>
>> wrt the users agreement:
>> Are students allowed to install their own software? (it would seem
>> difficult to prevent this)
>> Are they allowed to install games, any restrictions here? (ditto)
>>
>> Some worst case scenarios, what happens:
>> Are there any circumstances where some students would be banned from
>> taking the computers home? (eg. repeated damage to machines)
>> What happens when porn or other inappropiate material is found on the
>> machines?
>>
>> consultants:
>> Has AALF involved in the process up until now? They recently presented in
>> South australia
>> http://www.aalf.org/
>>
>>
>> educational philosophy:
>> What is the big picture vision? Or is there one? (such visions do exist,
>> eg. Papert, alan kay, greg whitby - catholic ed NSW has led the redesign of
>> school architecture, see
>> http://billkerr2.blogspot.com/2007/01/21st-century-school.html)
>>
>> teachers:
>> Has there been resistance? Teachers and the community in general has
>> different attitudes to technology in general. Some see it as a potentially
>> liberating force (I'm in that category), others as potential dangerous
>> (dehumanising, anti social or time wasting), others see computers as just
>> useful but limited tools). I would expect some resistance or reluctance at
>> least but I suppose my real question is the perceived balance b/w those 3
>> broad groups and how that evolves as the project evolves and runs into a
>> variety problems which may or may not be solved.
>>
>>
>> cheers
>>
>> On Tue, Mar 24, 2009 at 8:24 AM, Baird, Anne P <
>> baird.anne.p at edumail.vic.gov.au> wrote:
>>
>>
>>
>> Hi Bill
>>
>> I am managing the netbook Trial in our region, Loddon Mallee, Victoria.
>> (also Rob Costello's region) We have rolled out 4,400 netbooks to date which
>> gives every Grade 6 student and 40% of Grade 5 students access to a netbook.
>> All the Grade 6 students are leasing the netbooks from the schools and DEECD
>> for $52 per year and will take them from school to home each day therefore
>> having 24/7 access. The netbooks are Lenovo S9s and come with an image that
>> includes Vista as the OS, the MS suite of tools, Kahootz and a wide range of
>> open source educational software. At the end of 3 years, parents/ students
>> will have the option to buy the netbook with their final lease payment of
>> $52. A total of $156.
>>
>> DEECD and the regions are providing a range of professional development
>> opportunities for teachers in the trial. We are using a range of research
>> strategies to assess and document the trial. There are three other regions
>> who are participating in the trial as well. With the other two country
>> regions trialling with Grade 5 students. Our netbooks will go with the
>> students to secondary college next year so we have the added challenge of
>> supporting the Secondary teachers as well.
>>
>> I hope this helps and let me know if there is anything else you would like
>> to know.
>>
>>
>> Anne Baird
>> 1-to-1 Netbook Project Manager
>> Loddon Mallee Region
>>
>>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: yr7-10it-bounces at edulists.com.au on behalf of Costello, Rob R
>> Sent: Mon 3/23/2009 10:23 PM
>> To: Year 7 - 10 Information Technology Teachers' Mailing List
>>
>> Subject: RE: [Yr7-10it] netbooks being distributed to every year 5 and 6
>> studentin northern victoria primary schools
>>
>> HI Bill
>>
>> its been on the cards for ages and seems finally official
>>
>>
>> http://www.eduweb.vic.gov.au/edulibrary/public/ict/netbooks/netbook-parent-brochure.pdf
>>
>> i've seen the models (or at least the same model and software image that
>> one of the schools here had prepurchased) - Lenovo - i don't know the exact
>> brand - 1.6 Ghz chip i think
>> running vista and seemed suprisingly responsive
>>
>> afraid i'd choose them, and the software image, over the XO / OLPC sugar
>> environment that might have indirectly influenced the design of the netbook
>> market
>>
>> cheers
>>
>> rob
>>
>> _____
>>
>> From: yr7-10it-bounces at edulists.com.au on behalf of Bill Kerr
>> Sent: Mon 3/23/2009 12:04 AM
>> To: Year 7 - 10 Information Technology Teachers' Mailing List
>> Subject: [Yr7-10it] netbooks being distributed to every year 5 and 6
>> studentin northern victoria primary schools
>>
>>
>> netbooks being distributed to every year 5 and 6 student in northern
>> victoria primary schools
>>
>> press release
>>
>> http://candybroadcountry.blogspot.com/2009/02/hi-tech-mini-netbooks-to-boost-learning.html
>>
>> brochure to parents (pdf)
>>
>> http://www.eduweb.vic.gov.au/edulibrary/public/ict/netbooks/netbook-parent-brochure.pdf
>>
>> Anyone have more information about this? I'm preparing a talk about the
>> potential of netbooks for my school staff and for the CEGSA conference in
>> July (I'll post my notes somewhere in due course, still at the research
>> stage)
>>
>> --
>> Bill Kerr
>> http://billkerr2.blogspot.com/
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>> Year 7 - 10 IT Mailing List kindly supported by
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>> http://www.edulists.com.au - FAQ, resources, subscribe, unsubscribe
>> Year 7 - 10 IT Mailing List kindly supported by
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>
>
>
--
Bill Kerr
http://billkerr2.blogspot.com/
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