Road signs

Here we are.

Eleven years into the 21st century and it feels like we're traveling at the speed of light. Fiber-optic light, that is.

I'm always amused when I remember that my iPhone has more computing power than the Apollo 13 space capsule ever possessed. It's a massive responsibility and a compelling challenge to make sure we know what to do with all that power in the classroom.  

Yes, we have a rolling three-year technology plan. Yes, we upgrade our tech infrastructure every year. Yes, you have been generous to fund our technology advance in striking ways. (We're grateful!) Yes, we are amping up our teacher training in technology for the classroom. Yes, our students are ready for more.

As we accelerate (up) the winding road, our eyes are scanning the roadside for road signs. Curve ahead. Slow down - School zone. Bump. Merge ahead. Railroad crossing.

Here are two road signs we've encountered in the last mile or so. From the New York TImes series, "Grading the Digital School" -  page one, top center, Sunday edition. 

1. Are school systems finding evidence of increased achievement scores from the infusion of technology in the classroom? Chandler, Arizona posted a helpful road sign.

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/09/technology/a-classroom-software-boom-but-mixed-results-despite-the-hype.html?pagewanted=all

2. Does marketing hype play any role in the push for schools to quickly adopt emerging technologies in the classroom? NYT signals an alert:

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/09/04/technology/technology-in-schools-faces-questions-on-value.html?_r=3&ref=todayspaper

Mindful of the signs, we'll press on with due caution to learn more and train more for the digital future that lies ahead. As a matter fact, Mr. Neff, Mrs. Chami and our IT Director, Mr. Robertson, will join me at a professional conference in Chicago next week. We'll meet with 60 other leading Christian schools and listen to other pioneers share in real-time how to maximize year-to-year learning gains. The sponsoring group for the conference is the Council for Educational Standards and Accountability. http://cesaschools.org/events Though we'll be focusing on learning assessment, with so many leaders in one place, we're sure to talk about the role of technology in our schools.

Eyes on the road, everybody. We've come along way but we have miles to go before we rest.  

Gary B. Arnold