[DM-MUG] Meeting Notes

[Bailey Ford]

Hey all,

I'd like to thank Jodie for an excellent presentation. I took a few 
notes during the show, but I couldn't keep up with all the details. She 
said she'd be happy to share her presentation and more information with 
anyone who is interested. Anyway... here are the notes I jotted down:

Jodie Butler, Education Technology Consultant, jbutler@apple.com. Jodie 
has the excellent job of lobbying Apple to education and government 
agencies. She is talking with us today to drum up support for 1-1 
initiatives in Iowa and to ask for volunteers to help her spread the 
good word.

Study shows advantages of extended exposure to technology for students. 
Improved grades and percentage of students going to college.

Project in Maine to provide every 7th and 8th grader a computer. Jody 
draws comparisons to Maine - good education scores and college 
penetration, a few main industries, relatively similar sized school 
populations. Locally, there have been two laptop initiatives at the 
middle school level. Lots of school districts ready to go, and are 
looking for funding.

State of Maine 1-1 program videos showing the advantages of this kind 
of program. Students who are engaged by school has been on the decline 
for years according to a survey of highschool seniors. Current 
educational model is from the 19th century. The difference in how the 
students learned and interacted with eachother was shown in a video. 
Students clustered around tables and showed a marked improvement in 
self directed learning. Businesses are needing employees with exactly 
these new skills. The immediate access for all students is stressed as 
necessary - computer labs. 1-1 Learning: a new model for 21st Century 
classrooms. Laptop for every student and teacher with wireless 
connection backed up by digital content to provide 24/7 learning.

First quarter results. Absences, Tardies, and Disciplines all decreased 
significantly. Over 3 years performance for Social Studies, Math, 
Science, and English all increased. Social Studies increased 22.9% 
percentile points. 36% increase in the number of students taking SAT 
and those scores are at an all-time high.

Many 1-1 initiatives are starting all over the country. The wave is 
coming and Iowa is on the list of states who have proposed legilation.