In This Issue: • Exploring Educational Technology • Debating About One-to-One Learning • Spotlight on ISC Services: “Virtual” Development Office “The Survey Says…” Results of September survey: “Is Your School Tech-savvy?” In our last issue of Insights, we asked for your thoughts on technological sustainability and you told us how your school measures up. The responses indicated that although most educators believe that technological advancement is extremely important, the technology options at their schools do not reflect the care and attention they deserve. Here are your responses: 1. The computers supported by my school are in need of updates or replacements. a. Not at all…………………19% b. A little updating wouldn’t hurt…………….56% c. Yes, definitely!..............25% d. I am not sure……………..0% e. Students do not use school computers………..0% 2. The students at my school are given hands-on experience with computers and/or technology in the academic curriculum. a. Every day……………….56% b. 2-3 days a week……….19% c. Once a week……………19% d. Once every 2 weeks…….6% e. Once a month……………0% f. I am not sure…………….0% 3. My school should invest more resources into starting/ developing Computer science/ Technology programs and less into other academic curricula. a. Yes………………………31% b. No………………………..69% 4. In my opinion, technological advancement is... a. Extremely unimportant…0% b. Unimportant………………0% c. Neutral in importance…..0% d. Important………………..31% e. Extremely important……69% Student Assessment Survey How do you know if your students are learning? How do you use information about your students’ progress to your benefit regarding curriculum development, enrollment management, or communication with the public? Participate in this anonymous one-minute survey about assessment and view all results in the next issue of ISC Insights. Go to Zoomerang Survey If you have any questions or comments about this newsletter, or no longer wish to receive ISC Insights, please send us an email by clicking here. For more information on Independent School Counsel (ISC), please visit us online at http://www.isc-erh.com/.	Focus on Technological Sustainability Is your school keeping up with the times? As educators seek to reshape their traditional approaches to teaching and learning, technological advances in the classroom are occurring at faster intervals than ever before. We at Independent School Counsel believe that technological sustainability is a key area of focus for independent schools and want to help you find new pathways in instruction by providing you with the following resources. Although the benefits to educational technology seem encouraging enough for your school to take the next step, be cautious about its limitations. The 21^st century marks a time of fast-paced change and opportunity—are you taking advantage of it? Exploring Educational Technology Educational technology, especially computers and computer-related peripherals, has permeated all areas of our lives, including our academics. The following article addresses how we can effectively use technology in instruction and provides some cautionary measures in approaching technological methods. Link to article Source: Valdez, G. Technology: A Catalyst for Teaching and Learning in the Classroom. When demand for faster internet access, more software and better tech equipment outpaces the ability of most schools to respond, it’s difficult to make careful, deliberate decisions about investing in technology. This NAIS article addresses concerns common to independent schools and tackles the question of how best to employ the latest technology specific to your school. Link to article Source: Bassett, P. (2004). Independent Perspective: When Technology Works for Schools. From Technology and the Culture of Learning, Summer 2004. This buyer’s guide features notebooks and handhelds from ten major manufacturers who develop products for educators and students. Check out this compiled list of systems and base your decision on whether a certain type caters to your school’s specific needs more than others do. Link to article (PDF) Source: Wood, C. (2004). Untethered Technology. From Scholastic Administr@tor, April/May 2004. Debating About One-to-One Learning Recent events have brought the debate over school laptop programs back into national focus. Students constantly misuse technology and rising high costs of technology maintenance are straining our educators. These developments are proof that the long-running discussion about the sustainability and effectiveness of one-to-one learning projects is far from over. Link to article Source: Appel, J. (2006). Educators, Parents, Split on Effectiveness of One-to-One Learning. From eSchool News. The vision for the digital school — one computer for every student and teacher — is an ambitious one. To get started on the road to One-to-One learning, consider the Apple Mobile Learning Lab, one effective way to increase student access to the latest technology. Check out some innovative aspects of educational technology so your school can restore valuable space by converting computer labs back into classrooms. Link to article Source: Apple Computer, Inc. (2006). Powerful Digital Learning in Any Classroom. For some schools, technology is necessary to their curricula. Read about how one independent high school in San Francisco, the Urban School, has embraced the integration of technology with One-to-One learning. Link to article Source: Apple Computer, Inc. (2006). Profiles in Success: The Urban School of San Francisco—Independent Thinking. To remain informed about the impact of technology in our academic communities, educators should take note of two contemporary authors with powerful messages: Donald Tapscott and Jane Healy. They introduce the needs of a new generation, the Net-Generation, and delve into both pros and cons of using technology at school. Link to article Source: Kashmanian, K. (2000). The Impact of Computers on Schools: Two Authors, Two Perspectives. Spotlight on ISC Services: “Virtual” Development Office The convenience of "the web" is now influencing the Development Office. Whether it be the consideration or the use of "on-line giving", the surveying of alumni, or gathering helpful information about a school's constituency, more and more can now be done through the "Virtual” Development Office. For some this may provide an opportunity to expand the role and outreach of the Development office, without increasing the Development staff. How is your school responding to these new possibilities? Does the virtual office make sense for your school? ISC can help you explore these questions and their ramifications. For more detailed information on our “Virtual” Development Office, please contact Julie Robinson at 678.259.8473 or jcrobinson@isc-erh.com. Insights Reader Survey Last month’s Insights survey results: Financial Sustainability Many thanks to those who participated in our mini survey!
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