David Warlick on CU

Transcript: David Warlick: Are we ready to get started? David Warlick: Good afternoon...from "Way outside the box" David Warlick: Just a reminder that we will not be using audio in this telecast...my southern accent is so thick that you couldn't understand me anyway. David Warlick: My name is David Warlick. I am an instructional technology consultant, and I concentrate on educational applications of the Internet and related technologies. David Warlick: I need to say up front that the opinions expressed in this town meeting are not those of the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction or anyone else of AUTHORITY. David Warlick: I would like for each of the to introduce yourselves by answering the following question. You can also tell us who you are and where you work: David Warlick: Don't start yet! David Warlick: If, 15 years ago, 1983, someone would have told you that within 15 years you would have computers that could display and process text, color graphics, hi- fidelity sound, and video... David Warlick: ...and would enable you and your students to talk to other people from around the world and access global, multimedia, digital libraries... David Warlick: ...what would have been your reaction? David Warlick: Now you can talk...I will wait a few minutes before continuing.
	Sampson Co. School: We are Dale Weeks and Carol Cossette from Sampson County Schools. It is truly amazing where we are today with technology. Janet McLendon: I am Janet McLendon from Carteret County. ENCSD: This is Betty Joyner from ENCSD. I would have believed it. I believe that anything is possible with the technology available to us today. Sampson Co. School: I was just enthralled when I first saw a fax machine. I was observing a math competition at Duke. Student papers were being faxed to another site in Canada for scoring. I'm still amazed that printed materials can be transmitted over phone lines and then reformatted into print.
David Warlick: For myself, I would not have believed it. David Warlick: When I was in the 6th grade, my civics teacher, Ms Cope, predicted that by the year 2000... David Warlick: Each of use would have our own personal computer that would fit in our shirt pocket! David Warlick: She said that it would be able to add, subtract, multiply and divide! David Warlick: Of course she was talking about calculators and they were available before I graduated from high school....but we still didn't believe her. David Warlick: She also said that by the year 2000, gasoline would cost as much as 60 cents a gallon, and that was even more incredulous. David Warlick: It actually makes me shudder to think of what might be available ten years from now. David Warlick: It will be technologies that we haven't even imagined yet! David Warlick: I want to ask a question. David Warlick: How are you teachers using computers right now? David Warlick: Each of you give me two answers! David Warlick: I'll be quiet for a few minutes!
	Sampson Co. School: Word processing is the most frequently used application by both teachers and students. A second use is grading programs. Some multimedia is being used. Karen Creech: I use computers to have students develop multimedia projects using Hyperstudio. My students also take test on books they have read on Accelerated Reader ENCSD: We basically use them for word processing. It's still difficult to get teachers to do more with the students than that. Of course, they like the idea of e-mail. The computers are used a great deal for e-mail. Janet McLendon: Word processing, database, spreadsheets, multimedia presentation (Hyperstudio), Internet research...... Karen Creech: I think that we could do even a better job if teachers had the kind of staff development that showed them how to integrate it into the curriculum that they are already using. Sampson Co. School: We are currently providing more staff development on how to use technology in the classroom and I think that will help the teachers to be able to integrate the two together.
David Warlick: I asked this question a few weeks ago on an Internet mailing list. I have a web page with the results. You can see it at: http://www.landmark-project.com/computeruse.html David Warlick: What I find in reviewing these answers, with some very interesting exceptions... David Warlick: is that we are doing a very good job, using computers to help us in the classroom. David Warlick: Increasingly, students are using word processors in the place of pencils... David Warlick: They're using multimedia in the same way that I used textbooks. Janet McLendon: I agree, our students present their poetry in English/Language arts. They present their research on their countries also. David Warlick: Many students use sophisticated drill and practice program in the same way that I used flash cards. David Warlick: More and more students are using the Internet in place of encyclopedias and other reference books. David Warlick: I call this phase 1 of integrating technology into the classroom. David Warlick: What we need to start doing is to realize things that technology can help us do, that we could never do before. David Warlick: Tell me something brand new that technology helps you do...that you could never do before.
	Karen Creech: What is so exciting is to see students who have access to the web at home bringing in info to share with the class Janet McLendon: We are starting an integrated science lesson that involves 6th 7th and 8th grade students. They will have to access the Internet to collect data around the world. ENCSD: Communicate with a variety of people at the same time. Sampson Co. School: Have this Town Meeting.
David Warlick: Let me change the question a bit. If money were not an issue...what technology would you have in your classroom(s) and how would you use it? Janet McLendon: Presently our students are gathering information from the CIA site to update their Asian Region database. Sampson Co. School: To have videoconferencing in all classrooms. Students around the world being able to share ideas and see each other while working on a joint project. Teachers would be able to talk to each other as well. David Warlick: Janet, when your students have finished their database, how will they use it? Janet McLendon: Do you want a list of items? To compare their countries to the US and discuss why each country has the problems they have after looking at the data. Hopefully, students can begin to think.... David Warlick: Excellent, Janet....they are USING the Information.
	South Smithfield: My second graders this morning wanted individual laptops to work on in class and take home. David Warlick: I visited three schools in Beaufort, South Carolina last year, where students had personal laptops! David Warlick: Each student with a laptop in the classroom, that they could also take home, completely changed the dynamics of those classrooms. Karen Creech: Wouldn't it be great if students had personal laptops and could have access to files with info they needed on the school server, then access to the web to gather info, or access to software at school from home.
Sampson Co. School: While we are waiting to see more responses or have another question, one major issue surfacing is the inequity in home environment. The assignments my son is able to turn in using our home computer and Internet is totally incomparable to the child that has to handwrite assignments on notebook paper. David Warlick: Let's address, quickly, Carol's question about inequities. David Warlick: Personally, I think that the problem will solve itself! Janet McLendon: How? David Warlick: Web TV is becoming so COOL! and affordable, that I would see a vast majority of homes having at least that level of access in the foreseeable future. David Warlick: Any comments? Sampson Co. School: What kind of cost is associated with that technology? David Warlick: I'm not sure...it's less than $200 dollars, plus Internet, which can be had for $10 to $20 a month. I believe that coupling Web and TV will produce absolutely compelling applications that will draw us all in! Karen Creech: Also the cost of computers now is becoming so reasonable. Janet McLendon: I saw Bill's presentation on TV this weekend. My impression is....there was a better opportunity for the advertisers and for Joe Public. David Warlick: Bill Who? Janet McLendon: Mr. Gates David Warlick: Oh! Karen Creech: Right now there is a product put out by Tiger Toys that is under $100 that will allow students have email at home using a modem That is less than what they are paying for some of the tennis shoes they are wearing David Warlick: Again, I think that the technology will become so compelling, and the advertising potential will be so great, that we'll all have it. Joe Poletti: Also, it seems NC is taking an aggressive stance on funneling technology dollars to classrooms. Counties have to pick up some of the burden to. A lot of grant money now is being allocated for counties in need. It's just a matter of pursuit.
Joe Poletti: Okay, so we all have it. Is that the end of the problem? David Warlick: There is certainly a lot of effort being applied to get technology in the hands of our students.....but that's the easy part! David Warlick: The hard part is what we do with it? David Warlick: Technology and the Internet are so much more than fancy flashcards and smart encyclopedias! David Warlick: What we have to do is to find those first time ever applications, so that we can do brand new things in the classroom. Joe Poletti: And out of the classroom Donald Willis: If all they are fast typewriters and word processors, we have missed the boat entirely!! Janet McLendon: The middle school computer test is helping us go deeper.
	David Warlick: Do you want some tips? Sampson Co. School: yes,yes,yes David Warlick: OK this will take me a minute! ;-) David Warlick: There are three areas...or unique characteristics of how we use technology! David Warlick: They are applications that I think can be leveraged to facilitate better and deeper learning. David Warlick: They are... David Warlick: Richer information resources! David Warlick: Collaboration! David Warlick: and Self Expression! David Warlick: Do you want to hear more? Janet McLendon: sure
David Warlick: The great benefit of Internet-based information is the fact that it is digital! David Warlick: Janet mentioned the computer test and how students are learning to use word processors, spreadsheets and databases. David Warlick: The Internet provides a wealth of real, current, and rich data... David Warlick: That can be imported into these information-processing tools... David Warlick: so that students are learning to use WP, SS, and DB within the context of real applications. Karen Creech: That is closer to authentic assessment which gives real meaning Sampson Co. School: It also provides an opportunity to discuss reliability of information and sources. Janet McLendon: Richer information means teaching students and teachers how to sift through the junk. David Warlick: Yes, we all need to learn to sift through the information....get used to it! David Warlick: But what our students will be doing for a living is producing, growing, and cultivating information. We will learn to love all the information, choices, and opportunities.
David Warlick: Anyway, the task will be...and what students should be spending their time doing...is using the information. David Warlick: Today, and for many reasons, information in schools is the final product. David Warlick: It should be a raw material, with which students are building their own unique and valuable information products. David Warlick: I am involved in a project called ThinkQuest! David Warlick: Middle school and high school students form teams and build web pages... David Warlick: that must be designed to help other students learn something! David Warlick: Students are the teachers on the Internet. David Warlick: The projects that they have produced so far are being accessed... David Warlick: 1.3 million times each day by teachers and students around the world. David Warlick: They are producing information products that have value! Karen Creech: I think that is very powerful giving students an audience that they will feel compelled to.
David Warlick: Do you want to hear about collaboration? Karen Creech: yes David Warlick: That's number 3, Karen...hold on! David Warlick: Collaboration....if you use the Internet, you collaborate! David Warlick: Most of the workshops that I perform for schools are planned via the Internet! David Warlick: When I arrive in Cumberland county tomorrow morning, I will have a stack of e-mails that Judy Bab and I have exchanged in planning the workshop... David Warlick: I'd be in trouble if I had to rely on my notes from phone conversations! David Warlick: Teachers across the state are sharing teaching strategies, concerns, ideas, and experience through LEARN NC....and through Teachers Connect. David Warlick: Teachers are rapidly finding a community within which they can work better! Janet McLendon: and conferences South Smithfield: That is right. We are also trying to get all staff trained on using the Internet in the classroom setting. David Warlick: DPI is now working on a project to put education conferences on the web. David Warlick: So that people who can't attend can still get handouts and discuss related issues through online forums! David Warlick: We are extending conferences through time and space! David Warlick: We know that students learn better when they work together! David Warlick: They are able to do work that is bigger than they are, specializing and supporting each other! David Warlick: Students are working together now from different states, countries and continents. David Warlick: Yesterday was the Cyberfair awards ceremony. David Warlick: Classes around the world built web pages that taught the rest of the world about their communities! David Warlick: They had to involve their community in some way. David Warlick: There are wonderful stories about churches, municipal governments, and civic organizations coming to the schools to help the students.... David Warlick: and students going out into the community to collect information. David Warlick: It is a far piece from the rows of desks that I learned in.
David Warlick: If you think about it...the typical industrial age job is characterized by working in straight rows, in closed environments, under close supervision....the factory! David Warlick: The problem is that we still have too many industrial age classrooms....and there are so many constraints that tend to keep it that way! David Warlick: What are your thoughts? My hands are getting tired! Joe Poletti: There are those who wish not to leave the security of the factory. Karen Creech: You are right, Joe; there seems to be a lot of security in a factory setting, less planning, less creative thinking. Janet McLendon: Shouldn't we be teaching our students how to think? evaluate? and access information? Joe Poletti: It's an engaging debate. All too often the Factory Mentality believes that getting out on the edge means abandoning standards. Karen Creech: Teachers are compelled to teach the SCOS and it takes planning to utilize technology as a tool to help enhance learning... it doesn't come easy for everyone Janet McLendon: But Karen your way can work. Tell her Joe. Joe Poletti: She knows. Karen Creech: I know that it can work and I model it in my classroom, but everyone does not see the connection Janet McLendon: So how do we show them in masses? The staff development we have conducted this year addresses using real world applications. We use real world scenarios while making sure we keep teaching close to the SCOS. David Warlick: Ian Jukes says "we are teaching students to solve problems we don't know, with technology that hasn't been invented yet, in jobs that haven't yet been created" Quite a challenge! Joe Poletti: When we match standards (NCSOS) with technology -- yes it may be progress and discomfort along the continuum -- but it's win-win. South Smithfield: I think the hardest thing is integrating the curriculum into the SCOS for everybody and training is the key! Sampson Co. School: I think we are making progress with the help of the amount of $ that are becoming available to place technology in the schools. But we have to continue to provide exciting staff development that shows how the technology will help the teachers still meet what they consider to be inhibitors: SCS, testing, and ABCs.
	David Warlick: The third item is "self expression" David Warlick: Research assures us that students work harder on their learning and on their communication if what the produce will be read by real audiences! David Warlick: Typically, what students produce is published only to the teacher and only for a grade. David Warlick: Not very motivating to students....even less motivating than it was to me! David Warlick: However, if students know that their work will be published to the Internet community...they tend to take it more seriously! David Warlick: If what they publish involves deep learning, effective communication, AND value to the community.......... David Warlick: the masses will read it David Warlick: They'll be impressed! David Warlick: They'll want to know what different about these classrooms! David Warlick: They'll pat shoulders! David Warlick: They'll write more checks for schools! David Warlick: Pretty picture, huh! David Warlick: The Internet and technology, will break down walls between schools and the community!
Joe Poletti: Amen, brother. South Smithfield: Bravo, David! David Warlick: People will see the possibilities! Karen Creech: and once people see the possibilities...the creativity will flourish.
David Warlick: But! We have to start those new projects...understand the applications.....and above all! David Warlick: We as educators must use our imaginations! David Warlick: This summer is the time! Think, step outside of the box! David Warlick: One more thing! David Warlick: This is the formal announcement of a new project on the Internet David Warlick: A project just for teachers! David Warlick: It is called the New Century School House. David Warlick: The NCSH is a 1960's style school that has been David Warlick: completely gutted of all relics of industrial age style education! David Warlick: Most of the rooms are empty! David Warlick: I want each of you to come to the NCSH web page and adopt one of the rooms. David Warlick: Your task is to re-purpose the room to better prepare students for the 21st century. David Warlick: You do this by describing what teachers and students will do in the room! David Warlick: And list components that will be necessary in the room such as: David Warlick: furniture, hardware, software, infrastructure, staffing, wallpaper...that sort of thing! David Warlick: This, I hope, will become a resource for school planners...ideas that have not been diluted by committees and budget constraints. David Warlick: The web site is at: David Warlick: http://www.landmark-project.com/ncsh/ David Warlick: OK...that's it! David Warlick: Any comments! Karen Creech: You have given us a lot to think about David and we appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts. Joe Poletti: The New Century is a year and a half away. We better stay busy! David Warlick: Wow, I'm kinda hoarse! Karen Creech: The next Town Meeting is May 28th same time same place. She will be talking about portfolios. Hope to see you at the meeting.