YOU are OUR FUTURE, TODAY!

Classrooms for the Future

Colonial School District is among the first districts to receive a "Classrooms for the Future" grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Education.

By News Staff

In September 2006, Pennsylvania Gov. Edward G. Rendell announced "Classrooms for the Future," an initiative to transform the high school learning experience. The program will put a laptop computer on every high school English, math, science and social studies desk and provide teachers with a multimedia workstation and intensive training to enhance education. The governor's 2006-07 budget provided $20 million for the first year of the initiative, with plans to expand the program statewide.

An additional $6 million in state and federal resources will be used to train teachers and administrators on how to best harness the power of technology to enhance classroom discussions, lessons and projects.

In addition to the laptops, each classroom will be equipped with an interactive whiteboard and projector, Web cams and other video cameras. Teachers and students will also have access to imaging software.

According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education's Web site, Classrooms for the Future "is designed to ensure there is a laptop on every high school classroom desk in English, Math, Science and Social Studies in all public high schools and career and technical centers in Pennsylvania ... High school students are poised to enter the global marketplace or to continue their education beyond preK-12 and it is our obligation to prepare them within a short window of opportunity." Seventy-nine school districts were selected to participate in the first year of the program.

The Colonial School District is among the first districts to receive a Classrooms for the Future grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Education. The $202,539 grant is among the largest issued to a single school and will be used to purchase 192 wireless student laptops for classroom use the Plymouth Whitemarsh High School (PWHS) Social Studies Department, as well as provide staff development and training.

The entire PWHS campus was equipped with wireless capability as part of an extensive upgrade of technology resources. Interactive whiteboards and high-powered digital overhead presenters connected directly to a video/data projector for real-time viewing were installed in 52 classrooms in time for the start of the school year. There are presently 90 of these classrooms engaging students in the Colonial School District this fall. An additional 32 classrooms are scheduled to be online for the 2007-08 school year thanks to the ongoing support of the community and the school board of directors.

"This grant confirms that the Colonial School District has been on the cutting edge of technology and the use of technology to deliver curriculum for the past three years," said Superintendent Dr. Vincent F. Cotter. "From extensive use of data analysis to interactive classrooms, Colonial has been a leader in utilizing technology to educate our students. This grant gives us the impetus to accelerate our technology implementation schedule."

As part of its Classrooms of the Future Grant, Colonial uses a server-based digital video delivery system, a pre-screened academic content search engine, Internet2 and conferencing solutions. In spring 2006, middle school students learned about Australia's Great Barrier Reef through a video conference with instructors from down under.

The district Web site is an integral portal for students, teachers, parents, community members and school board members to stay informed on major developments taking place in the district. The K-12 social studies curriculum is online and available to all stakeholders. Resources aligned with the curriculum are also available via the Web site. Teachers have created best practice lessons that can be implemented and shared using all of the technologies available; this model is currently being applied to other content areas such as language arts, science and math. The district continues to expand the framework, moving to a portal solution to provide all the instructional tools necessary for the 21st century classroom.

Laptop equipment from the Classrooms for the Future grant is expected to be released to the district first as one of selected pilot schools ready for implementation into the classroom instructional program. The 192 wireless laptops are just the first phase in the Classrooms for the Future grant from PDE. Approximately 720 additional laptops will be brought online in the next two years, pending finding approval by the Pennsylvania Legislature. Those laptops will support the language arts, math and science curriculum.

Classrooms for the Future is a $250 million, three-year comprehensive high school reform project that leverages all of Pennsylvania's education efforts. The program recognizes and embraces the need for high school reform, enables teachers to use technology as an effective tool for educating students and prepares students to enter and successfully compete in the ever-expanding high-tech global marketplace.

AIM Students: Two Ingredients NECESSARY for YOUR Recipe for SUCCESS!

AIM Authors, AIM Authors, AIM Authors!

TV and ads let viewers create the content

March 6, 2007

BY JAKE COYLE

ASSOCIATED PRESS

Ever conscious of a good trend, TV networks and advertisers are adopting the YouTube model of viewer-created content.

VH1, currently airing the third season of "Web Junk 20," will next month premiere the Jack Black-hosted "Acceptable TV," which attempts to fuse TV with the Web. In February, Nickelodeon debuted a two-hour programming block called "ME:TV," featuring contributions from 10-year-olds. TLC last week began a six-part documentary series, "My Life as a Child," where children were given cameras to videotape their lives.

Also, high profile consumer-created ads for Doritos, Chevy and Dove ran during the Super Bowl and the Academy Awards.

But how well can TV play the Web's game? A large part of the appeal of video-sharing sites is that anyone can upload a video in a heartbeat, and that clips of Mentos exploding and men dancing are just a click away. Though now more interactive with on-demand features, television offers far less freedom for the viewer.

Instead, the appeal of amateur video on television is wrapped up in the idea that TV is still a superior medium to the Web -- it's the big leagues. You can drop your video into the online wilderness or -- as a game-show host might exclaim -- "You can be on TV!"

"As exciting as the Internet is, there's still something different and perhaps more glorious about your creation showing up on national television," says Tom Ascheim, executive vice president and general manager of Nickelodeon.

The channel's "ME:TV," which airs weekdays 5-7 p.m., includes videos submitted by kids (with parental permission) and a segment called "Web Wallers" where four participants are shown via Webcam. Cohost Jordan Carlos has called it "the ultimate mash-up of online and on-air."

Reality TV, of course, has been a huge beneficiary of the public's desire to be on TV -- as have older shows like "America's Funniest Home Videos" and "Candid Camera." But, now, contestants might shoot, edit and star in video that gets them on a program.

Current TV, now in about 40 million homes, predates the YouTube sensation with its viewer-created "pods," which make up a third of its programming. Joel Hyatt, who cocreated Current TV with Al Gore, says, Current wanted to level the playing field in television, rather than unveil itself as a Web site. But others wonder if TV should stick to what it knows best: professionally created content.

"Television is and has been in something of free-fall for quite a while -- just like the movies, just like the newspapers -- and they're doing everything they can to reverse it," says Martin Kaplan, professor at the University of Southern California's Annenberg School of Communication.

Copyright © 2007 Detroit Free Press Inc.

AIM for the Wireless Connections to Our Communities

Nationwide Digital Divide Program Launches First Pilot In Chicago

Mar 02, 2007 News Release

EarthLink announced yesterday the launch of the EarthLink Digital Future Program, which is designed specifically to promote digital inclusion among citizens in municipalities across the country. In conjunction with the program's formal launching, the company also announced its first pilot at the Featherfist Homeless Shelter in Chicago, where a computer lab with Wi-Fi service has been established -- the first of 17 to be established at homeless shelters throughout the city.

Digital inclusion is a key tenet in the booming growth of the municipal Wi-Fi marketplace. Cities, non-profits and companies are coming together to build wireless networks for citywide Internet service and to help people who have not had access to broadband -- either due to availability or affordability -- get access to the hardware, software, training, support and service necessary to take advantage of high-speed Internet access.

"To EarthLink its clear and its simple -- benefiting from what broadband offers shouldn't be based on the zip code you live in or your ability to pay for a myriad of overpriced services from one or two providers -- that's why EarthLink has launched our Digital Future Program to help individuals and families cross the digital divide," said Donald Berryman, president of EarthLink's municipal networks unit. "We believe this program can make a difference because pervasive, citywide municipal wireless networks offer a tremendous opportunity for companies and non-profits to come together with cities to help reduce the gap between those who currently benefit from technology and those who do not."

EarthLink Digital Future Program's T.E.A.C.H. Approach

The Digital Future Program's T.E.A.C.H. methodology enables partners to create and execute programs that are replicable and relevant for all metropolitan communities across the country, yet it is flexible enough to be customized to meet local needs and requirements.

The five areas of T.E.A.C.H. are:

* Training: EarthLink will help individuals and organizations develop the proper skills to fully utilize the company's Wi-Fi networks to maximize a user's Internet experience. It helps local groups develop and distribute local and online training guides and seminars, and also seeks to identify other like-minded groups to become involved;

* Education: Understanding technology is paramount to a child's education today. That's why reaching school-aged children at various grade levels is a high priority for the Program and its potential partners. Students are one of the heaviest user segments of the Internet and have the most to gain from the integration of Wi-Fi into their lives. EarthLink's commitment to education includes providing discounted access as well as programs for educators;

* Access: EarthLink's most valuable contribution to the program is also what we do best - delivering reliable, award-winning Internet access. The company will help cities provide affordable access, as well as, free service in designated public areas;

* Content: EarthLink is developing a portal to serve as a landing page that includes trusted and valuable content sources and links for new users;

* Hardware: EarthLink will work with partners to identify resources that can help secure discounted computer hardware for financially disadvantaged residents. Additionally, EarthLink will work with these and other partners to help fund the cost of purchasing Wi-Fi modems for those that cannot do so on their own.


The Program Kicks Off With Chicago Pilot

The first T.E.A.C.H. pilot was unwired yesterday at Chicago's Featherfist homeless children's center, the first of 17 such centers that the ISP, Blackwell Consulting Services (http://www.bcsinc.com) and Computers For Schools (http://www.pcsforschools.org/) will provide hardware for and then 'Wi-Fi enable' over the next two months throughout greater metropolitan Chicago. Further, the Chicago Public Schools will provide on-site training at all centers through their Homeless Education Department.

Executives from EarthLink, Blackwell Consulting Services and Computers For Schools led Chief Executive Officer for Chicago Public Schools Arne Duncan, 7th Ward Alderman Darcel Beavers, 39th Ward Alderman Margaret Laurino and 14th Ward Alderman Edward Burke through a walk through of the new computer center.

"Digital inclusion is key to helping our students graduate from high school prepared to receive a college education, accept a good job, and compete in the global economy," said Arne Duncan, chief executive officer, Chicago Public Schools.

"Digital inclusion is paramount to the growth of our communities. As a technology service provider, Blackwell Consulting Services enables a diverse set of customers to achieve business results through the use of technology," said Pamela Blackwell, president and chief operating officer, Blackwell Consulting Services. "With this initiative, we are now able to partner with EarthLink to expand our reach to those who need to capitalize on the use of technology the most, our citizens."

"The Computer for Homes Program at PC Rebuilders and Recyclers is proud to support this effort with the hardware and equipment to help eliminate the digital divide," said Willie Cade, chief executive officer of PC Rebuilders and Recyclers. "All students, regardless of their circumstances, need to have access to computers and broadband services. This program truly enables these children to experience everything the Internet has to offer."

Community Involvement Key To EarthLink Municipal Networks
EarthLink has had success working with cities and supporting local programs that empower digital inclusion in markets where the company is already building out networks. Two such examples include Philadelphia, PA and Anaheim, CA where EarthLink is working closely with both 'Wireless Philadelphia' and the Anaheim Mayor's TechScholar Program.

"The main goal of the Wireless Philadelphia initiative is 'digital inclusion.' Beyond the many commercial and retail benefits the new network will bring to our City and its residents, it is EarthLink's extraordinary commitment to digital inclusion that is enabling us to build toward our vision of 'The Entire City Connected'," said Greg Goldman, chief executive officer, Wireless Philadelphia. "EarthLink is our trusted partner, a company that cares about people as much as profits, and a resource that is enhancing employment, education and life opportunities through technology for thousands of families in Philadelphia."

"The Mayor's Tech Scholar program is Anaheim's way of making sure that the next generation of residents are ready to meet the challenges of the technologically advanced world where they will be competing," said Anaheim mayor Curt Pringle. "As the City's municipal Wi-Fi partner, innovator and implementer, EarthLink understands how important the success of those high-school students are to Anaheim, and to me personally, and has been an active participant in the program."

RElEVANCE 201......Who's on THIS BUS?

Lessons From 'Math Dude' Add Cool to the Equation

Podcasts, TV Show Aimed at Teens

By Nancy Trejos
Washington Post Staff Writer
Sunday, March 4, 2007; SM08

Mike DeGraba is not your typical math teacher. To teach probability, he dresses up as a magician. For a lesson on multiplying polynomials, he becomes Groucho Marx. To divide monomials, he pretends to be a vampire.

What can you expect from a man who wears rock T-shirts to work and keeps his gray hair long and bushy?

His unorthodox teaching methods were just what Montgomery County school system administrators were looking for when casting the lead for their new math cable show and first-ever podcast. They call him the "Math Dude," and they're hoping his antics will get a 21st-century teenager interested in algebra.

"He's going to be a rock star," said Erick Lang, acting associate superintendent for curriculum and instruction of Montgomery County public schools.

Starting with the Class of 2009, all Maryland students will have to pass High School Assessment exams in algebra and data analysis, English, government and biology. School systems across the state are coming up with new ways to prepare students for the high-stakes tests. A chalkboard and textbook will no longer do with today's technologically advanced teenager, school officials said.

"We're looking at ways to make learning more interactive," said Jody Silvio, assistant to the associate superintendent for curriculum.

To film one five- to seven-minute episode, DeGraba delivers his lines in front of a green screen in a studio at the school district's headquarters in Rockville. Later, colorful computer-generated graphics are placed on top of the green screen. Sometimes, different backgrounds are added. In one episode about calculating the mean, for example, DeGraba looks as if he were standing in a bowling alley even though he never left the studio.

"It puts that cool factor to it," Silvio said. "It's that aspect that makes it attractive to 'tweeners.' "

"This is the medium for kids," said Aggie Alvez, the school system's director of communications. "The kids love the graphics. They love the irreverence of Mike. For some kids who don't get it, it's about the way it's presented."

Students -- including those in other counties and school districts -- can download the weekly shows from the school system's Web site http://www.mcpsmathdude.org. The episodes can also be seen on iTunes. In Montgomery, they air on the school system's cable channel three times a week.

"It's algebra on demand," Alvez said. "You can watch it 24-7. You can watch it once. You can watch it 100 times."

School officials are tracking how often students are tuning in. The show on calculating the mean has been downloaded 348 times, said Chris Cram, operations manager for Montgomery County Public Schools Instructional TV. Each episode covers a topic around the same time it is being taught in the classroom.

DeGraba, who taught math in the school system for 31 years before retiring in June, is not new to TV. For 14 years, he hosted "Homework Hotline Live," another cable show produced by the school system.

He has become something of a local celebrity. In addition to appearing on TV, he occasionally plays his bass guitar at local bars. He has been recognized at restaurants and grocery stores. Once, a parent approached him at FedEx Field in Prince George's County.

"People would say, 'You're that Math Guy on TV,' " DeGraba said.

When school officials asked him to host the podcast, he wanted to call himself the Math Guy. But the Math Guy title was already taken by someone on National Public Radio. So he settled for Math Dude.

Although the show is produced by a team that includes a producer and graphic artist, DeGraba writes all the episodes and chooses the costumes. When he's not in character, he wears one of his many T-shirts. Although it's a frumpy look, he puts a lot of thought into it. "I have it all mapped out so I'm not wearing the same one," he said.

DeGraba, 52, decided to become a math teacher because his own teachers left a strong impression on him. Although he is retired, he still occasionally works as a substitute teacher.

"I was good at math in high school," he said. "I had a couple of teachers who really made it alive with humor."

The Montgomery native tried to do the same during his years teaching in the county's schools.

Each October, he would host a Rocktober celebration and let students bring in posters of their favorite bands. "It had nothing to do with math," he said. "But I would turn around and get the lesson in."

When teaching the Pythagorean theorem, he made up a tale about Pythagoras running a deli in Athens.

"Kids remember that," he said.

Now he hopes they will remember his shows.

Each episode has gotten more technically sophisticated. On a recent day, he and his team shot the episode on multiplying polynomials. The scene would feature him as himself, talking to himself dressed as Groucho Marx.

"I said the other day, 'Can you put me and me on camera?' " he said.

It turns out they can.

First, they shot him as himself speaking his lines in front of the green screen. Separately, they would shoot him as Groucho. Later, the technical team would meld the two images on a computer to make one scene. "The green screen is a powerful thing," Cram said.