Edina Digital Age Learning

February 22 at Valley View Middle School , I held the last orientation meeting for the "Go Wireless" Bring Your Own Technology Initiative for this school year. We currently have around 130 students, about 10% of the population bringing their own technology to school at Valley View. On March 1st, we will hold a similar student/parent orientation at South View Middle School . At each training session, I ask students about their hopes on how the laptop will enhance their learning. You can see their comments in the image on the right. While 130 devices in a school of 1300 may not seem like much, our Director of Media and Technology Services, Steve Buettner pointed out that it represents 4 computer labs coming to school each day! It's rewarding to see all of the students connect to the network right away and have access to the survey and other resources they now have access to in the classroom. Our district tech staff continues to improve the infrastructure to make t...

On Friday, February  18 th , Twin Cities Public Television aired a program  entitled, Digital Media: New Learners of the 21 st Century . From  the tpt Website: “Targeted at parents, teachers and  anyone concerned with education in America, this documentary takes viewers to the front lines of an education revolution. "Digital Media: New Learners of the 21st Century" examines how mobile devices and digital media practices can empower young people to direct their own learning. Documenting five success stories both inside and out of the classroom, the program demonstrates how digital media, games, smart phones and the Internet are fundamentally transforming the way young people communicate, collaborate, participate and learn in the 21st century.” Several staff and parents watched the program, and chatted about it   here . You may view the program in it's  entirety  below: Watch the full episode . See more Digital Media - New Learners Of Th...

Here is a note we sent out this week to parents, teachers and students. I'm looking forward to the conversation! Edina Parents, Teachers and Students , On Friday, February 18 th , Twin Cities Public Television will be airing a program entitled, Digital Media: New Learners of the 21 st Century at 8:30 p.m. (The program will also are on tpt 2.3 at 2 p.m. on Saturday, February 19) From the tpt Website : “Targeted at parents, teachers and anyone concerned with education in America, this documentary takes viewers to the front lines of an education revolution. "Digital Media: New Learners of the 21st Century" examines how mobile devices and digital media practices can empower young people to direct their own learning. Documenting five success stories both inside and out of the classroom, the program demonstrates how digital media, games, smart phones and the Internet are fundamentally transforming the way young people communicate, collaborate, participate ...

Families who are members of The Choice Is Yours program in Edina are provided with a laptop computer and Internet access. Mary Manderfeld, Assistant Director of Administrative Services who administers the program notes: One of the barriers the Choice is Yours (CIY) students and families may face in Edina Public Schools is access to computers and the Internet. Each year Edina High School and Middle Schools are increasing their use of technology within the classroom setting. Many classes are placing their entire syllabus with all homework assignments online. The academic registration process at Edina High School is completely online at this point. Families and students need to have Internet access in order to register in a timely fashion for classes the following year. By having a computer, families are also able to log in to theirs student’s academic information to see grades, missing assignments and other vital academic requirements. Families and students who do not have a c...