Great time to be a Detroit student

Published by in 1:1 on September 30th, 2005

If I was in high school, it would be a great day to live in Detroit. My compliments to the visionary leaders of the district who are not only embracing change, but working to actively move their school district in the direction of 21st century teaching and learning.

On this day..

2 Comments »
  • http://thinklab.typepad.com Christian Long

    A wonderful tension demonstrated when one looks at this situation in Detroit (a ‘small school’ concept, akin to much of what the Gates Foundation is supporting across the US) and the Cobb Country ‘tragedy’ in Georgia where the Superintendent left due to a major commitment/contract Apple…all in the same effort to rapily increase the 1:1 experience for students.

    Ultimately, the technology is only as good as the users willingness to innovate, experiment, and play…in an effort to engage a higher level of intellectual collaboration and real-world inquiry.

    Hopefully the project won’t just be an educational asterix, but will truly show impact over time!

  • http://www.wesfryer.com Wesley Fryer

    I agree with the last point, I hope the demonstrated results over time are positive.

    But I wouldn’t use the word “wonderful”– the students in Cobb County and parents probably wouldn’t use that word. What a loss for them. Yes, ‘tragedy’ is a good description I think. I have heard that the reason the Cobb County laptop initiative was derailed had less to do with the fact that Apple won the contract, and more to do with opposition in the community (at least among some leaders and those who were able to shape policy) to the idea that ALL students (regardless of ethnicity or socio-economic status) receive an equal opportunity to learn in the digital 21st century.

    If others have insights on this rumor I would be interested to hear them. As 1 to 1 pilot initiatives increase in number and go on for more years, it will be vital to continue studying them. That is the topic I am supposed to be working on this year for my dissertation! :-)

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