Middle school technology at a school has evolved over the past decade from traditional PC laptops to more durable tablet PCs and netbooks tailored for student use. Wireless access and bandwidth have improved, allowing for greater digital sharing and collaboration between classrooms. Training for students and parents has also expanded to promote safe, balanced, and responsible technology use. Upcoming laptops may integrate tablet and touchscreen capabilities while remaining affordable and sturdy for classroom needs.

1. Middle School TechnologyEvolution and Reflection

2. EvolvingPilot in 2001-02 in 7th grade; now in year 9Parent feedback & surveysFewer bells and whistles (just enough for classwork)Smaller, lighterDurable, “ruggedized”Lower costSchool-owned & managedLoaner pool & school supporting repairTraining for kids

3. Evolution… Hardware2005-06Traditional “PC” hardwareLarge, heavy laptopsDesktop lab shared by gradesBusiness machines Didn’t always support classroom needsHad features that became distractionsProjectors in some classrooms2009-10Tablet PCs & netbooksToshiba M700sClassmatePC Convertible (Nobi) Built for kids (ruggedized)Instructional toolLaptop for every studentProjectors/sound in all classrooms

4. Speaking of Hardware…

5. Future laptops…Classroom use + …Tablet capabilityTouchscreenKeyboardWebcamSlightly largerAffordableDurableResponsive

6. Evolution… Access2005-06Spotty wireless accessNovell networkLimited use of shared foldersSlow, unreliable Internet2-3 printers per floor2009-10Standardized wireless Windows NetworkIncreased bandwidthExtensive use of shared folders for electronic file exchangeImproved supportZ drive access to docs at home1 printer per floor

7. Evolution… Training2005-06Student trainingStart of the yearWhen issues arose2009-10Student trainingStart of the year6th grade – advisory rotation7th grade – rotation class 1x per cycleAll grades – in classes to support curriculumNew student immersionAs needed when issues ariseParent/student/advisor request

8. What is Wellnology?Proactive technology trainingAddress the issues in a timely manner (or before they become a problem)Backing up dataComputer care & feedingBalanced approach to technologyHealthy habits in and out of schoolBridge the gap between ideal use and realistic use by middle school studentsCoping with distractions and temptationsHelping kids understand why we have limits

9. What do we do in Wellnology?Back up dataBurning issuesDiscussion of personal use & habitsFacebook, YouTube, etc.VirusesInternet safetyPersonal responsibilityPasswords/privacySkills instructionTyping PalGaggle emailOneNoteNew toolsMaintenance, Care & feedingConfiguration (calibration, custom settings, printing…)

10. Evolution… Instructional Impact2005-06Word processingHeavy printingResearchDesktop publishingPockets of innovation2009-10Word processingPeer editingExtensive revisionCollaborative writingPrinting when appropriateExtensive ResearchMultimedia resourcesAudio/video recording & projectsChoiceShared notebooks on serverConsistent integration across teaching teamsShared innovation

11. How can parents keep up with the changes?

12. Resources availableParent technology websiteDocumentation & FAQUse expectations & suggestionsLinksAtomic Learning – Tutorial videosUser name – spaPassword – spartansLibrary DatabasesTyping Palstudents have individual user names and passwords

13. Questions???