District Administration - September 2011 - (Page 26)

Technology E-rate Goes Mobile Mobile learning is on the rise, and consequently, so is the need for mobile connectivity. according to a 2010 survey of e-rate consumers, including public schools and libraries, conducted by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), 50 percent of respondents said they plan to implement or expand the use of digital textbooks and other wireless devices. in an effort to modernize the e-rate program, which traditionally has provided discounts to schools and libraries for affordable on-campus internet access, the FCC has launched a pilot program, “learning on-the-go.” twenty participants in 14 states, including districts, individual schools and town libraries, were chosen to receive a portion of a $9 million grant from the FCC to fund their mobile learning initiatives that will provide students internet access during after-school hours on mobile learning devices. Participants for the program, officially known as the e-rate Deployed Ubiquitously Wireless Pilot Program, were chosen based on how innovative and comprehensive their mobile plans were. one example, said Chairman Julius genachowski in a statement, is san Diego Br iefings by marion herbert The FCC has launched a pilot program, “Learning On-the-Go,” which offers schools and libraries money for mobile Internet connectivity—not just on-campus. Unified school District. “san Diego will receive support to integrate 24/7 online learning into its entire curriculum to serve 6th graders in 10 middle schools. each student will receive a laptop with wireless connectivity, providing them access to the online curriculum beyond school hours. The pilot follows recommendations set forth by the national broadband Plan and participating schools and libraries have plans that include off-campus e-textbooks for students, connectivity for netbooks for students living in remote areas, and access to flexible online education programs for homebound students. after reviewing the results of the pilot program, which will end June 30, 2012, the FCC will determine if providing off-campus e-rate funding is worthwhile. “i believe that’s where we’re headed with this pilot program,” says regina brown, a school and library team leader at the FCC. “learning is a 24/7 process. technology is always evolving and more devices are being used as part of the learning environment.” according to brown, specifics as to cost allocations and requirements for the potential off-campus e-rate program have not been discussed yet. to learn more about the grant program or see all its participants, visit www.fcc.gov. Some Worry Missouri Social Media Law Went Too Far AS DiStrictS AcroSS the country DebAte the bounDArieS of SociAl meDiA in the clASSroom, miSSouri took an unprecedented step by passing the first statewide law banning teachers from individual communication with their students on social networks. the bill was passed with bipartisan support in the missouri legislature and signed by Gov. Jay nixon on July 14. the Amy hestir Student Protection Act, which became effective Aug. 28, was created in response to a middle school student who was sexually abused by a teacher following communication on facebook. While acknowledging some parts of the bill have merit, including asking schools to develop a policy regarding social networking, some groups, including the missouri State teachers Association, are worried the bill is a knee-jerk reaction and could hinder vital communication between teachers and students. “the bill is vague, and it doesn’t allow for direct contact that isn’t public, which is concerning for teachers,” says todd fuller, spokesperson for the mStA. “there are a lot of people wondering what happens next.” mStA is planning on fighting the social media provisions of the bill, and members will collaborate at their november conference in St. louis. 26 September 2011 District Administration http://www.fcc.gov

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of District Administration - September 2011

District Administration - September 2011
Contents
From the Editor
Letters
News Update
Tech Update
District Profile
Administrator Profile
Conversations
They Work Hard for the Money
The Road to Rigor
District-Charter Collaborations on the Rise
Designing Safe Facilities
Tony Smith Tackles Oakland
Product Focus
New Products
Research Center
Crisis Response
Going Mobile
Professional Opinion
Student Counsel

District Administration - September 2011