This article in the NY Times offers a blistering critique of 1:1 laptop programs. Without data, don't expect to be successful with your 1:1 programs.

So far,  Powell Butte, Tumalo and Tom McCall students have taken the NETS online survey. Results may be viewed online. Send me an email if you'd like the access url.

If you have not taken the survey, see this post: http://k12partners.org/node/85

Martin Medeiros to speak on Intellectual Property Rights and Podcasting

We are excited to let you know that Martin Medeiros of Swider Medeiros Haver LLP will be giving a talk at the Box Populi "install-fest" on "Clearing Online Intellectual Property Rights for Universities, Lecturers, Consultants, Media Producers and Web 2.0 Companies." Mr. Medeiros will be speaking at 1 pm. His discussion will be webcast and posted after the event.

Box Populi is hosting an "install-fest" to learn about their Podcast in a Box project on May 5th, 2007 in Portland, OR. Come learn about this open source project. Take any recycled computer and convert it into a simple, automated podcasting device. Operate it with a USB thumbdrive: plug in the key to start, remove it to stop and automatically publish to your listeners' iPods. There are no licensing costs to use the software and the event is free. Learn more...

Attached is the primary document set that will be reviewed during the information session tomorrow. "EBITS Information Docs" is the main set.

In addition, all individual order forms are attached (one is included in the primary set as an example, and will be reviewed during the session).

Finally, the excel workbook lists all sites by ESD, verifying in or out of territory status. Please locate your ESD's worksheet, and be sure to review the worksheet entitled "Larger Schools and Programs" for independently listed sites.

 This is a Real Video Stream from a hearing last week in the House Education, Innovation Subcommittee.  It is a bill that would create a Task Force to look at the obsticals preventing 1:1 computing in Oregon.

The Hearing starts  7minutes and 26 seconds into the stream.  The Committee members were on the House floor at the scheduled start time, so we had a little delay in starting.  Springfield and 4J did a great job presenting.

http://stream.orvsd.org:8888/ramgen/education_hearing.rmvb

In our recent regional meeting (Tumalo and Powell Butte Schools) we discussed the specifications that we would like see in the next round of laptops for students. Here's our list:

• Wireless – (Redmond wants Intel chip for management)
• Tablet not necessary or even wanted
• Small in size and weight - student 'friendly'
• Rubber feet to prevent slipping on desk
• Basic CD player (burner not required, can use flash memory sticks)
• Processor – min 2Ghz Pentium
• Memory - min 2GB
• Screen – 12 in OK to save