Thin-Client Computing Model for Districts With Tight Budgets
A history teacher and technology coordinator at CA's Temescal Canyon High School applied the thin-client computing model to enhance "computing capacity for reporting and documenting NCLB compliance." The thin-client model uses underpowered PCs as workstations and networks "them to a few high-powered backroom servers. All software and peripheral hardware applications run on the terminal server rather than the 'thin' workstations. This simplifies installation, reduces maintenance, and provides immunity to computer viruses and other malicious tampering." eSchoolNews (6/3)
Technology Helps Administrators Track Truants
"Londonderry High School's assistant principals spend their mornings tracking down students who skipped class, were excessively tardy to school, or disrespected another student or teacher. ... Oftentimes... the assistant principals are disciplining the same small population dubbed "frequent flyers," or students who have been referred to an administrator for disciplinary reasons four or more times in a single quarter.... Recent computer technology has allowed the principals to track these students — and their behavior and discipline history — more closely, at the request of Superintendent Nathan Greenberg. But the technology — paired with good old-fashioned teamwork — has allowed administrators to look beyond discipline and toward solutions for the school's most at-risk students. When assistant principals call students into their offices, Vigue said, they often pull up a student's information on the Student Management software right then, when they can review discipline history and enter the appropriate consequence immediately." The Manchester Union Leader (6/3, Davidson)
Virtual Schools Seen as an Option for At-Risk Students
"Online learning has grown in popularity in recent years as students have become more technologically savvy, home computers have become more common and school districts have embraced virtual programs as a way to reach individuals who might otherwise drop out altogether. Currently 16 states have sponsored virtual schools and another six states have at least one charter school offering online instruction. In addition to Virtual High, Clark County students also have the option of enrolling in Odyssey Charter School, a distance education program launched in 1999." While, "virtual programs aren't for everyone...neither are regular high schools, Clark County School Board President Larry Mason said." The Las Vegas Sun (6/3, Richmond)
Number of US Tech Grads Declining
From the USA Today Editorial Page: "The number of U.S. undergraduates majoring in computers is falling fast, USA TODAY reported last week. Enrollments in computer and engineering programs have declined for four years in a row, falling 10% in the 2004-05 school year alone." Caused of the decline include: "Poor science and math education. In 1996, 21% of high school seniors scored at the proficient level on federal science tests. By 2000, that dropped to 18%." USA Today (6/3)
Video Games Said To Have Beneficial Effect On Intelligence ABC World News Tonight (6/2, story 5, 2:25, Vargas) reported, "The typical teenager spends between 5 and 13 hours playing video games a week. Now, some researchers are saying that while the games may in fact, have some negative effect, when it comes to a child's brain, there may also be something good going on." ABC (Berman) added author Stephen Johnson is "not saying violence is good, but he argues that video games, violent or not, are making children smarter." IQ tests "in the US are rising faster than ever. One possible reason - studies find that video games make people more perceptive, training their brains to analyze things faster."
