Hacking Education: Technology Plan for a Technology School

I remember my first experience with a computer. It was in the 6th grade. We had a class trip to the IBM offices in Manhattan. I nearly missed it. I could not afford the $5 fee for the trip. Just before my class left for the trip, my teacher approached me with a five dollar bill in hand and “told” me I should go. We toured the offices then spent about 2 hours programming in Logo.  That experience changed my life! Thank you, Ms. Peterkin.

Clearly, A lot has changed since. Currently, I’m collaborating with some wonderfully brilliant people on developing a “Technology Plan” for a school dedicated to teaching science, math and technology to children in grades K through 12.

To frame the discussion on “vision” I wrote the following note to the group. (i’ve changed the names to protect their anonymity)

[start of note]

“The Technology Lab” - Does that help you visualize what this school could be? I envision the kids developing software, building and fixing computers and robots, starting technology companies and more. Sounds exciting to me. The talk about technology in the curriculum is important, but couldn’t seem more boring.

I want to enhance learning with technology, but more importantly, I want learn by creating technology.

The doc Harold shared begins with Vision and Stakeholder involvement. I agree with that. However, it missed the most important stakeholder - the students. There are many ways we can engage them in the process too.

I’ve been thinking about this and have written a post (click here) including some of my inspiration for thinking about education differently. I’m a “tech guy” and life-long hacker of education so naturally I like to think about Tech in Education.

I propose we start a parallel discussion along this path and build upon the ideas others have started us thinking about. (1) vision for technology at the school, (2) creative and effective ways to invest in tech.

To kick things off, I’ll toss out some ideas:

1) school-wide student competition for “Technology at our school” ideas… we promise to fund the winners:) Our kids are smart and creative… more than us, for sure:) [low cost]

2) online video lessons… record lessons, post online, load onto your ipod, let students vote and comment on lessons. This might spark a different approach to classroom learning. Kids learn from the best lessons online (eventually from any other school too). Hell, this school can educate the world. Okay, I’m getting ahead of myself… But this may also enable Teachers to make more effective use of classroom time. [low cost]

3) like (2) tap into tele-seminars from Top Universities… there are various ways to implement this.

4) help students create online portfolio of their work… I’ve heard of another school doing this. Imagine your childs K through 12 portfolio… blows my mind.

5) host virtual chess tournaments… this is just cool. we use technology to challenge other schools around world.

6) let high school students coach the middle and lower schools in the computer lab for “credit”.

7) longer term - the school becomes an incubator for technology startups! We create a School investment fund. and so much more… (i think my post touches on a few more)

What’s your interest level in having this type of discussion?

[end of note]

The note got a good response.  But it’s only a start and designed to spark some conversation.

On that note, I’ve been thinking about creating an sort of “open source” plan, where a broader community of people can contribute and maintain it over time. Email or comment below with your thoughts.

Find me on Twitter at @martinruiz

Also read Hacking Education: My Inspiration