Testimonial - Terry Burns, Director of Technology, Selmer, Tennessee
Selmer is located in McNairy County about 85 miles east of Memphis Tennessee. We have 4,300 students and eight schools. I read an article written by Leslie Wilson about the One to One Initiative. We began to exchange e-mail messages. Her ideas and the Michigan implementation were inspiring. Drawing from Leslie Wilson and others, I knew this is what we should be doing in our school system. (I also learned) that Michigan’s one-to-one program partners with the University of Memphis for evaluation.
In a small rural area with limited resources, we had to start small. Our school system has six schools that have grades five through eight. We decided to begin with these grades by choosing at least one teacher from each of these schools. We asked interested teachers to apply. By allotting $190,000 for laptops, wireless access, desks, software, and contingencies, we were able to implement a few more than we had originally planned. All of (the involved schools) move from one classroom to the other. Therefore, our One to One Initiative touches more children.
The University of Memphis evaluates the program by observing the classrooms and collecting data. This will be compiled and shared with the Board, County Commission, and teachers. Our goal is to bring students into the 21st Century through a learning environment of innovation, creativity; project based learning, responsibility, higher order thinking skills, and real world simulations that include authentic activities. We must make learning relevant to them. Through the excitement and innovative work of Leslie Wilson and One-to-One Institute, I became more and more excited. All school systems are not alike. One must find the niche within one’s respective environment. One has to discover the political climate, the funding, the resources, and the support from within.
|