Talk:Ubiquitous Computing Examples
From School Computing
The Anytime Anywhere Learning Foundation, an organization promoting one-to-one computing in schools, is developing a database of existing one-to-one schools and districts, along with the basics of their programs. This, along with other resources related to one-to-one computing can be found at http://www.aalf.org/Resources/Default.aspx.
Ubiquitous Computing Example: The Denver School of Science and Technology
The Denver School of Science and Technology (DSST) is a public charter high school developed with support from the Bill & Malinda Gates Foundation, among others "to provide a diverse student body with an outstanding liberal arts high school education with a science and technology focus. By creating a powerful learning community centered on core values and a shared commitment to academic excellence, DSST will increase the number of underrepresented students (women, minorities and economically disadvantaged) who attain college science and liberal arts degrees. DSST graduates will be responsible, engaged citizens who are prepared to be leaders of the future.
Science & Tech is the first public high school in Colorado where every student uses wireless networked laptops at no charge to them. This eliminates the "digital divide" and enables ALL students, regardless of family income, to be able to operate at a very high technology level, both at school and at home.
The school's infrastructure consists of file, print, e-mail and backup servers, as well as Cisco network switches and access points all supporting a totally wireless laptop/tablet environment. DSST also takes advantage of a DS3 Internet connection (donated by Comcast) as well as voice over IP (VoIP) telephone communications which doubles as the school's PA.
DSST uses technology on a daily basis for virtually every facet of our school's work. We view technology not as a subject to be learned, as much as a tool in the educational and administrative processes.
Technology must transform the educational process. DSST believes that technology must not be a simple replacement or enhancement of non-technological methods of learning. Technology is too expensive to be a substitute for the pencil and the chalkboard. Instead it must invite and enable higher order thinking, more creative thinking, learning and expression. It must engender more intense investment and engagement by the student. It must enable collaboration, extrapolation, projection, analysis, demonstration, and closer, tangible interaction with the subject under study that is extremely unlikely or even impossible without it. It must transport the student to places, experiences, modes of thinking, cultures, and people otherwise impossible to reach for the normal high school student.
Technology should empower and enable, and never replace or reduce the central human role of the teacher in a liberal arts education. The role of a liberal arts education is to enable and facilitate the creation of leaders who value community, individuals and the creation of a truly human society. Technology must serve this end.
Tech Support Crew (TSC) DSST's student crew is a valuable resource for DSST. They provide valuable assistance to teachers in the classroom, other students, as well as performing a myriad of other IT tasks. There are approximately twenty five student members. TSC addresses issues of technical competence and leadership skills.
Facility The school is designed, from the ground up, to utilize a wireless laptop infrastructure. A variety of interesting learning spaces, including three outdoor courtyards, allow teachers and students to take full advantage of the freedom that wireless technology offers.
In addition to computer integrated physics, biotech, chemistry and engineering labs, the school has a variety of classrooms, project rooms, and comfortable work and social areas which promote the use of its wireless laptops and tablets.
