Journal 10: More States, Vendors Ally with Partnership for 21st Century Skills

Journal 10
More States, Vendors Ally with Partnership for 21st Century Skills
by Dave Nagel

This article talks about the joining of the state of Iowa with the Partnership for 21st Century Skills and the expectation that more states will soon follow. The Partnership for 21st Century Skills consists of a combination of business and education groups focused on technology education and bringing technology into classroom instruction. The goal of the group is to provide skills-focused learning, information/tools for educators, and to jump-start classrooms to be prepared to teach students the skills they need to succeed in the real world of the 21st century.

The group wants to “reinvigorate learning” and change what educators are able to do and the experiences that students can have in the classroom. The move is part of a two-year initiative to focus on bringing 21st century skills into schools in subjects such as financial and technology literacy, employability skills, and civic and health literacy. Other members include Maine (my home state), Massachusetts, North Carolina, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.

I think this initiative is exciting, necessary, and long overdue. It is great to see certain states setting the priority and making plans to give students the updated tools and skills they will need to be successful citizens and life-long learners. Also, this initiative is especially beneficial for struggling learners who need more interaction and visual stimulus and students who are English learners and may not have the same educational background as native speakers. As a future teacher, I hope to be able to be a part of such a movement and think even us adults could use a refresher course on these areas.

Although an initiative like this is both time consuming and expensive, I think if we all keep the students best interests in mind and never lose sight of that, that we can all work together and find a way for states across the U.S. to become active participants.

Journal 9: HP Debuts Mini Notebooks for Schools

Journal 9
HP Debuts Mini Notebooks for Schools
Dave Nagel


This article discussed the introduction of an HP Mini Notebook for students. The computer is geared towards school and home use and is built to meet the needs of the young learner. The Mini-Notes weigh just above 2.5 pounds (light enough for any student to carry) and cost just below $500.00. The development of this product grew largely out of the belief that education should not end at the bell. With the increased presence of technology in the classroom, it is crucial for students to have time outside of school to learn about and practice their skills related to educational technology. The more students are exposed to it, the more internet savvy they will get.

The features of the HP Mini Notebook are realistic, useful, and student friendly. Some of these include a scratch-resistant display and full keyboard with a protective coat to prevent wear. Students and parents can choose from four different configuration options. Other features such as wired/wireless connectivity with Bluetooth option, 2.1 megapixel camera, motion sensor for shutting down computer in case of an accident (such as dropping the computer), graphics, integrated speaker and microphone, and more make the Mini-Note a great tool for students.

This model is expected to come out sometime in April or May and I am sure will change the way students, teachers, and parents feel about the importance of students having access to their own computers at home.

I think this product will greatly help students become learners, researchers, and life-long explorers. In today’s technology world we need to give our students as much opportunity and information as possible and this product is another step towards that.

Journal 8: Free Science Resources Online

Journal 8
Spotlight: Free Science Resources Online
by Dave Nagel

This article highlighted a number of free online resources designed to actively engage and inform students about the wonders of Science. One of the first resources was called MIT OpenCourseWare where students can access videos, pictures, lectures, and syllabi from actual MIT Courses. This is a place where real life and learning meet in a virtual environment. It is accessible by all students though it is geared toward post-secondary students. This is great because it gives students the opportunity to experience (as close as possible) a real MIT education no matter where they live or their economic status.

Another resource was NASA Education that can be used by students, teachers, or simply people interested in learning more about Space Science. Like the MIT resource, this one includes videos, animations, and simulations. It also includes game trivia, educational information, and links to relevant websites. For younger students, a picture dictionary is available. This site is great because it accommodates a variety of age and learning levels and goes beyond the classroom for project based learning and future applications.

The Smithsonian Institution aligns materials to state and national standards and can be searched by state, grade, and subject. Subjects include Earth Science, Air and Space, and even outside areas such as Language Arts, Art, and Literature. This site is helpful to teachers when planning instruction, interdisciplinary instruction, or developing major projects.

All of these resources help students better connect with Science and have fun while learning. It is important that students know how to use the technology available to them if they are going to succeed in the real world. For many struggling learners or those who are not interested in Science, all they need are ways in which to see the subject active and connected to the real word and then they can see its value and importance. I am excited to bring sources like this into my classroom someday and hope more and more students can get their hands on them in the meantime.