North Carolina's model digital school
nytimes.comThe digital part isn't really the important part. Indeed, the original article subtitle is "It’s Not Just About the Laptops". Some key points from TFA:
* This is not about the technology [...] It’s about changing the culture of instruction.
* Laptops [...] let students work at their own pace or in groups.
* Mooresville frequently tests students in various subjects to inform teachers where each needs help.
* Emphasis goes to identifying students who are only a few correct answers away from passing.
* Students collaborate in small groups with the teacher swooping in for consultation.
* Teachers apportion their time based on the need of students.
* Students adapted to the overhaul more easily than their teachers. Layoffs in 2009 and 2010, of about 10 percent of the district’s teachers, helped weed out the most reluctant.
* Technology would actually allow for more personal [...] interaction with students.
* You have to trust kids [...] teachers have to be willing to give up control.
* Culture of collaboration among staff and kids.
* You have to realize that students learn best at their own pace.