K-12 (Primary / Secondary)

My colleague, Michael Young who works in Dell’s Government Affairs division, blogged about last week’s National Conference of State Legislatures social media conference.

I moderated a phenomenal panel to help attendees understand more about Twitter.

Gene Rose and I discuss how Twitter can support traditional media activities in the video below.

Last week the Dell team visited The American School of Milan in Italy, and I witnessed how teachers there have deployed Dell Connected Classroom technologies to equip students with the 21^st century skills they need to be competitive in the global economy. This is an important landmark for us since it's one of the first schools in Europe to implement our Connected Classroom solution.

Education experts have a clear vision how technology can transform learning; yet, no other IT provider has offered a practical way to achieve this vision. Only Dell provides a practical blueprint for achieving educational transformation.

Our children are growing up in the Digital Age, yet many of our schools are still only teaching skill for the Industrial Age. It was great for me to see first-hand a school in Europe leading the way in engaging the “Connected Generation,” in class.  During the day we saw teachers use the interactive whiteboard in a math and language lessons. During the math lessons, students were given arithmetic problems on the interactive whiteboard to solve, using their Latitude 2100 netbook. 

Next week we’ll hear from James Quarles, EMEA Public Marketing Director, along with Dr Alan Austen, Director, American School of Milan, who hosted us and showcased Dell’s Connected Classroom solution in action.

Last month I had the pleasure of visiting KIPP Charter School in Oklahoma City. Since their founding in 1994, the two original KIPP Academies have sustained track records of high student achievement. These two original KIPP Academies became the starting place for a growing network of schools that are transforming the lives of students in under-resourced communities, and redefining the notion of what is possible in public education. In 2007, for example nearly 95 percent of KIPP alumni went on to college-preparatory high schools.

KIPP-OKC has been a recipient of a Connected Communities Grant from The Dell Foundation since 2004. In addition, our Dell employees love going to volunteer at KIPP and do everything from Board service to painting walls. We are very proud of our commitment to KIPP and the amazing students this school has further developed. In fact, we can’t wait till we have a KIPP graduate working for Dell someday! KIPP proves that “Work Hard/Be Nice” is a way of life for these students and one that provides opportunities to children they may not have had otherwise. These kids take full advantage of the opportunity and do go to College!

Learn more about KIPP’s student achievement by exploring the KIPP school results. Learn more about Dell’s Connected Community grants at www.dellfoundation.org.

Are you finding that technology makes a difference in your classroom?

During Dell’s first global K-12 Customer Advisory Council held in Austin in August, I had the opportunity to speak with two customers Jan Demedt from Bosco College in Brussels, Belgium and Arie Wels from Elde College in the Netherlands for Edu4U. Check out the vlog to see our discussion on the new learning methods opening up to teachers and students in deploying technology in the classroom, the cultural challenges in connecting students, parents and teachers, teacher training and how smaller handheld devices will be increasingly used for educational purposes.  (Full interview here.)

John E. Mullen, Jr. serves as Vice President/General Manager of Dell’s Education, State and Local Government businesses. He is also responsible for Dell’s global Higher Education strategy and solutions.

During Dell’s Primary/Secondary Customer Advisory Council, I had the pleasure of meeting with several education customers from around the world. The challenges they face are similar and connectivity continues to be a primary focus—from the aspect of integrating curriculum and technology in the classroom to connecting parents and the community beyond the walls of the classroom. In an era of connectivity, the digital divide is an issue that prevents some parents from being able to participate actively in their child’s education. I had the opportunity to sit down with Chief Information Officer, Marcos Zorola, and Patricia Holub, Executive Director of Technology & Integration, from San Antonio Independent School District, and learn their unique way of bridging the gap, building equity among campuses, and providing the opportunity for parents to be an integral part of their children’s education. I encourage you to listen to the interview to learn more.