NECC 2007 Proposal: Starting From Scratch -- Building School 2.0

Marcie Hull, SLA's Technology Coordinator, and I submitted a proposal for the 2007 NECC conference. Since Tom has posted his, I figured I'd post ours.

Starting From Scratch -- Building School 2.0

At the 2006 NECC, the Department of Education announced their School 2.0 vision. But what does School 2.0 really mean and how do we create schools that can realize that vision? What is the link between pedagogy and technology -- how do we build schools with a pedagogical framework that allows all stakeholders -- students, parents, teachers and administrators -- to harness the power of computer and communication technologies to change the way we think about schools and create a transformative experience for all involved?

The Science Leadership Academy is a new high school that opened in September 2006 in partnership with The Franklin Institute and the School District of Philadelphia. Opening with a powerful School 2.0 vision and a 1:1 laptop ratio, SLA looks to redefine the learning spaces and tools our students, parents and teachers use. The school uses open source tools such as Moodle, Elgg, Gallery and homegrown school information system software to create a robust school-web portal to support the learning that happens in classrooms. Our goal is to create 24/7/365 learning environment for all members of the community.

The workshop will examine both the planning process and first-year implementation of the Science Leadership Academy as a launching point for a discussion of School 2.0 school design. Participants will look at issues of technology infrastructure, staff development, curriculum design in a 1:1 environment, home and school interaction in School 2.0 and the pedagogical framework necessary to realize School 2.0.