Frasher final draft

Fatima Frasher

Feb.1, 2014

Advanced Reporting

3^rd Draft

·      The Era of New Schooling

·      Shifting From Book-Based Learning to Go-Go Gadget Speed Learning: An Under Tapped Median

            Schools have decided to take part of the trend of allowing students to bring their own consumer electronics into the classrooms.

            Richmond County Technical Career Magnet School’s Media Specialist Velveeta Tanksley, has been in the education field for 21 years and is in support of the new direction education is headed.

            “If you have it (technology) and can supplement (technology) then you can bring it,” Tanksley said. “There’s no requirement that you have a phone and iPad purchased, but it’s good if you have those things.”

            According to Barclay Bishop, RCTCM is not the only BYOT school in Richmond County, it is one of three schools.

            “(BYOT schools) on slot emerging technology,” Tanksley said. “In several years we look to see more emerging technology (in the schools).”   

            In contrast to the BYOT public schools in Richmond County and other counties, a different type of school has emerged where they almost demand this vast technology usage.    

            Connection Academy is a virtual online school, thousands of students all over the world attend.

            “Our schools are virtual (and) the connections are real,” Connection Education LLC announced. “In our 11 years of operation, Connection Academy has become a recognized leader in virtual education.”

            Connection Academy specializes in grade levels K through 12.

            “Since we’re part of Pearson, the world’s leading education company, our school have access to a wealth of learning resources that set us apart from other schools,” Connection Education LLC announced. “We’re excited to introduce more than 20 new Career Technical Education courses.”

            According to Tanksley, RCTCM is categorized into programs students are interested in and certain programs require these new teaching tools.

            “In the video classes they have everything, everything,” Tanksley said. “MacBooks, MacPros, MacSevers and, recently, new Chromebooks.”

            Tanksley and many other educators at RCTCM use web-based programs such as Carnegie Learning Online, Galileo High School and Khan Academy to help show students different learning platforms, she said.

            These latest computers and the best browser coming handy for these young scholars and the ideal of bringing their own technology is also a plus.

            Connection Academy programs are also designed with their students in mind.

            “Through our CTE program, students discover their passions and interest,” Connection Education LLC announced. “(They acquire) the academics, technical knowledge and skills they need to pursue career options or (help) smooth their transition (in) to college.”

            Connection Academy expressed complete joy about their new music program and their collaboration with The Juilliard School.

            “We’re also happy about our growing relationship with The Juilliard School, New York City’s famed music conservatory,” Connection Education LLC announced. “We now offer students in every grade level a music curriculum that’s truly world-class.

            Being able to record by Command, take pictures by command, text and share live feed, Google Glasses has become a must get for some students like Artez Habersham, a junior at RCTCM.

            “I would use those Google Glasses to record my teacher going over class lessons and play them back to help me study,” Habersham said. “I heard those glasses are more than a grand though.”

            Good thing for students at RCTCM is they do not have to pay out of pocket for this trending technology that some of their course might require them to use.

            “Even though we are a BYOT school, any technology that’s required must be supplied by the school,” Tanksley said. “We can’t say there is (a specific) technology required.”

            Connection Academy concluded that they only had the finest of learning materials.

            “Our multimedia team works closely with curriculum experts to develop interactive tools and resources that get students involved in learning,” Connection Education announced. “Our own Teachlets tutorials and learning games combine graphics, video and audio to bring ideals and concepts to life.”

            High schools and college alike are already taking full advantage of personal learning environments such as Desire 2 Learn and Khan Academy, it leaves consumers guessing what the next big thing is outside of iPads, iPhones and go-go gadget eyewear.

            Even with these new advances consumers like Habersham say they worry about what type of effect this technology is going to have on the wallet.

“I’m looking forward to (seeing) affordable prices in technological advances that everyone can afford, not just a select few,” Habersham said.