LOWER KUSKOKWIM SCHOOL DISTRICT

PROJECT SUMMARIES

Launch Year: 2006

Platform: Apple

Project Schools: Joann A. Alexie Memorial (Atmautluak),

Eek, Kasigluk-Akula (Kasigluk), Kasigluk-Akiuk (Kasigluk),

Ket’acik/Aapalluk Memorial (Kwethluk),  Z. John Williams Memorial

(Napaskiak), Nightmute, Nunapitchuk, Qugcuun Memorial (Oscarville),

Paul T. Albert Memorial (Tununak)

Grade Levels: 8-10

Total # Users: 234

Total Project Costs: $597,467 

CDL Support:  $424,371     

Launch Year: 2008

Platform: Apple (project expansion)

Project Schools: Quinhagak, Toksook Bay, Kipnuk, Kongiganak,

Kwigillingok

Grade Levels: 9-12

Total # Users: 146

Total Project Costs: $251,649

CDL Support: $166,088

PROJECT TEAM

Superintendent: Gary Baldwin          

Project Coordinator: Lee Sundby, Educational Specialist

Curriculum Coordinator: Bev Williams, Director, Academic Programs and Support

IT Coordinator: Ted Berry, IT Director; Ted Simmons, Technology Coordinator

 

ROLLOUT DATES

Apple Initial Rollouts:

- Atmautluak, Joann A. Alexie Memorial: 10/18/06

- Eek: 10/16/06

- Kasigluk, Kasigluk-Akula: 11/9/06

- Kasigluk, Kasigluk-Akiuk: 11/9/06

- Kwethluk, Ket’acik/Aapalluk Memorial: 10/25/06

- Napaskiak, Z. John Williams Memorial: 10/10/06

- Nightmute: 10/23/06

- Nunapitchuk: 10/17/06

- Oscarville, Qugcuun Memorial: 10/25/06

- Tununak, Paul T. Albert Memorial: 10/26/06

Apple Expansion Rollouts: TBA

PHOTOS

Eek Rollout, November 14, 2006

Akiuk,  Nightmute, and Nunapitchuk Rollouts, Fall, 2006

Napaskiak 1 to 1, December 2006

MOVIES

1 to 1 in Alaska

A short film produced in March of 2007 to report on the progress of AASB’s Consortium for Digital Learning Initiative at the National School Board Association’s annual conference. The film includes a segment featuring interviews and scenes from Eek school in the Lower Kuskokwim school district that was produced by internationally acclaimed teacher/filmmaker Marco Torres with assistance from Apple and AASB. 1 to 1 in Alaska provides an overview of the CDL initiative and its progress in preparing Alaska’s students for success. Time: 11:00

QUOTES

More CDL District Testimonials

January 2007

Larry Strunk, principal of Joann A. Alexie Memorial school in Atmautluak

“We have tied on-time attendance to the ability of the students to use the computers outside the classroom. Those students late in the morning cannot take them home that day or use them during lunch hour while the rest of their friends are using them. The number of late and absent students have decreased from last year by 15.7% for the CDL students over the same period of time. We also have some classes that are video-streamed on the LKSD website. The students can access the particular lesson they missed or need to review as many times as necessary until they understand the math or science concept.”

Terry Cronberg, teacher at Joann A. Alexie Memorial school in Atmautluak

“I have noticed there is an improvement in attendance and tardiness for those students with laptops. Students with laptops have showed improved attitude and behavior in classes that use computers in the classroom. Students are eager to take on assignments that require them to use their laptops, and enjoy the responsibility of having their own laptops. I have been impressed with the way they have been taking care of them.”

Dan Walker, principal of Eek school

“The one to one computer program in Eek has been very exciting. Students are engaged and using them throughout the day. They are more enthusiastic about learning and school since having their own computer to use. This has been especially useful since most of our students are English Second Language learners. The visual aspect of using the computers to present lessons and for students to create presentations has enhanced their learning.”

Glenda Thompson, teacher at Eek school

“The greatest benefit of the One-to-One computers for my students is the world of information that it has opened up. I feel that their small worlds are becoming much larger. Many of our students have also shown improved incentive regarding actually getting their work done and done well. Many of them have increased their output, and access to the internet has definitely upped the quality of their “input.” Having the 1 to 1 computers has given our school a tremendous academic boost. Thanks!”

Marlene Schmitt, teacher at Eek school

“I feel that student behavior improved and class participation definitely improved. Students in the 6th period class are at a lower reading level, and the computers seemed to really draw them in more than the students in the 5th period class that are at a higher reading level. They also seemed to be more creative/imaginative in their PowerPoint, iMovie, and Podcast assignments.”

Carl Williams, principal of Akiuk school in Kasigluk

“Two of my 16 high school students have definitively decided to stay in school and not drop out. Not a big number in absolute terms, but that is 1/8th of my total student population. The amount and quality of writing per student has increased from 50 to 200%!!!  It is amazing how much more writing the students are doing...since the introduction of the computers. The ability of teachers and students to handle assignments and homework via email has had a major impact on instruction.”

Tammy Schneidler, teacher at Akiuk school in Kasigluk

“The One-to-One program has really given my students the freedom to explore and use technology on their own this year. “In the past, students had opportunities to use computers, but it was limited by the number of machines we had, and the logistics of managing who would share which machine. Today my 8th grade reading students were looking for examples of ten different literary devices (rhyme, alliteration, simile, metaphor, etc.). All were very much engaged in the project, helping each other sift through different websites to find the best examples. It is a joy to witness my students participating in their own education more, thanks to the One-to-One program.”

Deanna Jamison, teacher at Akiuk school in Kasigluk

“The students certainly enjoy using their computers and have become much more computer literate. The computers have given the students opportunities to create PowerPoints and give oral presentations. They have taken pride in the work they have created. We have also seen an improvement in attitude and behavior. The students seem to act more responsible and respectful. They definitely do not take these computers for granted.”

Joshua Szurszewski, teacher at Akula school in Kasigluk

“Classes can be readily divided into different groups doing different tasks, without having to divide my time between my classroom and the computer lab. Improved efficiency—no lost time going to/from the computer lab multiple times to make minor revisions, and much less time spent looking for “lost” papers/files on many computers. We are now able to research, report and share instantly. It's easier to change or modify the direction of our efforts ‘on the fly.’ Students are beginning to augment their work with additions of multi-media enrichments.”

Gary Kleven, teacher at Akula school in Kasigluk

“It's good that everyone can be looking at the same things at the same time. It is also helpful in that textbooks don't always have the most current information.”

Felecia Kleven, principal at Akula school in Kasigluk

“I have been working with the CDL students in physical science, world history and reading. We are able to research information instantly with the computers. We have looked at photos/diagrams of atomic structures in physical science. We have read personal accounts of survivors of the Andes crash for a study of South America. We've used the map programs to learn about the geography of the continent. I've learned how to use the computer for long distance lectures, so that the students can continue to work with me when I have to be off site. We can hold ‘discussions’ in a chat format, so that we don't disturb other students in a shared classroom space.”

Rachel Kohl, teacher at Kwethluk

“I was excited to challenge the students, and I’m happy to report that my students have risen to the challenge. Our attendance rates are rocketing. Students are here on time to receive their computers each day. The students who were really struggling are keeping their grades up. Furthermore, the students feel like they are part of a much larger world. The computers allow students to access a variety of educational tools. These tools allow our students to stay informed and form opinions about their world. These opinions will someday shape the way they lead this village.”

“What I like most about the CDL program is the responsibility and skills the students are learning. We have had minimal problems keeping the computers running.  Students are careful with their property and with other students’ property. Also, the technical skills the students are learning are a valuable resource for them as they more toward graduation and as they choose a future occupation.”

“I would like to thank you for this wonderful opportunity. These computers are an integral part of school and our community.”

Rita Fae Dilworth, teacher at Z. John Williams school in Napaskiak

“The paper shuffling has stopped completely. All of the students’ work is now on the computer. It is wonderful. The quality of the work that is now handed in is so much better than before.”

Jonathon J. Wilcox, teacher at Z. John Williams school in Napaskiak

“I really enjoy teaching with these computers. They allow more freedom for both the teachers and the students. I look forward to increasing the use of them in the classroom.”

Mitchell Pioch, principal of Nightmute school

“The teachers and administration have been very pleased with student participation. The students in the target group have, by and large, very positive attitudes. They perceive having the computers as a privilege and a privilege they are willing to protect. The early success of the CDL program has inspired Nightmute School to use its own resources to expand the idea of getting computers into the hands of students. We now have computers into the hands of all high school students. We will eventually look to include 6th and 7th grade students as well.”

Rachel R. Pioch, teacher at Nightmute school

“At Nightmute, our students are excited about having a computer to use. In our social studies classes we are able to have students read newspapers (something that is not available in Nightmute) online for current events. I have found the projector to be quite helpful. For visual learners, it helps to have a picture of what they are to do or to see exactly the steps they are to follow, and with the projector I am able to provide that. In science classes, students have been able to put PowerPoint presentations together covering a specific topic. The computers and the freedom to use computer resources in any class period has definitely enriched the educational experience for our high school students.”

Charlotte Calhoun, principal of Anna Tobeluk Memorial school in Nunapitchuk

“The single most motivational experience at our school this year has been the one-to-one computer program...the most notable have been increased attendance and communication skills. Attendance has been the number one issue at our school for several years, and the one to one computer grant has helped the junior high and high school daily attendance greatly. Teachers have noted the impact on students’ willingness to research and write more about their findings. Village students are very shy when it comes to public speaking. PowerPoint, digital cameras, and projectors have been the tools they needed to improve their confidence.”

“As an administrator, I have enjoyed the ability to email students the minute I think of something rather than waiting to see them in the hallway. It has greatly improved my ability to communicate with individual students privately without calling them to the "principal's office." I have also enjoyed the paper-saving advantage of students emailing assignments to teachers and revising essays drafts without wasting paper. Students also have the advantage of burning assignments and projects to a disk that can be reviewed by a future employer.  Overall, this has been the most positive tool our students have received in years.”

Jane Witter, teacher at Anna Tobeluk Memorial school in Nunapitchuk

“Students are using them to work at home and finish writing that they need to do. Our principal, Charlotte has shown several students how to make PowerPoint presentations and those have been incorporated into assemblies, and will be used at seniors’ presentations of their Passages assignments.”

Erin Kavanaugh, teacher at Qugcuun Memorial school in Oscarville

“I have found the One to One program to be very successful in my classroom. The students have been performing beyond my expectations and I know that I can attribute this excitement and newfound enthusiasm to the One to One program. We have used the computers to create presentations in almost every single class. I have seen my students really taking many creative risks in the past few months. I encourage them to use their computers as much as possible and have taken pains to ensure that they have assignments in which they can use their computers. I am very pleased with the results of the program so far and feel that my students have benefited very much from the computers.  I am already looking forward to more of my students having access to the computers next year.”

Gayle Miller, principal of Paul T. Albert Memorial school in Tununak

“Student government has been planning and fundraising for a trip this summer. Part of their effort was mass-producing letters to businesses requesting funding donations and work for students. In the past, students have had a difficult time with ANY letter writing. Because of CDL and having and using their own computers, students were observed engaged in these behaviors:

- They all arrived with a computer

- They organized and split up the business list

- The cooperated to write the draft letter

- The “secretary” of the moment (a boy) emailed the draft to everyone

- They commenced with the letters.

- They persisted for five hours with out a break or complaint

- They obviously know how to use their computers, including use of the Internet to get business addresses.”

“The students in our school in the CDL 1:1 program are showing increased computer use competence and confidence. Having their own computers has led to a lot of voluntary student practice with the technology, which increases language use. They are motivated to use the computer, no matter what for.”

Holly Lennon, teacher at Paul T. Albert High school in Tununak

“We were very thorough in our 3 hour training and our students are learning how to act responsibly. I have my students use the computer in U.S. History, Composition and Health. They use NoteTaker or Word to take notes in history class and we have used it a lot in our health classes to research different health related issues.   All of my students in Composition finished at least one phase and many finished more than one phase. I am very happy that I am a part of this wonderful opportunity. I believe the children in this district will benefit greatly by having this opportunity.”