4 Guys Talking - Episode 4 (Jeff Mao)

Yesterday was Episode 4 of 4 Guys Talking, the new ‘talk radio’ podcast series from CASTLE. We spent the entire time talking about 1:1 laptop programs. Our first 50 minutes was spent with Jeff Mao, Learning Technology Policy Director for the State of Maine. Among other things, Jeff talked about funding models, professional development for teachers and administrators, pedagogical frameworks, challenges faced by the state over the past few years, and, perhaps surprisingly, the relative lack of emphasis on standardized test scores as measurable outcomes for the initiative. He also shared his strong feelings about laptops v. netbooks for 1:1 programs. After Jeff left us, we spent the last 10 minutes debriefing, sharing thoughts, and raising further questions.

You can download the podcast or listen to a Web-streamed version here:

• www.blogtalkradio.com/uceacastle

You also can subscribe to the 4 Guys Talking feed using iTunes or a RSS reader.

Thanks to those of you who joined us live yesterday, either by calling in or listening over the Web. Future dates/times are as follows (all times Central):

• May 11, 9am to 10am
• May 26, 1pm to 2pm

[Yes, I'm still reworking CASTLE Conversations, the old CASTLE podcast channel, which will include all previous and podcasts (including 4 Guys Talking). I'll post about it when it's ready (probably not until summer).]

Happy listening!

Photo credit: An Apple in the dark 2

Comments

[Tyler]

1.

I've tried to find 4 Guys Talking on my I-Tunes store, but I can't find a listing. Any advice?

[Scott McLeod]

2.

@Tyler: We're working on it. Some kind of technical glitch is keeping us from subscribing the BlogTalkRadio feed. We'll figure it out soon, I hope. Thanks for being a listener!

[psikeyhackr]

3.

I find it curious that there is no mention of the Vero Beach computer education program that was implemented in 1987.

How much more powerful are netbooks than 1987 computers?

http://firstmonday.org/htbin/cgiwrap/bin/ojs/index.php/fm/article/view/500/421

[Sharon]

4.

I represent a group working to implement a 1-1 program with netbooks in Maine. We are a group of districts not able to "afford" the program that Jeff was describing. It will be extremely interesting to watch the development of these two initiatives.

http://maineschoolwikis.wikispaces.com