ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE  HOUSE EDUCATION STANDING COMMITTEE  March 28, 2011 9:23 a.m. MEMBERS PRESENT Representative Alan Dick, Chair Representative Lance Pruitt, Vice Chair Representative Paul Seaton Representative Peggy Wilson Representative Sharon Cissna Representative Eric Feige MEMBERS ABSENT  Representative Scott Kawasaki COMMITTEE CALENDAR  PRESENTATION(S): HANDS-ON DIGITAL LEARNING VIA THE IPAD - HEARD PREVIOUS COMMITTEE ACTION  No previous action to record WITNESS REGISTER CARL ROSE, Executive Director Association of Alaska School Boards (AASB) Juneau, Alaska POSITION STATEMENT: Assisted during the demonstration of digital learning via the iPad. BOB WHICKER, Director Consortium for Digital Learning (CDL) Anchorage, Alaska POSITION STATEMENT: Demonstrated digital learning via the iPad. ACTION NARRATIVE 9:23:50 AM CHAIR ALAN DICK called the House Education Standing Committee meeting to order at 9:23 a.m. Present at the call to order were Representatives Dick, Pruitt, Cissna, Seaton, and Wilson. Representative Feige arrived while the meeting was in progress. 9:24:15 AM ^PRESENTATION(S): Hands-on Digital Learning via the iPad PRESENTATION(S): Hands-on Digital Learning via the iPad    CHAIR DICK announced that the only order of business would be a hands-on demonstration of digital learning via the iPad. 9:24:25 AM CARL ROSE, Executive Director, Association of Alaska School Boards (AASB), introduced the demonstration to be held for instructional classroom use of the iPad. 9:26:09 AM BOB WHICKER, Director, Consortium for Digital Learning (CDL), introduced a five minute video titled "What Could Be Through Digital Learning," created by Carl Rose, produced by AASB, on the use of technology in the classroom. 9:31:12 AM MR. WHICKER said technology changes rapidly, and the consortium is helping schools to implement the new products. Then he passed out iPads and walked the committee through various learning applications. 9:58:24 AM MR. WHICKER explained that the applications are independently developed, and thus, the cost varies. 9:58:42 AM CHAIR DICK asked about the ability to access the U.S. Constitution. MR. WHICKER said it is available. 10:01:50 AM REPRESENTATIVE CISSNA asked about the maintenance requirements for this type of technology. MR. WHICKER said a plan for logistics, with policies, and other considerations would need to be established. 10:03:34 AM REPRESENTATIVE CISSNA relayed concern for sustainability. MR. WHICKER responded that mobile devices can be attained for only $200.00, with a management cycle that is incumbent on the teachers. There are no moving parts, but the device could be forcibly broken. The devices for the demonstration can be purchased for $500.00, and the applications costs vary. He reported that having engaging content keeps repair/replacement costs down, as students take ownership. 10:06:36 AM REPRESENTATIVE CISSNA maintained concern for the turnover that exists in the teaching staff, and the need to incorporate a policy, through educational reform, to ensure continuity regarding the use of technological devices. 10:07:54 AM CHAIR DICK announced the agenda for the next meeting. 10:08:13 AM ADJOURNMENT  There being no further business before the committee, the House Education Standing Committee meeting was adjourned at 10:08 a.m.