I almost want to buy a Mac

As much as I can't stand the whole mac brand, let's not forget that Jobs and Gates are true capitalists, no matter what they might say to sell computers to hippies.

I have to say I really like his thinking.  Paperless schools, free database...  He is on to something!!  Once the appropriate candidates are creating the educational resources, just think, the educational system would have the potential to be personalized on a skill level for virtually every student.  I would imagine a simple web based interface, where scores and progress is tracked and accessible to teachers.  Supplemental exercises would be available for students who need to review certain facts more than once while areas they grasp easily are addressed only as long as needed to pass a series of mini-tests or final exam exercises of some sort.  Built in data analysis tools could evaluate progress of children regularly providing accurate, up to date information to parents and teachers.  A separate domain could be created for the system, and it could be implemented on a state wide or nation wide basis, providing a more consistent approach to learning.  Target areas identified by educational professionals could be highlighted and implemented easily without extensive investment in resources and materials and training expenses by schools and districts.  Children's educational progress could use benchmarks as a reference of measure rather than age or grade, and competencies (rather than the two mentioned criteria) could define graduation requirements.  The SAT and ACT could potentially be integrated into the system as well, with mods to address study for the exams, practice sessions and then actual exams taken on the system.  Scoring from general studies should be consistent with that of the exam making authenticity and validation of results more measurable and accurate.  For classes such as calculus, etc...  where writing is required, a note pad can be made available as standard equipment just like a keyboard and mouse.  Rather than having a portable pc with a rotating screen, it could be created to have a shape and size similar to a mouse pad, or mini-keyboard.

My kids bring home papers upon papers.  Four copies of every note that comes home, and then class specific notices.  I don't have time to read them all.  I would much rather have an automated email where teachers submit notifications into a posting system that sends out emails with a list of headings and brief snippets of the message.  Having a weekly delivery would keep the messaging system from being overly burdensome, mass emailings would be programmed to auto execute over the weekends, and communication would be streamlined, organized, and planned in advance.  Ie: a teacher could submit a note to be sent with a delivery date of Monday, January 8th.  The note could be created and entered into the system on Wednesday, September 16th, but due to a posting system, would be stored and available for edit, deletion, re-scheduling of delivery, or other changes.  Basically, holiday notifications, lunch menu's, seasonal notices could be planned in advance.  Even during summer vacation when a principal might be preparing for the coming years schedule administration and other needs.  Data center management would be an expense, but could be handled by state, district, or private vendor.  I would go for it, in a heartbeat.

I agree with Lalaislandia. One of the biggest problems my wife and I have is making sure my kids bring home all the hard copies the teacher and school give them. All to often, they are left in a desk, locker or just lost. My wife and I have regular chats with our kid's teachers via e-mail to and this has been a big help.