On my final day, I attended a school visit provided by the Academy of Holy Angels. This school was the talk of the town.
They started a project called Project Laptop where every child in their school is given a laptop computer to use on a daily basis during school and outside of school. The students lease the laptops and the package includes the computer, software, accessories, technology support, ongoing training, and a warranty. Textbooks are no longer used. Success of this project was a school group effort from the principal to all the teachers. They all had to share the same philosophy and be in sync with the idea that implementing technology on a daily basis is the way to go in the 21st Century. All teachers at Holy Angels had to be trained to use technology and teach the skills young people need in a digitally connected fast-paced world.
Holy Angels put this project in place two years ago, and the students love it!They feel that Project Laptop is helping them get ready for college by showing them how to be responsible and how to be organized. Not to mention, the students are getting on-hand learning instructions.
As I toured the school with other educators and administrators, the students seemed very engaged with what was being taught. Most of the lesson plans were all being synchronized from one monitor where the teacher had control.
My overall feeling was that this project gave students a portal beyond classroom walls where learning is alive, interactive, and spontaneous. It unleashed their innate curiosity and engaged them in exploration and collaboration, but this project does require a hefty financial demand that most of our schools aren’t ready for.
The reality is that geographically and financially our schools compared to Holy Angels are in different camps. More grants and sponsorships need to be available for these projects – maybe for one of our schools.
What are your reactions towards this Laptop project?
Do you see it working in your school?
If you and all of your students had access to a laptop for every class, how would this change your daily teaching?
How often do your students use laptops now?
