|
| |
|
| |
|
|
|
March 3, 2005
Laptops give students more Freedom to LearnGrant funds wireless HP machinesByRecord-Eagle staff writer LELAND - Michigan's middle school laptop computer initiative has faced its share of skepticism, but Kevin Pershinske sees success as he watches Leland Public School students wind their way through interactive lessons. In addition to books, Leland sixth-, seventh- and eighth-grade students are now opening up their wireless laptop computers. The new tools are part of a Freedom to Learn technology grant. Pershinske, the district's technology administrator, said laptops complement traditional classroom resources. "They're masters at integration," he said of Leland's teachers. On a recent morning, sixth-graders used the Web to research Greek mythology and had just finished biography projects employing Microsoft Encarta. Other students logged on to explore ancient cultures or used Microsoft PowerPoint to create personalized presentations for parent conferences. Leland's $102,000 grant was part of funding awarded to the Traverse Bay Area Intermediate School District. It helped pay for 102 wireless laptops with software. The Leland district's required contribution was $40 per laptop, and it received an additional $20,000 from the state for professional development. The $40 per laptop and funds for peripheral supplies like batteries and a recharging system came out of the district's most recently approved bond issue, Superintendent Michael Hartigan said. The Freedom to Learn program distributes federal funds passed through the state. Regis McCord, TBAISD instructional services specialist, said many local districts deemed laptop maintenance and technology upgrades too costly, but Leland was "in a great position" to take advantage of the program. "It seemed like the next logical step for them," McCord said. "They've been ready." Technology integration is among the district's long-range goals and a wireless network was already in the works when the laptop grant came through, Pershinske said. The school's wireless environment lets students connect to the Internet in class and they can go online at home if they have access. Leland teacher Laurie Lisuk said laptops engage students in learning. "For some of these kids it's the first computer in their homes," she said. "It's been thrilling to both parents and kids." Eighth-grader Ana Garcia said being able to bring a laptop home lets her do school work without having to go elsewhere to use a computer. Pershinske said Leland's teachers enthusiastically welcomed the new technology, and much training happens in-house. The state contracted with Hewlett-Packard to provide the laptops, which Pershinske said come with a four-year warranty. There is no cost to students or families. Acceptable use policies are in place and students face consequences if they violate those rules, but parents would not be financially liable.
|
|
Record-Eagle/Douglas Tesner
