New Laptops Arrive for the School Year

Putting a laptop computer in the hands of every will change how they learn in the classroom.

But it’s also putting teachers on a crash course over how to use the new technology and, more importantly, how to manage the classroom with potentially high-tech distractions.

Mike Leonard, the district’s coordinator of instructional technology, spent the past two days giving about 40 teachers an orientation on the computers and how they can be best used to benefit the curriculum. He offered continued support throughout the school year that ranged from how to use Word to troubleshooting.

Leonard was addressing questions from four physical education and health teachers Wednesday morning about the changing classroom environment. He suggested teaching at times from the back of the room to keep an eye on each student’s screen.

“It’s not harder,” Leonard said. “It’s just different.”

Even though there were some questions about the changes, the teachers expressed happiness that they’ll no longer have to fight to get the computer lab.

as part of the school district’s new one-to-one project-based initiative. Each high school student will receive a computer and will be able to use it in the classroom and at home.

“Talking to parents, they’re really excited,” Leonard said. “They want to see what their kids can do. They have high expectations for their kids here.”

Until a few days ago, the more than 1,300 laptop computers were stacked in impressive fashion waiting to be opened. Leonard said four tech workers have been spending the past week “re-touching” them to update new programs.

The school board began researching in October about whether it was feasible to put a laptop computer in the hands of every high student. They unanimously approved the purchase in May.

The school year begins Wednesday.