Furger, R. (2001). Laptops for all: Using technology to go beyond traditional curriculum. Edutopia. Retrieved from http://www.edutopia.org/laptops-all
Article Summary:
Mott Hall School is a math, science, and technology academy in New York Community School District Six that decided to bridge the digital divide by creating a program and curriculum around the use of laptops for every student. The school worked out payment plans between the parents and the district and taught each of the children safety measures to carry a laptop to and from school so that every student eventually had a laptop. This took about 3 years before all students had their own computer, but the time put in is definitely paying off. Every class and grade level is using these computers to advance education. Some students are using them to gather data in a science lab. Some are designing kites in a scale model in Excel.
The teachers in the school are leading the charge in creating thought provoking and rigorous activities. They are creating clear rubrics for the projects. Students are excelling in their education and enjoying learning through project-based studies.
My Thoughts:
I think that more teachers should take the lead like the ones in this article. It would be nice to be more proactive so that more of our students have laptops to use in school and at home. Teachers are constantly worried about assigning homework involving a computer because they never know if a child doesn't have one at home or not. I think it's great that these students are doing more project-based work. It seems to be very effective in achieving learning of different subjects. It takes a lot of effort and time to be a teacher of this caliber. I commend them for their hard work and their desire to give these kids the best education possible.
Article Summary:
Mott Hall School is a math, science, and technology academy in New York Community School District Six that decided to bridge the digital divide by creating a program and curriculum around the use of laptops for every student. The school worked out payment plans between the parents and the district and taught each of the children safety measures to carry a laptop to and from school so that every student eventually had a laptop. This took about 3 years before all students had their own computer, but the time put in is definitely paying off. Every class and grade level is using these computers to advance education. Some students are using them to gather data in a science lab. Some are designing kites in a scale model in Excel.
The teachers in the school are leading the charge in creating thought provoking and rigorous activities. They are creating clear rubrics for the projects. Students are excelling in their education and enjoying learning through project-based studies.
My Thoughts:
I think that more teachers should take the lead like the ones in this article. It would be nice to be more proactive so that more of our students have laptops to use in school and at home. Teachers are constantly worried about assigning homework involving a computer because they never know if a child doesn't have one at home or not. I think it's great that these students are doing more project-based work. It seems to be very effective in achieving learning of different subjects. It takes a lot of effort and time to be a teacher of this caliber. I commend them for their hard work and their desire to give these kids the best education possible.
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