The Laptop Program- Why Us and Why Now?
The genesis of establishing a wireless laptop program in the fourth grade was the outgrowth of several dynamic and compatible factors. John Mikton, elementary school information technologist, was very familiar the operation of a school wide wireless program, as he had been part of one in his former school in Beijing. He was enthusiastic about the educational benefits it could bring to the students here at ASIJ. Concurrently, within the fourth grade, the use of technology to supplement and support a cohesive curriculum was widespread and varied. Together, both John and the teachers worked together in instructing the students in using text-processing tools (word processors), analytic and information tools (data base and spread sheet use), graphic tools (paint programs and desk top publishing) and in the use of a variety of instructional software (problem solving programs and some drill and practice tutorials). Many of us were also involved in large research projects using the internet throughout the year. Our web presence was established with the first elementary grade level wide site in the 4th Grade Chronicles and in the development of the Electronic Portfolios program last year. Given that the teachers, and students, had a high degree of comfort and expertise using technology, we felt ready to take on such a project. With the support of the administration and the PTA to undertake a pilot, John was able to procure twenty- five computers from the Dell Corporation in the spring of last year and the planning for the pilot began.
One of the things we know, for the pilot to be successful, is the necessity
for the constituents to be mentally on the same page. Luckily, we are. As
educators, we believe that the technology we learn, use and teach should:
· be used to support learning rather than
be the end goal itself.
· be appropriate for the task at hand.
· be used to promote active learning where
the students manipulate information within a meaningful task
· require reflection by the students about
what they are doing.
· involve students in tasks they are interested and invested
in.
· provide tasks that are open-ended and real world
in nature
· be used within in a social and cooperative
setting.
We are excited about this pilot. It is a time of discovery, but also of trial and error, as we learn how to use wireless computers within our classrooms and with our students. As with all things new, learning how to implement them well will be part of the process. We will be sharing our progress as we go along with you, the parents, and with other sections of the school to see if a wireless system could be viable at other levels.
As educators, our goal is to teach to not what is but what will be. The skills and attributes of successful professionals in the future include, but are not limited to-- creativity, problem solving, global awareness, respectful skepticism, cooperation, responsibility, independence, self-discipline, ethics, systems thinking and conversational and technological literacy- Ted Sizer (1996). It is our hope and belief, that by implementing this program, we will enable our students to become the facile learners they must be to be successful in life.
Page written, constructed and maintained by Bridgette Fincher
Wednesday, September 26, 2001