Listen to this Episode!
In this first episode, we explore the fragile relationship between technology and education. Private schools throughout North America are launching laptop programs that put one personal laptop in the hands of every student. We took a road trip to find out how 2 Adventist schools brought this program to their campuses. Find out what it takes to start a laptop program at your school. Does it really enhance learning? What are the risks and costs? How can schools better equip themselves to teach a tech-savvy generation?
LEARN MORE.
ARTICLES
Laptop Evaluation Report. Research Scientist, Andrew Zucker, studied Maine’s laptop program and tells why it worked.
Critical lessons learned by a Technology Director who has had a 1:1 laptop program at his school for 6 years.
The infamous New York Times Article on schools whose laptop program failed. Published May 2008.
VIDEOS.
“Growing up Online” A PBS Front-Line MUST-SEE for anyone who interacts with today’s kids. Understand how kids learn and interact on their new virtual playground, the World Wide Web. Enter “Growing Up Online” into the search box.
TV news story about a lower-income county in Kansas establishing a laptop program.
Apple 1:1 Laptop Program
SITES.
EdLine and StudywizSpark, virtual learning software essential to connect students, teachers, and parents at a 1:1 school.
Website of GCA’s IT Director, Ernest Staats. Find helpful resources, money-saving tips, and software recommendations. Good for any school looking for a technology upgrade.
QUESTIONS YOU’RE STILL ASKING.
- How did GCA come up with the $150,000 for infrastructure?
- GCA had a very clear vision of what the school needed to make their dream reality. They determined they needed to raise $150,000 specifically for the infrastructure set-up.
- $25,000 was raised by the Parents for GCA Committee, another $25,000 was given from major donors, and Georgia-Cumberland Conference gave $100,000 after a special proposal was approved.
- Dr. Gerard raised told donors,”We’ll get the laptops and start this program, if you help us pay for the infrastructure to make our campus laptop-friendly.”
- Do students have to purchase the laptops?
- GCA borrowed the money for the laptops, software, and warranties. The loaned money will be paid back over time as each student pays $350/year to use the laptops. Seniors can opt to buy their computer for $1,000 at the end of the year. This is actually a good deal for the students as the computers are each worth $1,400. Furthermore, GCA paid only $600/computer because they ordered so many.
- What expenses did this add to the budget?
- The one-time set-up costs on infrastructure was a huge one-time expense. Maintenance costs are still unknown as GCA is still in its first year with the program.
- The school saved some money in other areas of the budget. For instance, they did not have to upgrade their existing computer lab with 60 new desktop computers. They freed up classroom space when the old computer lab was taken out. IT Director Errnest Staats reminds, “Beware that technology will save you time. Beware that technology will save you money.”
- Approximately 1/3 of GCA’s textbooks are electronic, and by next year, 1/2 of textbooks will be e-books.Unfortunately, the e-books are NOT less expensive than regular textbooks, and some students do not like the switch.
- “Laptops have provided a powerful extension for learning,” says Dr. Gerard. “The e-books are linked online, have interactive activities, assignments, tutorials, labs, etc, that you can’t have with regular books.” Because some students prefer traditional text books, students have the option of choosing the e-book or the hardcover version
- How can I bring the Apple 1:1 program to my campus?
- At your request, an Apple representative will come to your school and walk you through a technology analysis to identify the needs of your school. Based on these goals and needs, Apple works up a proposal for your review. This will look totally different for each school. Some schools already have Internet access, while others need a total technology facelift, security systems, etc.
- One of the most expensive important but expensive parts of the Apple 1:1 program is the Apple Teacher Training. Apple will host staff workshops on your camps to teach everyone how to use the computers. This starts at $2900/per day, with reduced rates for added dates and seminars. These workshops include specialized meetings for administrators, IT staff, teachers, etc. Apple advises to do more than 1 day of teacher training.
- What is the biggest mistake schools make in implementing a 1:1 program?
- The most common mistake schools make is twofold. (1) Not training teachers and (2) failing to incorporate the new technology into the curriculum so that it gets used.
- Each school needs clearly defined goals on why they need this program. What classes will it be used for? Do all students get a laptop? How will parents and teachers play a role in the program?
WHAT DO YOU THINK?
- In the virtual land of myspace, Facebook, text messaging, Nintendo Wii, and overactive television, today’s students practically live and learn on a different planet. Are we speaking in a language they understand? Or are we losing this generation?
- What are the long-term implications of moving to computer-based learning?
Great podcast! I often wonder about programs such as the laptop program. I can see how having such a program could certainly help to boost enrollment. I can also see how it can help students prepare for the technology driven society that we live in. I remember being at GCA. Although I didn’t live in the dorm, many of my friends did. In the evenings during study times, students had to wait in quite a line to be able to use the dorm computers for a limited amount of time. This caused great stress for some of my friends, but I don’t recall anyone not finishing their assignments due to a lack of ability to use a computer.
While there are many benefits to a laptop program, there are a few concerns to consider as well. First of all, does everyone need to have their OWN laptop? To me, this seems a bit extravagant. Call me old fashioned, but I wonder if the concept of sharing and learning to work within constraints (something that happens in the real world and often breeds creativity) outweigh the benefits of having one computer for each student.
Another thing to consider is the focus that drives the student. This will be different if you are looking at a boarding school or a private school. I work with children all the time and I have noticed how technology driven these kids are. If they are stuck in a situation with no T.V., computer or video games, the seriously feel as though their lives are over. Instead of encouraging a dependence on technology, why not give the kids a break and teach them to enjoy the simple things of life. Why not give them a breath of fresh air that teaches them to use their imaginations and not feel turned off to the thought of simply being outside or having nothing more than a pencil and a piece of paper at their disposal. Hey, why not even use the “down time” as an opportunity to encourage them to strengthen their relationship with the LORD, or even work to promote the happiness and well-being of others rather than entertaining themselves.
It is a tough decision to make. I think using technology is super important. In fact, in her book Education, Ellen White advises that we use the best methods possible to teach our children. I agree, I just wonder if a program that provides one laptop for every individual student to have all the time is the best way to foster the kind of serving and selfless nature that Christ calls us to. It’s a fine line, and I don’t know where it is drawn. It is good that we have some schools who are willing to try the program and are willing to fully weigh the pros and cons so that the rest of us can learn from them.
Laura,
Thank you so much for your insightful comment! I agree with many of the questions that you have. There is, I believe, a danger in too much technological reliance. This was one of the questions we asked Dr. Gerard as we were roaming the halls at GCA-do the kids still go outside and play, with real-life people and not in a virtual land? One of the students we interviewed said that at the end of her day, she does want to play, and that Rec time is extremely active with kids who just feel the need to move. I fear that technology will continue to contribute to a sedentary lifestyle as well as what you mentioned, the lack of nature in kids’ lives.
Something that GCA really showed us though, was the need for balanced. Their goal is not to “wire” kids to their laptops, and create an overuse of technology, but instead train students for the reality that technology is in almost every career now, and they would be able to thrive in a society like this. This is why we need to ask ourselves these hard questions before we just jump on the laptop bandwagon; to really think it through, and plan for balance ahead of time, making sure that that is an necessary part of the decision process.
Thanks Laura, again for your fantastic insights!
-Rika (host/producer)
I believe that, even a little slow, we are getting into the technology era in our schools. I wish we could organize a technology NAD conference so we all can be exposed to the latest technology and services out there. Thanks for your great efforts!
Thanks for a good introduction to podcasts-my first! It was fairly well balanced and presented the topic in a format that I felt was balanced. We haven’t gone this route-yet. Currently we are lease Computer on Wheels(COW)which brings laptops to our elementary classrooms. It’s working okay and saves the upfront expense of purchasing and maintenace(which can be a major factor for elementary students) and the need of space for a computer lab which is a problem for us.
I guess I’m to late for a chance at the ipod. I thought this was very informative. I like the way pros and cons were included. It was interesting to hear differences in use comparing a day academy to a boarding academy. I am principal of an elementary school. A sister school used lap tops versus a computer lab and found that they were more easily damaged.
We have a program that gives a macbook to each student in 5-8 for half a day, every day. They are not allowed to take them home. I would love to have the 1:1 program! Just having them for the limited time that they do, I have seen incredible results in grades, and have been about to pull great resources together to enhance learning.
If I was looking at going to a 1 to 1 I would strongly suggest one look at the net books which are very light weight , and are only 300 each but can still do everything a student would need to do for school or fun.
If anyone wants to see more of what GCA is doing with our laptop program they can go to GCA’S Interactive tour which includes a new section that is called mobile GCA this goes over some of the technologies we are using at GCA. The file is large a takes some time to load and it only works with IE at this time. The URL is http://www.gcasda.org/_sections/it/index.asp
This is very awesome! It is a great help to be connected with experiences of other schools.
It is interesting to observe the experience of others before plunging into a world of individual laptops for students. While using laptops for school does give us new tools, we also know that most teens use their tech toys primarily for socialization and entertainment purposes. In a dormitory setting, we ask our deans to be the parents for scores of teens all at once. I lean more towards having fixed, monitored computers–especially for the underclassmen. Keep up the good work AAF!
Good job just what we need. I just heard of another school just about to go under. Meat in due season. Will comment further, leaving for the airport momentarily. Got to get out of this minus 25 and go to California.
Thanks for taking on a challenging topic with a fair and open minded approach. You increased your credibility by noting the conflicting research.
The issue of security for laptops (as in theft prevention) is one that was not addressed. We purchased enough laptops for one per student for our 8th grade class. Within the first week of school we had a burglary and lost the whole lot of them. Fortunately the insurance covered us and we were able to replace them. We have since strengthened our school’s security system as well as the security programs on the computers themselves.
I thought the podcast could have been tightened up by a couple of minutes, especially in the introductory sections. I did enjoy the interview and the summary questions raised by the commentators.
Keep up the good work.
The magic is not in the Magician’s hat, it lies with the Magician. The same thing is true in technology. How effective a technology program is and how well it will works likes with the teachers. Are they using Alan November’s digital farm concept, are they utilizing the laptops in researching and writing. It depends so much with the teacher. If students are left to wander around they will eventually not be using these tools effectively.
These podcasts are an excellent idea. The idea of technology in our schools is a very important one. We must constantly do our best to continue growing in this area or our schools as our students will need strong technology skills to be successful in the workplace. I also agree with Mark Witas that we have to be careful to maintain a balance.
Once again, I want to congratulate the Alumni Awards Foundation for the excellent idea of these podcasts.
At Cascade Christian Academy we use technology in the classroom to enhance learning and keep our students competitive for entering university and the workforce. The balance we try to achieve is to use advanced technology without robbing them of the discipline of pen and paper, problem solving and computing, library research and spelling/penmanship. Taking tests online, computer programming, mastery of software and being able to plug statistics into computer graphing and data programs is necessary in today’s environment, but let us not part ways with “old school” elbow grease and graphite pencils!
Keeping up with technology is important. In Pennsylvania we are split in our teachers ability to handle technology. I hope this type of podcast will excite those that are a little more comfortable with technology and push them to do even more.
Podcast: Great idea. Excellent production and research. May God continue to lead.
Laptop initiative: My biggest fear? How the students will use their computers when they are off campus. Keeping the computers secure while they are on campus is a huge and difficult task. However, the larger issue that is accentuated is how these young people will use their computers at home. Most homes with Internet access do not have filtering systems. So, while these young people are protected from themselves at school, at home is a different story.
Further, with a laptop the computing goes to the student (or with the student), rather than the student going to the computing. The implications? Because Internet filtering systems are never perfect, desktop computers should always be set in a highly visible place where the screen can be seen at all times (helping students to stay on task and/or away from dangerous sites).
While laptops certainly bring great potential for preparing our young people for the new technological world that will confront them soon, they do bring a risk that is quite real.
Great production! Great music! Keep up the fine podcast. I can’t wait to hear the next episode.
I think the podcast idea is a wonderful one and was impressed by the production of the piece. It is always helpful to hear some of the ideas and programs being produced in other schools and to have the additional materials posted for reference on the site was a bonus.
On the topic of technology, I do believe that with the level of technological skill required in many workplace settings, along with the expected growth of technology usage across the professional spectrum over the next 10 year, finding ways to place more technology in the hands of students, while under a planned, focused environment will become more and more essentail.
Thank you for your work on the Pilot Light Podcast project!
I hope I win the ipod
The first 15 people to leave a reply will be entered into a drawing for an iPod nano engraved with the Pilot Light URL so that you can download the Pilot Light anytime…