1:1 Initiative
By Pat Anderson
July 17, 2009
Bringing new technology into the hands of all the students of Central School District #104 is both an exhilarating and challenging undertaking. Bringing such technology to our school is an exciting adventure that will give many of our students their first opportunity at using computers at school and at home. Many of our students do not have the luxury of owning a home computer and our ability to give them, and their families, access to a computer is something never thought imaginable for students attending our school.
The Apple 1:1 initiative is a relatively simple concept. Provide every student in a school a laptop computer they can use at school and home. In essence, we are giving a student a laptop that will be at his or her disposal at all times. It is the school’s responsibility to keep the technology working and create a curriculum that best utilizes the additional resources our students have acquired.
Our first year of implementation will be a pilot program. Our students will not be able to take their MacBook home, but will have full access to them during the school year. During the first quarter, the MacBook computers will be available to all teachers and students. Students and teachers will learn the technology and become familiar with all the new applications and programs. During the second quarter, the MacBooks will be available for the 6th grade to implement the 1:1 concept (third quarter 7th grade, fourth quarter 8th grade). They will have full use of the computer the entire school day. Students will work on cross-curricular assignments, work on a variety of engaged learning activities, and work on many projects that will enable them to utilize a variety of critical thinking skills.
We are very excited about this endeavor and know that the experience will be enlightening for our students and help them to become successful young adults.
