Laptops For Education

by Valerie Nelson | More from this Blogger

03 Aug 2006 08:09 AM

It has been said that laptops are the 21st century pencil and paper for schools. In some areas of the country, such as Michigan, California and Maine, laptop computer technology has been made available for middle and high school students. The Board of Education and teachers recognize the benefits of outfitting students with personal computers that they can use in school and at home in order to complete homework assignments. Laptops provide a continuum of technology that helps students stay up to date with technology and learn practical computing skills. In addition when students have access to technology they can experiment and create on their own time outside of the confines of the structured school day.

Faculty fluency can be a hindrance to utilizing technology- such as laptops. Many people in the Eisenhower era marvel at how their grandchildren can surf the web like a pro, program a DVD player and use other technology with ease. For some teachers there is a learning curve that needs to be addressed so that they can feel more comfortable and utilize the technology to its fullest potential as an aid to teaching.

Another hindrance to the utilization of laptop technology is the responsibility factor that students and their parents must buy in to. Some students are not mature enough to take personal care of their own laptop. In addition, some student laptops have been stolen or sold by some less than ethical people. Adding technology staff to the already budget strapped schools can be a deal breaker, but students and teachers cannot just be handed a laptop and be expected to maintain them properly. In some school districts parents have to pay a usage fee each year to help offset the costs for repairs and/or replacement of the computer should it be lost or damaged.

Laptops won't take the place of traditional teachers, but can certainly enhance students learning experience when they are appropriately worked into the curriculum.

Learn more about Valerie Nelson

Valerie is a Families.com blogger, freelance writer and small business owner. Valerie helps non-profit organizations with fundraising through grant development for their programs and projects.

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Valorie Delp (49340) 03 Aug 2006 10:07 AM

I am completely against the idea of laptops in middle schools and high schools. I have worked in a laptop school (it was a middle school) and the management of all the kids having laptops is a nightmare. I am in favor of using laptops for colleges and actually I could see using laptops with upperclassmen in highschool as part of college prep. I think tax dollars could really better be spent elsewhere though, like giving teachers raises!

Valorie Delp (49340) 03 Aug 2006 10:07 AM

I meant to add: Great article! But I hit the add comment button too early! LOL

DianeScraps (4230) 03 Aug 2006 10:11 AM

I think that the majority of students and their parents are just not ready for the responsibility of laptops at schools.