USD 487 Launches One to One
Technology to Support Learning
by Jon Utech
The USD 487 Board of Education took a giant step forward in meeting the challenge of providing technology for students to meet their educational needs by adopting a one to one computer initiative for the High School. Herington will join an ever-growing list of school districts that have moved to make technology an active part of all educational programs by providing a computer for each student to use in their education.
Previously the district has attempted to meet the growing needs of classrooms and students using shared equipment via computer carts. Teachers would plan and reserve equipment, move it to their classrooms via a cart and then return the units when finished. What many schools are finding is that technology that has to be scheduled is an event. When technology is available when you need it every time, it is a tool. Placing the computers in the hands of the students makes them a tool that can be an active part of classroom activities every day.
The cost of
the computers has limited schools ability to consider initiating a
one to one initiative, until the introduction of equipment that
cost a third of what previously was available, yet with all the key
capabilities needed for classes. The past three years the
district has spent nearly $90,000 to keep equipment up-to-date
enough that it will meet the demands of current programs. The
cost of the one to one initiative for Herington High School will be
nearly $30,000 less than that and will provide the updates needed
district-wide by re-tasking equipment from one building to
another. The result of the purchases this year
will update laptop carts at the elementary and middle school and
update the computer lab at the elementary with units that are less
than 2 years old.
Fall will start with High School parent and student meetings to introduce the equipment, expectations, and responsibilities . These meetings will be in small groups and will allow for questions and answers from the district technology staff and administration. Care and security of the computers will be the responsibility of the students with the support of their parents. Computers used by students as a freshman will be the same computer they will use as a sophomore and junior, thus it is important that they properly care for the equipment. Equipment used by seniors will be refurbished and issued to incoming freshmen. The intent is to use the computers for at least 3 years before replacing them.
Staff members will attend similar meetings, identifying expectations of the students and what teachers can do to help make the computer program a success. Ongoing training opportunities will be available to enhance the use of technology in our classrooms.
Increased access to
technology by High School students opens many doors and enables
access to great learning opportunities. As schools focus on
preparing students with 21st century workplace skill,
access to the tools they will face in their future becomes vital
.
