Considering that the press release was posted already twelve days ago, it's probably old news for the H.S. students of Maine whose governor just expanded their 1-1 laptop initiative to include all middle and high schools students in the entire state. That's approximately 100,000 computers in all.
The more I research, the more I'm convinced that only 1-1 laptops will satisfy the ever-growing technology needs of a 21st century student. Clickers are cool and interactive whiteboards can be fun but only a fully functional, massively multi-purpose device like a laptop computer can keep up with these kids' innovative ideas of how and when THEY want to learn. Why deny them the education that they want to give themselves?
One laptop per student is a great dream. I believe that it would truly a wonderful thing. However, the reason we deny them the education that the students want to give themselves is, of course, financing.
ReplyDeleteI think this is great but I have two questions.
ReplyDelete1. Is this a reasonable expense to the tax payer in economic times where we are laying off teachers.
2. Is Apple the way to go when these same children are highly likely to find PC's most everywhere else?
@ Michael,
ReplyDelete1. I can't find any evidence of teachers being layed-off in Maine. But, your point is taken. However, I'd ask, "Is it really reasonable to expect different educational results if we don't try dramatically different approaches like this one in Maine?"
2. All the more, shouldn't they be given the opportunity to use a superior OS for part of their lives? ;) hahaha...
@ Suzon
Not to sound smart alecky, but it's not a dream for Maine's middle and H.S. students.