Dear Parents,
We have the opportunity to go in a bold new direction. What might our education look like if we provided a laptop for every student? This was the topic of our parent focus group on January 24, 2011. I have invited parents to leave comments and questions on this blog. This is the beginning of the conversation.
Please leave comments on the financing plan, the timeframe for implementing the plan and / or the parent training opportunities.
Thanks for setting up this forum tonight.
ReplyDeleteAlot of information to absorb but definately support incorporating the use of computers with a Christian perspective in the classroom. I believe that there is so much on the internet and media today that can lead our kids in the wrong direction I think the sooner that we can develop a plan and implement it the better!
I just want to say that our family is "All In" for the laptop proposal for freshman at Unity. In addition, we would really like to see the board consider implementing laptops for the sophomore class as well.
ReplyDeleteAs I understand it from a pedagogy aspect, the teachers are quite excited to implement and the original proposal was for freshman and sophomores. I also understand that some courses are mixed freshman and sophomores and having some of the students without laptops will hinder full implementation in those courses. While I am sure that the financial aspect of implementing for sophomores will be different, I really believe that over three years, the learning outcomes will be large for next year's sophomores if they have this available to them.
We have been talking about the laptop initiative and we are wondering if the laptop will completely replace textbooks? It would certainly decrease the weight of the backpacks if that is the case!
ReplyDeleteCindy, I do think in 5 years, we will see very few traditional texts. That said, I also still prefer to hold a novel in my hand than read a screen. I think the day of the textbook that becomes out-dated the day it is printed will be over. There are already online texts that update weekly. I think the 45 lb backpack is going away.
ReplyDeleteEric, we sent out an email yesterday specifically inviting parents of the current freshmen / next year's sophomores to come to a 2nd presentation. Specific details on finances and implementation will happen at that meeting. It will be Tuesday or Wednesday February 15 or 16 depending on whether we have a girls' playoff game or not.
ReplyDeleteDarin, thanks for coming. I think our rationale for doing this 1:1 plan as a Christian community is significant. We have a calling to redeem for Christ and this is a critical area to tackle.
ReplyDelete