Journal 10 - "Fitting the Pieces Together"

"Fitting the Pieces Together: Successful Technology Intergration with Laptops"
by Patricia A. Yost
Learning and Leading with Technology, November 2007, Vol. 35, No.3.

Yost chronicles the integration of technology into the middle schools in her area of State College, Pennsylvania. She helped spearhead an effort to pilot a laptop program, with the objectives of using technology as a tool for "higher-order thinking and learning" for both students and teachers. She splits up the integration process into Year One and Year Two.

In Year One, each teacher was provided with a laptop, and every two teachers shared a video projector. This gave teachers enough time to become familiar with the laptop technology. They were given the option of using desktop computers, but most chose laptops, which required a three-year commitment contract. They were also required to attend a professional development program to learn ad share strategies and technical skills.

In Year Two, every two classrooms shared a cart of laptops, and the video projectors were replaced with ceiling-mounted projectors which could be hooked up to computers. The schools found much success with the technology integration. Among the developments were teachers using more interactive, "hyperlink infused" presentations, use of video segments as opposed to entire films, greater use of online materials and high-quality websites, and students improving their writing through word processors. Students also gave more sophisticated audio-visual presentations and participated in email and chatroom discussions.

I thought this was a great example of a gradual, well-planned way of integrating and modernizing schools. Instead of just throwing a bunch of new tools into classrooms and letting the teachers figure out how to use them, the school started with laptops just the teachers, gave them training and time to adapt to them, and THEN let the students use them. Teachers are often very wary of technology because they may not have the time to learn to use it effectively, let alone teach students to use it.

I also liked how the teachers kept meeting not only to learn the technical skills, but to participate in "share sessions" where they disseminate ideas, projects, and documents so other teachers can try them out in the classroom. Some teachers are stingy with their resources, but I think it's in the best interest of the schools to encourage sharing of resources because it benefits the students.

1. How are laptops more beneficial than the traditional trip to the computer lab?

I suppose they save time and make computers more available. Computer labs are great, but they can only accomodate one class at a time, whereas having laptops in all classrooms (or shared in this case) makes it easier for students to have access to them. Some students learn best in interactive, audio-visual settings, so this is especially beneficial to them.

2. Would you use a laptop in your classroom?

Heck yes! It is extremely inconvenient for the teacher to have to go bend over the huge monitor on his or her desk to get a presentation started, whereas with a laptop, he or she can put it neatly on a podium or table at the front of the class. I have seen teachers lead class with their laptop right in front of them, sometimes hooked up to small speakers. I think kids respond well to a teacher who is tech-savvy and up-to-date.