GHCA's Laptop Initiative

INTRODUCTION

Photo of the Asus Eee PC On Tuesday, April 8 of 2008, the Board of Directors approved the Greater Houlton Christian Academy Laptop Initiative. This initiative, part of larger five year strategic plan, is the result of months of discussion and research. We hope that you become as excited about it as we are!

The purpose of this initiative is to integrate computer technology into the classroom setting. Before the Laptop Initiative, GHCA had a very strong Computer Science curriculum, with students learning computer-specific subjects like programming, computer skills, and computer technology. Unfortunately, our students rarely had the chance to apply these skills in their other subjects. For this to happen most effectively, computer technology must be with the students in the classroom.

Thus the birth of the Laptop Initiative. The Lord's timing is perfect as always, because the timing of this initiative lines up with larger-scale changes at GHCA and a shift in the market towards small, inexpensive laptop computers. Modern laptop computers and Internet-enabled devices now have the computational power needed to meet our goals at prices matching traditionally less-expensive desktop systems. In fact, system administrator Michael Surran predicts that laptop computers and other Internet devices will someday be as ubiquitous in schools as calculators!

GOALS

Our Laptop Initiative has a number of goals. Our top three goals are to provide:

Enhanced Learning In All Subjects - The computer gives teachers an amazing tool to make their subjects come alive. Students will be engaged using technology that they are most comfortable with - the technology of their generation. Through the fourfold approach of using laptops for research, presentation, simulation, and collaboration, students will no longer be idle recipients of mere facts - they will be participants in the learning process, assimilating ideas and knowledge through critical thought and creative reasoning. While this already takes place to some degree in the classroom, the laptop is "the right tool for the job" to unleash student learning and thinking at a whole new level.
Mastery Of Computer Skills - Technology literacy, particularly the use of computer hardware and software, is crucial for young people entering the modern workforce and culture. Like reading and writing, it is not enough to only be taught these skills once - these skills must be used continuously throughout the education process in order to be mastered. What greater synergy than to couple computer skills with the learning of the other subjects and disciplines? Whether it is the research and presentation of a major paper, the collection and analysis of scientific data, or any other number of uses of the computer in any subject, students will learn how to use the computer as a tool to harness and process information. Mastery of this tool will give our students a great advantage in the 21^st Century.
Improved Efficiency and Environmental Friendliness - Through the electronic distribution of notes, assignments, grades, and other information, the business of education can be made more efficient. Schools are notorious for generating and even wasting paper. The use of electronic storage and transmission (email, for example) should greatly reduce the amount of paper waste generated at GHCA. This is good for the environment and our budget. With proper training and use, electronic information can also be much more efficiently managed than paper, saving teachers and students valuable time. The computer also can perform the role of a library, giving students quick access to a plethora of books without cost to the school or overloaded backpacks.

DEPLOYMENT

The Laptop Initiative is currently aimed at grades 9-12, with the GHCA Computer Lab being used primarily for Junior High and Elementary classes. This means that ownership of a laptop / netbook computer is mandatory for all high school students, and each student must bring his or her laptop to class on a daily basis unless instructed otherwise.

Junior High students will continue to be allowed to bring laptops, but we are not mandating their use due to the financial strain that would place on some families. As laptop prices fall and the economy regains strength, we'll revisit laptops in the Junior High.

Teachers are working to integrate technology into the classroom and their curriculums. This process of integration can take years, but we have already seen some amazing and creative use of laptop technology in the classroom during our phase-in year. Curriculum providers are also starting to implement Internet-based resources that allow our faculty to easily use the laptops in a productive way in the classroom.

HARDWARE

UPDATE (04/18/2010) - Mr. Surran is currently doing a multipart review of Apple's new iPad. Many feel this device and others like it has amazing potential in the classroom. It's a bit early, at the time of this writing, to make a solid recommendation, but please follow Mr. Surran's iPad Review if you are in the market for a computer for our LI program.

The laptops themselves will be purchased and owned by the family. A set of minimum requirements needs to be met in order for the laptop to use GHCA's network. Since laptops / netbooks are mandatory for high school students, we highly recommend that parents who cannot afford a laptop for one or more child seriously consider our ~~"earn a free laptop" promotion being offered as part of this year's Bike-a-Thon (This opportunity ends June 6th for the 2009-2010 school year).~~We will have new information regarding the 2010 Bike-a-Thon posted shortly. Since we began our program, inexpensive and small netbooks have really taken the computer market by storm! Thanks to Linux, even full-sized laptops can be found for under $300 (tax and shipping not included).

MORE INFORMATION

For more information, please click on of the following links:

If you still have a question after reading through the above links, contact us at laptops@ghca.com!