GHCA'S LAPTOP INITIATIVE

INTRODUCTION

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. Up to this point, GHCA has had a 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 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, assimulating 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 books without cost to the school or overloaded backpacks.

DEPLOYMENT

The Laptop Initiative will be phased in during the 2008-2009 school year. This will allow time for everyone to "get their feet wet" as teachers experiment with the technology in their classrooms. During this deployment, some glitches are to be expected, and by anticipating those glitches we can use this time to most effectively make the transition to using laptops on a more full-time basis. The Laptop Initiative is currently aimed at grades 7-12, with the GHCA Computer Lab becoming more available for Elementary classes where students will focus on basic computer skills such as keyboarding and research.

HARDWARE

The laptops themselves will be purchased and owned by the family. A set of minimum requirements will need to be met in order for the laptop to use GHCA's network. For the 2008-2009 phased-in deployment, a laptop will NOT be mandatory for every child, however it is highly encouraged 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 (link to information coming soon). GHCA is promoting the Asus Eee PC Laptop which starts at $300. This laptop is small, light, yet loaded with applications, including Internet, wireless, word processing, and more!

MORE INFORMATION

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

• Minimum Hardware and Software Requirements
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Bike-a-Thon Laptop Promotion (link coming soon!)
• Laptop Policy / Terms of Use (link coming soon!)

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