INTRODUCTION
UPDATE (06/10/2011) - The Laptop Initiative is currently being reevaluated due to the economic environment and other challenges we've faced in implementing it. There are certain classes, however (geometry, for instance), which will depend on LI during the 2011-2012 school year. If your child currently does not have a laptop or tablet, and you are confused as to whether or not he / she will need one, please contact our Head Of School, John Bishop for details. In some cases, a device like an iPod Touch will be sufficient!
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 tablet devices like the iPad now have the computational power needed to meet our goals at prices matching traditionally less-expensive desktop systems. In fact, computer expert Michael Surran predicts that tablet computers 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 21st 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 computer or tablet device is mandatory for all high school students, and each student must bring his or her device 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
The laptop / tablet is purchased and owned by the family. Computer technology has come such a long way since we started LI that just about any new computer will meet our requirements. In fact, a device like the latest iPod Touch will work for many of our classes! If you are considering used hardware, then you probably should take a look at our minimum requirements list.
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!