One-to-One Student Computers
November 19, 2008
Imagine a school where students have all of their books and
assignments inside a laptop, which they carry from class to class.
Each student could have their own machine instead of checking them
out for every time a research paper or big project.
This could be Phillipsburg High if principal Todd Bowman sees more
pros than cons with the one-to-one student computer concept and can
make a winning proposal to the school board. So far, the pros
outweigh the cons greatly.
Having a one-to-one student to computer ratio creates many
opportunities for students scholastically.
"Everyone is on a level playing field, and everyone will be held
responsible for their computer," Bowman said. Insurance fees and a
deposit would secure the safety of the computers.
These computers would be taken to each classroom accompanied with
the computer case and charger. With such a system, teachers can
send assignments a student's school e-mail address and when
completed, the students can send it back using a system similar to
drop boxes.
This concept could also make the idea of textbooks almost obsolete.
Although some classes might still require a book, most can be
downloaded right onto the laptop, Bowman explained. This would
reduce the need to go to lockers in between each class and, in
turn, could eventually reduce tardies. However, this would not get
rid of paper and pencil assignments.
Studies show that use of computers decreases dropout rates in high
school, as well as increases attendance rate, and eventually, job
efficiency.
"This reminds me of a quote by John Dewey: 'If we teach today as we
did yesterday, we rob them of tomorrow.' Things have changed
drastically, and we want to progress instead of holding back,"
Bowman said.
Bowman believes that one-to-one computers would reduce the
vandalism of the school laptops.
"Because we will know that each computer belongs to a student, if
that computer ends up broken they will be responsible," Bowman
said.
With the bright side of student computers comes the darker side.
Cost will be a huge factor in this concept. Although the school
already owns computers, many still need to be purchased, because in
addition to each student's computer, loaners will also be
acquired.
Tech support will need to be readily available for computer
malfunctions or crashes.
"I heard of a group of students in El Dorado that made their own
tech support team," Bowman said. "Students that plan on going into
the field of computer technology would be supervised while fixing
any computers."
Students will have the option of using iChat, a social networking
device used to connect students. Bowman said that each student
would add all his or her teachers as friends. If they attempt to
log on during a time when it is prohibited, the teacher will know
because a notification will pop up on their screen.
Although the thought of one-to-one computers is still debatable, it
seems to be desirable in many ways.
