Stafford Schools One to One Laptop Initiative
In August of 2000, Stafford Schools began their one to one initiative. The following serves as background information for the first year of the intiative.
Stafford Schools entered a laptop learning environment for all sixth grade students in August of 2000. The planning to implement this program began in February 2000.
We conducted a program evaluation. Using this research we wish to apply the findings directly to our objectives to interpret our tenets in planning for the future of this program. We hope to determine the needs of those who will be served by such a program. We have found that analogous to treatments we would be subject to change during the course of this evaluation, as our needs would change. It is hoped that we would be able to collect adequate information on the progress of our ultimate goals.
The tenets involved in the implementation of this program at Stafford Schools stem from the visions of educators and administrators. Recognizing early, the importance of technology in education, staff examined the needs of the school. Considering the rural nature of the community, learning using laptops appeared to be a growing interest. Increasingly, it is difficult to attract specialized educators to rural communities. Not only because of the obstacle of attracting educators to rural areas, the community had other considerations. Stafford Schools have a sixty-three percent rate of economically disadvantaged students compared to a state average of thirty-one percent. The community ranks eighth in the state out of one hundred five counties for most children living in poverty. In the county, child abuse and neglect reports have increased 360.3 percent in 1998 and juvenile intake increased 116 percent in the same year, (US Census Bureau) These statistics offer evidence of the communities’ socioeconomic status. For the complete study of the first year, go to the Document Manager link to the left.
Through Classroom Integration
– Basic Computer
• Students work on typing proficiency and learn computer shortcuts
• Students create resumes and write letters using the correct format
• Integration with science and social studies with scavenger hunts, research, etc.
• Classes have created a cookbook using recipes from the Internet
– Language Arts
• Students create presentations for book reports, legend writing, etc.
• Reading comprehension webs are designed to help with student understanding
• Microsoft Word is used for proofreading and revision of papers. Comments can be added from students and teacher
• Online quizzes are taken at funbrain.com to check comprehension of material
• Beginning work with iMovie
– Science
• Information is found using the Internet, and then worksheets are completed about the information found
• Worksheets/notes are completed using Microsoft Word from files from the server
• Websites for instructional purposes, unit openers, better understanding
• Research for specific topics
– Study Skills
• Planners have been placed on the laptops using the Stickies feature
• Keyboarding proficiency is practiced
– Foreign Language
• Learning appropriate punctuation and vocabulary
-Special Services
• Homebound students are served
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