Ray A. James
ETEC 557-01W
Date: 4 Feb. 04
ABSTRACT NUMBER 4
CITATION:
Belanger, Yvonne, (2002) Laptop Computers in the K-12
Classroom. Teacher
Librarian, April 2002, 29(4), 31-33. [http://search.epnet.com/direct.asp?an=6529209&db=aph]
SUMMARY:
This article focuses on the ideal that laptop computers in a classroom are increasingly becoming attractive, and are the key to increasing student motivation and creating more student-centered classrooms. While computers make good for research projects they maybe lacking support to students in math and science. Laptops are the new current wave of instruction where they are beginning to get the support of Texas Board of Education who would like to use CD-ROMs with laptops opposed to textbooks, due to the cost factor. Texas Board of Education says that they could save $1.8 billion dollars over a six-year period, according to this article. This decade shows that computer technology with laptops will be an added plus with Educators.
Technology corporations such as NetSchools at: http://www.studypro.com provides laptops in K-12 education that has software, hardware, and technical support as added features. Research does support increased student motivation when using these computers. The laptops have theft-deterrent technology built in them to ensure the recovery of them.
PERSONAL REACTION:
The sky is the limit when handling laptops. Proper security could be costly when a laptop is loss, stolen, or misplaced. However, laptops with special chips could be coded to where no one could use them if they are not recovered. The ideal of them being versatile either in a school environment or at home is convenient.
All districts could afford the program. Teachers could benefit from them as well. With laptop computers that are wireless with networks, schools can allow multiple users to share a single network connection. Laptop computers are a valuable tool where integration of content is the key to students’ success. The future of laptop computers in my opinion will make decision making a dream come true. Paper textbooks will become a thing of the past! Desktop computers will continue to serve their purpose, but sooner or later will be replaced with laptops due to convenience, comfort, cost, and reliability. The key to any good computer is proper technical support. Also, teachers who are certified to teach technology will make the remedial changes necessary to keep students on-task!