9 September, 2012
On Wednesday, September 5, Hopkinton High School welcomed a new freshman class to the school, as students arrived toting laptop computers in their backpacks. After months of planning and preparation, the school year began with the roll‐out of a new 1:1 laptop program. Most students at Hopkinton High School are leasing brand new Macbook Air computers operating on the newest Apple operating system called Mountain Lion. Students had a choice of either bringing their own device, or entering into a four‐year lease program for the Macbook Air.Regardless of the device, students arrived excited, recognizing they were part of something new.
Freshman class president Austin Schofield said, “I think the Tech Department makes it really easy with these transitions to the laptops.” When asked about the 1:1 program, Schofield stated, “They [laptops] are really helpful and it makes learning a lot more fun and definitely more efficient.” He reported that he has already used his computer in all of his classes.
Prior to the start of school, the high school conducted five student orientation sessions for all students, whereby 95% of the freshman class attended with a parent or guardian. During these sessions, parents/guardians were given an overview of parental controls and students were given reminders about Internet safety and etiquette. During the orientation, students also received instruction on the policy and procedures of the program, as well as direction on the use of their device. Students with new Macbook Air computers were given instructions on using the operating system, while students who would be bringing their own devices received instruction on software they would need along with recommended tools to assist them in the classroom.
Referencing Assistant Principal Ashoke Ghosh who provided much of the instruction, Schofield stated, “Mr. Ghosh definitely helped us set up our Macs in a way that makes it easier for us to learn.”
Kathy Dooley, the district technology director, is pleased with the first few days of the rollout, saying, "My team has worked countless hours for months preparing for this week. I am proud of how hard they have worked. Seeing how excited the students are now has made it all worth it!”
Dooley reported that by 8:00am Wednesday morning, 460 wireless devices were on the network with a maximum of 540 by the end of the day. Those numbers included approximately 300 devices that were part of the 1:1 program.
Dooley noted, “Most concerns reported to the Technology Center since Wednesday have been related to user accounts and forgotten passwords.” Principal Alyson Geary spent much of the first day of school at a table outside the Technology Center assisting students with questions as they arose.
Ms. Geary reports “ The 9th graders appear very excited about this new opportunity and I am enjoying the chance to get to know them personally by assisting them with the 1:1 program.”
Students have already received an overview of Google Apps for Education and Moodle Learning Management System. They have already been making good use of the devices and have utilized Moodle to access course content; however, the training doesn’t end there. All students will be enrolled in a freshman seminar course to help them learn the most effective technology tools to maximize learning and increase efficiency and organizational skills. Similarly, teachers are receiving ongoing support in developing effective ways to utilize technology in a learning environment. Technology integration specialist, Colleen Worrell, spent the majority of this week meeting with teachers who are excited to explore new ways to integrate technology into their classrooms. The district has planned workshops and computer support programs to take place over the course of the year to ensure continual growth and effective use of technology at Hopkinton High School.
