25 May, 2012
For the past five years, teachers and administrators at Hopkinton High School have been laying the groundwork for the implementation of the 1-1 Laptop Initiative.
“In the world of computers and education today, we have been moving from a 5-1 ratio, five students to one computer, to a 1-1 ratio," says Technology Director Kathy Dooley. "And that's a standard that is published by the Department of Education in Massachusetts, and the guidelines are for that to happen in the 2014-2015 school year.
The goal is to create a personalized, student centered learning environment which more closely resembles the world outside the classroom and results in increased student engagement and achievement.
“It's an opportunity for teachers and for the administration to meet students halfway," says Assistant Principal Ashote Ghosh. "Computers, phones, technology are all part of our students everyday lives. If we can tap into that excitement that these studetnts have, and pull that excitement into the classrooms, I think that will open up opportuniities every day."
The program is all about personalized learning and creating an environment that is available to students anytime, anywhere and teachers have already begin the transition to digital content in their classrooms.
"We've done a lot of extensive teacher training," says Hopkinton High School Principal Alyson Geary. "Most teachers, have a digital classroom that goes along with their face to face classroom."
'It provides ubiquitous access to technology," says Dooley. "Basically everybody has a computer when they need it, where they need. Teachers then begin to redesign their instruction, knowing that their students all will have access to technology, when they need it, where they need it."
Geary says that teachers have not only been using digital content, but have also been working on technology integration strategies, but without easy access to computers, their progress is limited.
"The demand for technology far exceeds the supply that we currently have," says Geary.
While all of the teachers now have laptops, there are currently only two laptop cards and one stationary lab that teachers can sign up to use.
To date, two separate pilot programs have been completed which confirm that these tools provide for more individualized instruction with increased feedback. The outcomes for learning are positive and include increased organization and productivity, better access to online resources, and the ability to experience authentic project based learning in a classroom setting. The ability to work one on one with students and to use differentiated instruction is yet another benefit of the 1-1 initiative cited by teachers. Computer simulations are also an important part of teaching and allow students to access real world applications.
But while the groundwork for the 1-1 initiative has been laid, and the pilots have proved successful, funding for the program has not been as easily achieved. As a result, the high school is seeking to form a partnership with parents.
"Parents are critical to the success of this program," says Dooley, "because that partnership will help us provide every student with a valuable learning tool. Additionally, it helps us keep a sustainable model for keeping our high school technology up to date."
Starting in the fall of 2012, the 1-1 Laptop Initiative will provie all 9th grade students the opportunity to lease a laptop, bring one from home or use a school provided device. The School Committee has already voted to move the program forward. The next step is to get 80% of the incoming freshmand class to agree to either lease a computer from the school or agree to bring one from home.
Beginning today, May 25, forms will go out to current 8th grade parents. Parents who choose option 1, to lease a laptop, will be asked to submit deposits by Monday, June 4, and those who will bring a laptop from home are asked to confirm that they plan to provide their own device for their child.
At the June 7 School Committee meeting, an update on the number of parents who have signed up for the program will be provided. If the 80 % participation rate is reached, the 1-1 Laptop Initiative will be implemented in September for incoming freshman. For complete details about the 1-1 Laptop Initiative planned for the 2012-2013 school year, visit the high school website.
For additional questions or information, contact Principal Alyson Geary at ageary@hopkinton.k12.ma.us or 508-497-9820.
To hear testimonials from teachers and students about their experiences with laptops in the classroom, watch the HCAM News video below.
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