1:1 Program on Target for Success
Parents and Students waited in line at the Oskaloosa High School to sign up and pay for the '1 and 1' laptop program
This year Oskaloosa High School has started a new program called “The 1:1 Laptop Initiative.” With this program every high school student (grades 9-12) has received a new MacBook laptop. Opinions differ about the games being blocked, but most at OHS agree that the 1:1 program has created a positive environment. While a small portion said they would go back to the time before the 1:1 laptops, most interviewed said they would not.
“I would have to say this is a good program as well as a good tool; we don’t have to waste time trying to find a computer lab or then wait and see when the library is available. The only downside I see about this program is the kids get distracted easily when they are not supposed to be playing games,” said science teacher Mike Goudy.
According to 9th grade teacher Jeff Lorentzen, the 1:1 initiative gives students access to technology they don’t have at home. He cites the distraction of YouTube and games, but feels that students could benefit from being allowed access to certain applications depending on their grade level. Spanish teacher Tom Tresnak labels the laptops “new and challenging” and recognizes the advantage of finding things quickly. Occasionally laptops result in wasted time when technology doesn’t work as it should.
Brandon Schmidt, social studies teacher, thinks we are off to a pretty good start. He points out the increased ability to communicate with students, but wishes we could get past the “new toy” phase. He would like students to take more responsibility regarding what sites they visit often. The laptops enable him to use less paper and utilize online note and test taking along with more computer based projects.
Kristen Bandy, who teaches 9-12 consumer science classes, provides another teacher perspective. She really appreciates access to what’s new in the foods world, recipes, etc. She and her students use the laptops about half the time when not in the lab cooking. Students always have access to homework assignments and notes through a new program in use at the high school this year called Studywiz. This program allows teachers to post notes, assignments, and even videos and pictures for students to access and complete work for classes, even when absent from school.
“I would say I like them and they are very convenient when we need them,” agreed senior Dillon Daniel. We always have access to the Internet when we need to look things up for a class. I would not go back to not having 1:1 computers at any point in time. I wish they wouldn’t block the games that they do. I use my computer most of the time in school and out of school without very many problems.”
Overall, most teachers and students feel that the 1:1 Initiative is a very positive program and both groups have benefited from having the technology at their fingertips. This program puts our school and students ahead of many schools in the state who are considering following our lead.
