It is a simple yet powerful idea. In this world, students would have access to a personal computer and information online, allowing them to pursue individual paths to learning. In this world, the learning does not result from access alone, but from continuous, dynamic interaction among students, educators, parents, and the extended community.

Laptops in Action

The Liverpool Central School District in Liverpool, New York, has developed "Learning with Laptops," a voluntary, pilot program in which tenth grade teachers and students will integrate English, math, social studies, science, and foreign language curriculum with wireless laptop computer technology. The vision of the program is to connect teachers and students with a systematic and comprehensive use of technology combined with a rigorous and relevant curriculum and a career preparation component. The school district believes strategic technological saturation will help serve as a catalyst in the transition from traditional learning to a student-centered, problem-solving, project-driven approach that will carry students well into this century.

The Benefits of Using Laptop Computers

Laptop computers enable learning to go beyond the school walls and provide access to worldwide resources. Laptop integration allows students to use a tool that they will likely be expected to use in college and in future careers. Other benefits for students who use laptop computers include the following:

• Improved writing skills using word processing tools such as editing and outlining
• Greater motivation and more active involvement in his or her own education
• Better skills in organizing and accessing information, daily assignments, and projects at home and at school
• The ability to gather and process data efficiently and effectively by using charts, graphs, spreadsheets, and databases
• Develop improved thinking skills by analyzing data, synthesizing information, and applying research
• The ability to create interactive multimedia presentations using video, photographs, graphics, and text
• Develop advanced verbal skills by making multimedia presentations to the class
• The ability to use the Internet for research
• Collaborating with classmates and teachers on projects
• The option to take virtual trips to museums, cities, countries, and other places
• The ability to communicate with individuals throughout the United States and in other countries
• The ability to interact with non-English speaking people in real-world applications.

Professional Development

At Liverpool, teacher professional development is and has always been considered essential, so we ensured our teachers were able to work with the laptops before we introduced them to our student community. We took careful consideration to develop a framework for laptops and staff professional development for our teachers. We were able to set clear expectations for laptop use and to provide the support to learn and grow.

Our multilevel professional development program has provided structure, flexibility, and measurable objectives that have resulted in our teachers embracing laptop learning and delivering laptop instructional curriculum.

Looking Ahead

Our students who use laptop computers work in a wireless world. They work in a wireless classroom and utilize a wireless network to transmit and receive projects and assignments. Our commitment to a wireless environment presents a great cost savings for our taxpayers, ensures greater student safety, and allows greater mobility for students working groups or in locations other than school building.

Liverpool Central School District is eager to spread the word about the laptop project because of its tremendous potential to accommodate students' learning styles and to increase their achievement. Helping students achieve their academic and social potential is our goal. The laptop program will help us achieve our goal of helping students by creating a continuing and connected learning community that meets our students' needs today and prepares them for tomorrow.

Biographical information

Bonnie Ladd is supervisor of computer education and services for Liverpool Central School, Liverpool, New York. She leads the voluntary laptop pilot program in which 350 tenth grade students were issued laptop computers and are taught by 35 laptop-ready teachers.

Bonnie consults throughout the U.S. and Canada on managing student information systems. She is currently pursuing two degrees: M.S. in Information Science at Syracuse University, and a certificate of advanced studies in education administration at SUNY Oswego.

For more information about the laptop computer pilot program, contact: Bonnie Ladd