Journal Article
#1
Bahrampour, Tara (2004, October 13). A Laptop in Every
Locker, T.C. Williams Gives
Students Technology Boost. Washington Post Company. Retrieved October
17, 2004, from http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A28050-2004Oct12.html?sub=new
T.C. Williams is a local
High School in Alexandria Virginia, which has instituted a school wide
laptop program
for all its 2,100 students. The laptops were given at no cost to
students and
their families. Parents and students were required to sign the schools
acceptable use policy. Students are required to use the laptops
throughout the
year for homework and research. Each laptop is equipped with a wireless
network
that allows students to use the laptops anywhere on campus. There is
limited
Internet access that is blocked by filters and it can only be accessed
while on
the school campus. Restrictions also include no instant messaging and
e-mail. There
are also alerts that warn the school if students attempt access
restricted
sites. Parents were invited to attend training seminar to help manage
laptop
usage, but the bulk of the supervision will rely on the administration.
If the
laptops are lost or stolen, the manufacture will make every attempt to
locate
or replace the equipment. T.C. Williams
budgeted
and decided to implement this program, based on the research done on
skills
required by today’s job market, and how other school districts have
implemented
their technology programs. This program will also help the schools
graduating
seniors meet their technology literacy requirement. T.C. Williams has
decided
to be on the cutting edge of technology, and provide access to students
that
might not otherwise have this opportunity.
I feel that
T.C. Williams
has taken a positive step towards providing the best they can for their
students. They are keeping up and taking the lead in equipping their
students
with skills that are required by today’s job market. They were also
smart in
choosing the option of budgeting for the cost of the laptops as opposed
to waiting
on other resources. The biggest challenge I think they will face is
maintaining
and keeping up with lost or stolen or damaged equipment. There can only
be a
positive outcome to their investment.