Journal 1: “Taking Laptops Schoolwide: A Professional Learning Community Approach” NETS-T 5

Green, T., Donovan, L., & Bass, k. (2010). Taking laptops schoolwide: a professional learning community approach. Learning & Leading with Technology, 38(1), Retrieved from http://iste.org/learn/publications/learning-and-leading/digital-edition-august-2010.aspx

SUMMARY:

This article's main focus is about how implementing the progression of laptop use across grade levels and with teachers' collaboration helped with the advancement of student skills. Researchers noticed a major difference between schools within the same district. They concluded that successful schools had integrated technology applications in their curriculum. To enforce this type of curriculum, teachers would have to work collaboratively, in order, for students to master each program/application and be prepared to learn a new application in the next grade level. For example, for the lower-grade levels, teachers taught students how to use programs such as AppleWorks and basic word processing. For the Higher-grade levels, students learned more advance features such as importing images and special effects. There are four factors to consider when starting this collaborative approach in schools. First factor is school climate. There should be teachers willing to participate in this program. In addition, school administrators, parents and the community should be more involved and supportive. Secondly, communication is critical so that everyone will be informed and can be more involved in reaching the primary goal of the needs of students. Third factor is collaboration. Sharing ideas is a great way to address how to reach these common goals. Lastly, schools will need a defined plan or outline on the progression of use of laptops throughout the school year and from grade to grade.

QUESTION 1: How can schools be able to afford laptops for their students given all the budget cuts in education?

ANSWER: According to the above article, not only is teachers’ collaboration key to the success of the progression use of laptops in schools, but the support and involvement of the community and parents are crucial. If the community, parents, faculty and school board want to implement such a program, it would be easy to raise money to purchase laptops for students.

QUESTION 2: If such a program is implemented, what about those students who doesn’t have access to laptop at home?

ANSWER: This laptop program is for students to benefit from. Educators understand the importance of mastering the lesson being taught. Those students who do not have access to laptop can make arrangements with the teacher to come in early or stay after class to do their assignment. Also, teachers can set aside about 15 minutes of class time for those students to finish their work.