We are in our final year of a four year MacBook lease agreement with our 1:1 computer program. The past four years grades 7-12 have had a 1:1 laptop correspondence while our lower grades have had increased access to technology.
Since we've been a 1:1 school more and more schools have implemented a 1:1 program across our state. Enclosed is a URL - http://goo.gl/kZhjkX that lists school districts across our state who have implemented a 1:1 program and the device that is used.
Our students have had an opportunity to travel to different 1:1 Districts within our state to see how their implementation looks and to have conversations to help inspire innovation within our own school.
The Google Chrome Book was not available as a 1:1 solution 4 years ago - so we felt we had a responsibility to research different options for 1:1 learning, and that it was important for our students to explore a cheaper solution to see what the Chrome Book has to offer as a 1:1 learning solution.
Just recently our Middle School SIAC students had an opportunity to go to Starmont CSD and our High School SIAC Students went to explore Dyersville Beckman. The intent of the visit was to check out their 1:1 environment using Chrome Books. The students had mixed reviews of their experience. Many saw some limitations of the ChromeBook compared to the software and hardware experience they are used to with the Macbook, but they felt if the ChromeBook was the next solution it would offer more opportunities for collaboration.
Overall the recent trips provided exposure to our students to different kinds of technology. It was really powerful to see a realization among the student visitors of how lucky we are as a school district to have such great access to some very powerful and awesome technology.
