photo credit: Andrew*

Found today in some of the feeds I follow:

A little bit of this…

 Maine to put a MacBook on every student’s desk | Laptop | MacUser | Macworld

“The state has long struck deals with Apple to provide laptops for many of its students, and according to a report by the Associated Press, it’s in negotiations with Apple to expand the deal this year, putting a MacBook on the desk of every public school student from grades 7 to 12. The 100,000 laptops would run to a cost of roughly $242 per computer per year, or an annual total of close to $25 million.”

(Via Macworld.)

and a little bit of that…

 In-class laptop use sparks backlash, possibly lower grades – Ars Technica

“… the benefits of 1:1 laptop availability are mixed. Different studies have found changes in math and science test performance that were inconsistent. In general, the authors argue, the benefits of laptops come in cases where the larger educational program has been redesigned to incorporate their unique capabilities, and the teachers have been trained in order to better integrate laptop use into the wider educational experience.”

(Via Ars Technica)

… makes for an interesting blend.

I firmly believe that Maine would not make a decision to extend a program if they did not see value extending past standardized test scores. Also, it is my hope that their investment in equipment is balanced by innovative professional development opportunities that emphasize mentorship and collaboration.

Teachers from Maine… what is your reaction?

Teachers from elsewhere… would you want a 1:1 laptop program in your school?

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