One-to-one launches: Middle-school portion of pilot program may start in January

Clark County

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Staff photo by C.E. Branham
Staff photo by C.E. Branham

Discussion

November 3, 2009

By TARA HETTINGER The News and Tribune Tue Nov 03, 2009, 10:10 PM EST

After teaching for 17 years, Dee Kramer’s job is completely changing in a way that’s new to her.

With the $1.3 million one-to-one laptop initiative at Charlestown High School starting, Kramer has to redo all her lesson plans to incorporate the new computer technology.

“I’m having to take my lesson plan and transfer it, but it’s the same content in a different way,” Kramer said. “It’s scary for us teachers, but it’s exciting.”

Kramer didn’t grow up with computers in her home. But now, every Charlestown student will, as part of the initiative that kicked off Tuesday, with 350 laptops handed out to juniors and seniors and the rest of the 671 being given out tonight, according to Principal Keith Hedges.

He talked about the anticipation of getting this program stated as like waiting for the birth of a child. Talk about it started more than a year ago, and since then there has been debate on whether money set aside for technology in the school’s building project budget could fund the middle- and high-school pilot program in Charlestown. In the end, only the high school was funded with that money.

However, a grant from the state and funds from the city will pay for the program to reach seventh- and eighth-graders. Sixth-graders will get to use laptops as well, but those will be ones shared during school.

“This is like the birth,” Hedges said. “We’re looking forward to growing older with this program.”

Students said they were worried the one-to-one initiative could have died because of a lack of funding.

“It was kind of nerve-racking sometimes, because it’s such a good opportunity for our school and our town, but I always hoped we’d get it,” Jennifer Watson, 17, said. “The other schools wanted it, but it’s happening here — in Charlestown. It’s putting Charlestown on the map.”

Though Watson has a computer at home, she said this is different, since the laptop is an Apple and the fact she will be using it in class.

Kramer said that’s not the case for all students. She said many don’t have computers at home. The Spanish and English as a second language teacher said it will help those learning English by allowing them to practice on computer programs at home. She said those students’ parents may be able to learn English that way as well.

Tony Hall, who teaches math, also is motivated to use the new technology in the classroom.

“We’re excited, but we’re anxious too, because we don’t know. We’re the pioneers,” he said.

Hall said he plans on altering his lesson plans to use the computers. He said just because he has a degree, doesn’t mean he’s the only one who can teach the subject to his students. He said he plans to access PowerPoints created by other teachers in the nation and more via the laptops to use in the classroom.

Charlestown Mayor Bob Hall called Tuesday a “historic day” for the city at a press conference kicking off the distribution of the laptops.

Travis Haire, assistant superintendent for Greater Clark County Schools, said he expects there to be some glitches along the way, such as dealing with students who forget or break their computers.

“It’s going to be a learning experience for everyone,” he said. “I think the pros far outweigh the cons.”

Haire said he hopes to get the middle school online in January.

As for if this pilot program will be expanded in the district, Haire said he’s not sure.

“I think we’ve got to see the outcomes here and go from there,” he said.

SO YOU KNOW

• Students and parents signing a release form as well as paying for insurance will get to take laptops home during the school year and check them back in for the summer. Those who don’t will become day users, who will be able to check out the computer for the school day.