Digital Literacy Q and A Part II

How does the district plan to prepare teachers for this change?

Getting teachers ready for this change has been a central focus of this initiative. While most staff are very excited by the idea of every 9th-12th grader having a computer, it will be a big change. We are working with Apple and Grant Wood AEA to prepare our staff for teaching differently. We plan to devote several professional learning days in the 2012-13 school year to help teachers learn how to best use these computers with students. There will also be numerous after-school learning experiences for staff as well as several online learning opportunities as well.

What are the basic expectations for students with their laptops?

There is no fee or cost to students or families for this program if the device is cared for properly. Proper care is spelled out clearly in the student laptop agreement. This document will be made available prior to computer check out. Students are expected to have their computer everyday (unless explicitly told otherwise). The district will not provide loaners of students who forget to bring their laptops. Students need to come to school with their laptop charged enough to get through the entire day. Charging stations will be available if needed. The school will insure each laptop for accidental damage. However, fines may be incurred for damage due to negligence.

Won't students be more distracted when each of them has a computer?
Will this cause more classroom discipline issues?

We currently have a pretty rich technology environment at Prairie. It's not unusual to see classroom sets of netbooks and notebook computers being used right now. The majority of our staff have a lot of experience in managing classrooms with computers. So, a majority of our staff already have a very good understanding of classroom management with computers.