…..And The Girls Are Encouraged To Play Video Games…….

Education and Technology: Seems like a no-brainer fit, right?

Unfortunately the way I experienced it being executed in the public schools left me wondering whether it was possible to effectively implement (the problem might be that technology is allergic to bureaucracy). Here’s what I saw:  Lots of money spent (as in many millions); nothing gained; tons lost (in money and time).  

When I sent my son to a private school where they use old fashioned blackboards instead of “smart boards” — and he learned more in one year than his previous 8 years combined —  gillion dollar “smart” boards seemed even more stupid.

So when I got notice that my daughter’s new all-girl school required each student to purchase a laptop, I was skeptical  (and irritated), that she couldn’t just use the laptop she already owns.

Last night we went to pick up her school issued laptop and hear from the Principal and Director of Technology.  My concerns were allayed.

Here’s what I heard:

• They have had a laptop program for 14 years (wow).  Not one laptop has been lost in 14 years (double wow).

• They use Toshiba because of the amazing warranty service.  They’re not opposed to Apple, but the great warranty service from Toshiba is an essential part of the program.

• They take care of all of the maintenance.  If someone drops their computer, or there is a problem, they have an in-house department that takes care of it and loans the student a laptop.

• Some of the text books are loaded up on the computer.

• They are paperless as far as grades and report cards.  It all happens on the laptop.

• Students take all of their notes on their laptop.

• Here’s my FAVORITE PART: The girls carry the laptops everywhere with them, including the lunchroom, and they are encouraged to play computer games. The amount of girl-power wrapped up in the notion that GIRLS ARE ENCOURAGED TO PLAY VIDEO GAMES made me want to run up and bear-hug the Principal.

It was clear that they have thought out the role of technology and education very carefully (down to “what happens if a laptop breaks”) and have executed it impressively for 14 years (a lifetime in technology, as well as, dog-years). 

Really looking forward to seeing how it works this year.  Optimism about the implementation of technology and education has been momentarily restored.