Next Step: Choose a Subtopic

We've moved from the "what and why laptops" to looking at the major issues and areas that need to be considered prior to making a recommendation about whether we should pilot a laptop program @ Pollard.

We will be gathering information about what other schools have done -- both by looking at data that is online and by visiting/contacting other schools. We will be looking at successes and failures because they both will provide us with valuable information and insight. I will be providing some of the guidelines and resources that you will need.

Following is a list of the subtopics and a sampling of the essential questions for each area. I'm asking each of you to read through this list of subtopics and then identify your top two choices. Let me know either by posting a response on the blog or by email. Contact me if you have any questions.


1. Classroom Management:

• How should the classroom be set up?
• How should the laptops be stored/charged?
• What are the policies about students' acceptable use and time management?
• What are the policies, procedures and mechanisms for monitoring student use?
• What level of tech-support/triage is available when there are technical issues during class? What is the role of the teacher and how should he/she be positioned to promote learning?

2. Financial Considerations:

• What are the different buying/leasing options?
• What are the implications of each?
• How is buying/leasing program administered?
• How do laptop programs impact the operational budget?
• What are the financial implications of hardware needs and personnel needs?
• What are the financial implications of implementation and logistics (network/infrastructure and miscellaneous)?

3. Implementation & Logistics:
a)Miscellaneous:

• What type of protective case should be required (and who should pay)?
• How are laptops insured?
• Where and how should laptops be stored (financial considerations as well)?
• Should extended warranties be purchased and if so, by whom? How can theft be prevented? What is an effective laptop program rollout/implementation timetable?

b) Network/Infrastructure -- a subtopic in its own right. It will be handled internally by Media & Technology Services department.


4. Professional Development:

• When should teachers receive their laptops -- i.e. how long before students?
• Who should be trained and by whom?
• What types of training are needed? (adult learning theory is a consideration)
• What is the learning curve?
• When does training happen?

5. Teaching & Learning:

• What is the role of the teacher? What is the role of students?
• How does curriculum need to change?
• What does a model less plan look like?
• How do you assess learning?
• What types of technologies are being used?