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BSISD Laptops Program On Target |
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Monday, 14 September 2009 |
By STEVE REAGAN
Staff Writer
As the Big Spring High School laptop computer program enters its third year, school officials believe it is finally starting to realize its potential as an educational tool.
The program, first instituted during the 2007-2008 school year, places a laptop in the hands of every high school student. Computers are expected to be handed out to the students later this month. Officials admit that a wide range of problems — ranging from design flaws in the computers to questions on how to best use the machines to outright student abuse — have forced local educators to re-evaluate the program since its inception. Big Spring ISD Technology Director Corey Wood admits officials were “very naive” concerning potential problems when the program was introduced, but added the steep learning curve experienced during the past two years is showing results. “The problems we had last year was nothing like what we went through the first year,” Wood said. “In comparison to that first year, the second year was 100 percent better. But we're still not where we want to be with the program.”
• Design flaws — Hundreds of the laptops have had to shipped back to Apple Computers to correct problems with the plastic casing. More than 600 were returned at the end of the program's first year, while about 400 were sent back this summer.
“This is just something that we will have to address every year,” Wood said. “Apple is not going to change their computers' design.”
Any problems with the computer casing are fixed for free by Apple, Wood noted.
• Student abuse — BSISD has spent around $25,000 to repair computers that were damaged as the result of student abuse, Wood said.
“We had about 200 computers damaged as a result of student abuse last year,” Wood said. “Plus, we had our share of accidental damage last year, also ... we anticipated the repair costs would be in that area.”
• Security concerns — Wood admitted that officials underestimated potential misuse of the computers when the program debuted.
“It's been a learning process for us,” Wood conceded. “We were very naïve as to what the kids would try to do with the computers. It's been a matter of educating ourselves on how to guard against those problems ... and that's helped us a whole lot.”
Despite the program's “growing pains,” educators believe laptops can be a valuable tool in the educational process.
“I don't think they will ever replace good teaching,” said Ann McClarty, executive director of personnel and instruction for the district. “But they will allow kids to acquire necessary technological skills and will be a great research tool. Computers can enhance the educational experience in the classroom as well as preparing students for what happens outside of school.”
Contact Staff Writer Steve Reagan at 263-7331 ext. 234 or by e-mail at
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Last Updated ( Tuesday, 15 September 2009 )
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