1. “Laptops in the Classroom” A Technology Initiative
By: Dianna Ferris
EDT 6040
Dr. Todd Fishburn

2. Proposal
Use laptops in order to motivate, engage, and excite students about learning.
Expose students to different types of technology uses and applications.
To use the laptops to implement classroom instruction that directly relates to the State Content Standards as well as the state and national (ISTE) technology standards for students.
For students to be more confident using technology by addressing and providing student accessibility.
To use as a platform for the DCAS.
To improve student achievement in all areas, but especially in the subject areas of reading and math via this technology initiative.
Provide both long and short-term professional development trainings/workshops for educators on how to integrate and align the use of the laptop initiative in the classroom with the state and national standards.

3. “Pros/Cons”
Pros:
Engages and excites students about learning and content.
Research supports improvement in academic student achievement opposed to schools that do not have “laptops in the classroom.”
Students produce better quality writing pieces.
Research supports gains in academic achievement in students who are labeled “at risk.”
Students direct their own learning.
All students are able to participate in the lesson/activity at the same time.
Cons:
Cost of the technology/funding issues
Can be a distraction for students and teachers
Students go on inappropriate websites: extra task for teachers to assume responsibility
Not everyone is “on board”

4. Updating of Existing Hardware
Required Hardware
20 Dell Inspiron 15 Laptops per grade level (K-4)
All Laptops will have Windows 7 and Microsoft Office Home/Student 2010 installed along with, Renaissance Place, Mimio, and Virus Protection.
Updating of Existing Hardware
Replace and/or recycle Dell Dimension E310 Desktops.
Recycling Procedures
Used as “back-ups” in the classroom and in other parts of the building
Given to families who do not have home computers
Recycled through DSWA (Delaware Solid Waste Authority)
Sold for revenue to replenish school costs

5. Proposed Cost Proposed Funding
Laptops: $ ea. X 20 (per grade level)= $ x 5 (grade levels)= $
Total cost of software ($99.54 x 100 laptops): $
Total cost of the technology initiative: $
Proposed Funding
Laptops/Software:
Title One Funding
Race to the Top Funding
Intel Technology Grants
Education Grants through Dell and other affiliates
Professional Development Funding:
Allocated building and/ or curriculum monies, and/or educational grants

6. Evaluation Procedures
Short-Term:
Periodic review of assessment scores in reading and math
Chart students’ progress in grade level data meetings
Discuss what applications are being used and how
Discuss pros and cons of the technology use in the classroom
Conduct formal and informal classroom observations
Long-Term:
Review DCAS scores (grades 2-4) to see if the initiative impacted and improved student achievement
Review end of “unit” assessments (grades K-1) to see if the initiative impacted and improved student achievement
* Based on the evaluation results of the technology initiative, a decision would be made to modify the plan or take it to a higher level to further increase student achievement.