The Educational Technology Task Force considered other models for the technology plan, such as expanding the number of computers in classrooms, constructing more computer labs, and providing portable labs on carts. When machines are shared, some students can avoid ever learning effective use of these valuable information tools. We believe a laptop program is the best way to ensure equitable exposure and practice so that all Packer students become competent and confident in the digital realm. In our experience with labs and laptops, a personal sense of ownership improves user skills, extends machine life, and reduces maintenance and repair problems. Shared machines need excessive repair and maintenance.
Laptops provide added organizational and skill benefits.
Students' work is stored in a central location. They are able to apply keyboarding skills they learn in Third and Fourth grade on their laptop while taking notes and performing in-class writing assignments. The infusion of the classroom with technology is about far more than taking notes, however. We are introducing these tools to enrich teaching and learning. Viewing the laptop as merely a note-taking and organizational device, while useful, is to reduce a Packer education to a series of lectures.