The faculty laptops give students access to computers from every classroom and allow teachers to provide real-time and relevant educational experiences for students. The benefit to students is both direct and indirect. Students can view real-time data, such as the national debt or the result of an election current to the moment of viewing. Students can enhance their presentations with PowerPoint software and a projector. Students can consult experts through access to email and web sites like Ask a Scientist .
Students benefit indirectly as technology empowers our faculty.
The computer is connected to the Internet using wireless technology. The laptops increase teachers skills with technology, essential if they are to help students learn to communicate and access information ethically and intelligently. They increase teacher productivity through grading programs and by allowing for easier creation and revision of assignments and learning materials. The laptops provide efficient ways to communicate with students, parents, the community, and colleagues. In our previous technology plan, which was approved by the State of Illinois in 1997, one of our goals was to increase faculty access to technology.