Here we are at one of the two times each year where we have consecutive 31-day months. For those of us who are paid monthly, it seems like “they” are just getting some extra free time out of us. But in my case, I’m the one getting the free time out of “them” all month long. Retirement is great and I strongly recommend it.
Yesterday I came across THIS ARTICLE in CNET News about the Maine Department of Education purchasing tens of thousands of Mac notebook computers for their high school students. Seven years ago they initiated a scheme to provide every middle school student with a notebook as part of their school supplies, like books. Starting with this upcoming new school year they will now be providing them for every student from grades 7 through 12.
With this additional purchase of 64,000 notebooks, plus another 7,000 in the next few months, they will have the entire state covered. The state Education Commissioner, Sue Gendron tells CNET:
“We have seen incredible success, with our middle schools showing increased student engagement and achievement with (Maine Learning Technology Initiative) in place, and we want to bring this same opportunity to our high schools,” Gendron said in a statement. “This is not just about technology–it’s about using the technology to support education.”
As part of the program, students will be able to use the MacBooks in school and at home–essentially, they become part of the student’s supplies for the year. At the end of the year, the MacBooks must be passed back to the school.
I like to see this kind of initiative and progress. At first it sounds awfully expensive, but if it eventually replaces the need to purchase most of the textbooks that are currently used, then those savings would largely offset the price of the notebooks.
As part of the contract Apple provides the state with all the software needed for the teaching programs as well as all of the technical repairs and replacements.
Maine is an ideal place for this type of program because they have a relatively low population and a fair economy so they can do this. They also did the right thing by starting with just a 3-year segment of the school population and worked out the techniques of the program for several years before expanding it. I would expect that at the end of the school year when they’re turned back in, that the technicians would sweep all the hard drives to get rid of the facebook entries and nudie pictures that teenage boys like to look at. Heh, heh.
Ok, let’s get this equipment checked out now. I’ve got to start some fresh coffee. See you in the day room.
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