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The "All" Digital Classroom

A laptop initiative in a Wisconsin school district has teachers using digital media instead of text books in their classrooms. Other states (including Maine) have tried similar programs, and while results vary opinions on the issue are always mixed. Some educators say the change allows for more flexibility in the curriculum and helps schools cut costs, but others are concerned about how an all-digital classroom will affect student learning.

Tags: classroom, digital, laptop, media, textbooks

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Comment by Tom Jenkins on January 25, 2011 at 3:32pm: I was emailed a question- "What did I do for homework. Specifically for those without a computer at home?"

I did post all homework assignments on-line. That being said, I did offer a paper version that the students could take home. I also allowed students to check out my old textbooks as a resource.

Good Question ; )

Comment by Tom Jenkins on January 25, 2011 at 3:13pm: P.S. The kids loved it and were far more engaged as compared to text books......I'll never switch back. At least for my specific setting.

Comment by Tom Jenkins on January 25, 2011 at 3:12pm: I think that we will see more and more of this in the future.....I remember about 5 years convincing my school district to use my Science textbook money to purchase extra desktop computers for my classroom. It was a great decision for my situation and I couldn't have been more happy with the results. That being said- I was an experienced teacher in my subject area and took the time to find quality resources to aid in my teaching. Additionally, it took an ENORMOUS amount of effort to assemble a quality web based course to replace the textbooks.

As far as Wisconsin school in the article- Laptops are a wonderful way to go and allow for great flexibility. In fact, we have two netbook lab carts in our building. The problem that we are experiencing with the netbooks is that it's been 1.5 years and we have had to replace all of the batteries. This generated a new expense that those involved didn't completely plan on when they were purchased. Laptops in the past have run through batteries at an even faster rate.

So, I think that it's a wonderful idea provided that the district has the funding to maintain the machines, expertise to develop on-line course content, and provides teacher training to support the paradigm shift.