Students at the Delia School are getting a technological boost with the school’s laptop program.
The program began two years ago. “It’s a different way to distribute technology to our students,” said Steve Nielsen, principal of Delia School. “The traditional method was to buy computers, and then after five years to recycle them.”
“It was hard for the teachers to teach and the students to take home work.”
Starting in Grade 7 students are given the opportunity to purchase a laptop with assistance from the school and the school division, who each contribute 25 per cent of the cost. Students are responsible for the remaining 50 per cent.
The average cost for students and their families is approximately $200. Families are given flexible payment options.
“Our goal when we started was to have around 80 per cent purchasing laptops,” said Nielsen. “We’re close to 100 per cent.”
Not all students have chosen to participate in the program. But, to make sure that no student is left out, the school carries extra laptops that students can sign out.
When students reach Grade 10 they are given the option to trade in their older models for the latest technology.
However, the program does not just aid the students.
“It’s made an awesome difference for teachers,” said Nielsen. “You’re never fighting for the computer lab. If the lesson involves technology the students are ready.”
The school has also been able to save money on textbooks as a result. “Students bring in their laptops like they used to bring textbooks,” said Neilsen. “Once you have a laptop you have unlimited resources.”
Laptop programs may start in other schools wishing to leap in to new methods of delivering the curriculum. Delia School has shown itself to be a successful prototype.
