Steve Nelson

AASB-CDL Project Coordinator

Last summer, led by AASB Executive Director, Carl Rose, several AASB staff members attended a briefing with executives at Apple headquarters in Cupertino, California to discuss the notion of a 1 to 1 laptop initiative for Alaska. Now, one year later, the initiative is about to become a reality under the guidance of Bruce Johnson, who serves as the AASB-CDL Director, and myself serving as the AASB-CDL Project Coordinator.   AASB and the school districts involved commend the 24^th Alaska Legislature for its generous financial support to make AASB-CDL a reality.

Following a rigorous application and review process, AASB’s Consortium for Digital Learning (AASB-CDL) has identified projects in 19 districts across the state. When classes resume this fall, digital learning environments will be operational in over 50 schools as technical upgrades and staff training are completed.

A successful laptop initiative is dependent upon strong leadership, commitment and teamwork among school superintendents, boards, administrators, staff, students, parents, and community leaders. Based on reports we’re receiving, it is exciting to hear that these critical alliances are beginning to be formed at local levels.

Transitioning to a new era in education requires redefining its most basic element—daily interaction between teachers and students. Building a technology-driven school environment that is both intuitive and reliable is key to this process. But even more important is providing sufficient professional development for instructional staff to insure that they are confident, productive and successful within this new environment. Targeted training opportunities will assist teachers in expanding their instructional methods to include delivering curricula digitally to laptop-equipped learners.

A robust broadband network will be required at each school, allowing daily lessons, homework, and email communications to be passed among students and teachers wirelessly. Upgraded school servers will store student projects and portfolios. A laptop with wireless connectivity to the school network gives each student the ability to work individually or in collaboration with others anywhere in the building—classrooms, lunchrooms, or even hallways.

The laptops students receive will arrive pre-loaded with an array of software, providing students with the ability to generate reports, presentations, and multimedia projects. Those students with a deeper interest in computer technology may also have the opportunity to participate in school-sponsored Apple Certified Technician training programs, where they’ll be taught how to repair and maintain the school‘s fleet of laptops.

Digital learning, enriched by a laptop assigned to a students24 hours per day, enables families to assume a greater role in the education process. Parents will be able to monitor their child’s academic progress by accessing the school’s online Student Information System to check grades, attendance, homework status, and other information. Schools will offer orientation and training seminars to familiarize parents and community members with the technology being used in the classroom.

Prior to receiving their laptop, each student and their parent/guardian will sign an agreement outlining terms for the computer’s use, damage and replacement. This “teachable moment” provides an excellent opportunity for parents to initiate discussions with their child on such topics as personal responsibility, safe computing, and appropriate use of the Internet.  There are also numerous ways communities can become more actively involved in supporting student achievement. One is by working in conjunction with the school to make improvements to the local technical infrastructure. An example of this is the recent decision by a teen center located near an AASB-CDL project site to install wireless Internet access, so students with laptops can gather there and do homework after school.

Documenting the success of this initiative is critical. The AASB-CDL team will work closely with each of the local Project Management teams to gather necessary student performance data, reports, surveys, and anecdotal evidence to support ongoing evaluation, promotion and fundraising efforts. Discussions are currently underway with UAA’s Institute of Social and Economic Research (ISER) to conduct a long-range study on the initiative’s impact.

As final preparations are made to launch the initial phase of this statewide initiative, it is important to acknowledge the dedication and hard work districts have contributed to make it possible. In a few short days many young Alaskans will embark on what we believe will be an exciting and productive new direction in their educational journey.