In the article, "Student Voices for Change," Shannon McClintock Miller talks about the positive effect the computers had on students when Van Meter Community School instituted at 1:1 laptop to student ratio. The use of technology emboldened students and they are now making themselves heard; by constantly showcasing and presenting their work, their confidence increases. Students worked on projects such as 3D modeling, Prezi, as well as making videos using iMovie and YouTube. Miller and the school district had the students present to other educators via Skype and in person to Iowa politicians. One of the main things I worry about is how public schools can afford to purchase all those computers? The school mentioned was in Iowa, whose population is obviously much smaller than California.
Question 1: What is an example of a local school that has a 1:1 laptop to student ratio?
High Tech High School in Point Loma, is a local charter school that has a laptop for each student. They focus on project-based learning, and incorporate technology into daily curriculum. Students complete internships with local companies, giving them practical, hand-on learning experience that can be applied in the real world.
Question 2: Does constant access to technology make students more reserved?
No, it does not, as is evidence by the students who use blogs to make their voices heard. Students from Van Meter, seem to be more connected to one another because they have multiple opportunities to express themselves. Students who may be shy in a tradition setting can be loud voices for change online.
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