“ The Impact of Maine’s One-to-One Laptop program on Middle School teachers and students.”

1. “The Impact of Maine’s One-to-One Laptop program on Middle School teachers and students.” • In 2001, Maine began an initiative to prepare students for a rapidly changing world. • The challenge was preparing students for a world that did not exist at that moment in time. • Maine decided to implement the plan with 7th and 8th grade students. (Maine Learning Technology Initiative) • Maine funded the purchase of technology for its public school system. • Teachers were organized in a collective community to assist each other in using the technology within the classroom. • The initiative was tracked immediately, focused on immediate effects, and the effects of losing the tech.

2. (MLTI) General Observations • Training and awareness increased the likelihood of teachers finding new and creative ways to implement the technology. • Laptops were most frequently used to: • Find information • Organize information • Take class notes • Teachers reported feeling more confident in their abilities to engage their students with the technology. • Students report feeling more confident as a result of the technology.

3. Statewide test scores showed improvement. All students, especially those in need, showed improvement. Students that were taking the laptops home showed that they were more likely to complete their work and be prepared for class. Students were reported as being more engaged in the class. Teachers reported being able to better meet their curriculum goals. Anecdotal evidence of an increase in attendance, behavior, and achievement. Teachers report a lack of technical support as being a problem. Absence of technology in a 9th grade study group, resulted in a decline in achievement within that group, based on previous test scores. Minor technological glitches/issues impeded progress slightly. (Decreased after trouble shooting procedures were outlined) Superintendents reported an increase in costs after the implementation of the technology in the classroom. Pros/Cons

4. “Future” • Article examines discoveries with technology and emphasis for the future. • Technology, alone, has no impact on student achievement. Rather combining technology with pedagogy and content is what increases achievement. • Will likely lead to development of technology standards over time. • Emphasis on preparing teachers in the use of technology so that the tool will appear almost invisible in the classroom. • Students will begin to look past the awe of the technology, and more toward what the technology is being used to present. • Education in technology will allow teachers to adjust quickly to the various “viral” technologies that develop rapidly.

5. Citations • Silvernail, D.L., & Lane, D.M. (2004). The Impact of Maine's one-to-one Laptop Program on Middle School Teachers and Students. Maine Education Policy Research Institute, 1(1). • Greenhow, C. (March/April, 2009). Future. Learning & Leading with Technology, 10-11. • Fingal, D. . (2009, February ). Ahead of his time. Learning & Leading with Technology, 26-30. • Carpenter, D., & Carpenter, M. . (2008-2009, December). All Aboard!. Learning & Leading with Technology, 18-21.