Workshop Conclusion

 Faculty Laptop Program

Interview Summaries

Several months after the summer training was completed, each teacher was interviewed and asked questions from four perspectives: practical/technical, administrative, curricular, and philosophical. From these conversations we are hoping to gain their perspectives of the program to this point.

1) Practical/Technical

Carrying laptop to school: About a third of the teachers thought the laptops were heavy to carry back and forth from school. Carrying books in addition to the laptop was troublesome for some. Some teachers left the laptop at school during the week and took it home on the weekends and during report periods. A few teachers used the laptop only at home, and a few only at school.

Power/Battery: Almost all of the teachers had sufficient power sources from their work area, and battery life proved sufficient. Some of the teachers had battery issues (manufacturer issue).

Security: Nearly every teacher has a lockable drawer, closet or cabinet to store the laptop when not in use, or overnight. Security did not seem to be an issue.

Software Crashes: Very few if any software crashes were reported.

Wireless: Some areas of the 89th St. building are reporting intermittent wireless connectivity issues.

Additional Software: No teacher reported needing software in addition to what was provided during the summer. Some teachers were exploring curriculum specific software and will report back after investigating.

Printing: Very few printing problems reported. Most users reported setting up their printer at home was trouble free.

Backups: Some users were vigilant about weekly backups. Almost all users were comfortable with their data backups if something were to happen to their computer. Most users backed up when they did new work, not on a schedule. They mostly backed up to their network account.

Troubleshooting Skills: Teachers reported a marked increase in comfort in troubleshooting computer problems.

Facilities Support of Technology: A few teachers would like their classroom to better support the use of technology. The most cited improvement would be the addition of projectors and screens to support video and computer projection. First Program classrooms cited lack of space which hinders better computer use.

Support Staff: Teachers reported very favorably to the support staff-expertise, timeliness, and patience.

Home Internet Use: All but two teachers have Internet access now. Many obtained access because of the laptop. Additionally, many teachers have high speed access.

Increase Use: On average, teachers reported an increase of about 4 hours of computer use at home per week. Teachers found it more convenient to do the work at home when previously they would have come into school.

2) Administrative Tasks

Teachers reported that they don't have to fight for computers during report time. For the first time, some teachers were able to do their reports at school because of this. They can keep all of their work in one location, no file changing. High School teachers reported the new report writing tool was easier than before. Many teachers created programs for Open House. Some teachers reported using the computer to take notes on students, keeping logs for report writing, portfolios, and organization. Some teachers reported that the laptop serves as an office and are able to keep up with administrative tasks because of this.

3) Curricular

How has training helped? Teachers found the summer curriculum to be very helpful. They remembered the information that they needed to use. They appreciated learning about software that was available even though they did not see an immediate use for it.

What additional training may be needed? Many teachers requested additional training in PowerPoint, BlackBoard, HyperStudio, and graphics. After-school training and individual training appears to be the best approach for teachers during the school year.

What new or renewed projects have occurred: The Macbeth project, use of BlackBoard, TK3 projects, art portfolios in the High School, and First Program Portfolios.

What skills have you picked up that you used with your students? Use of scanning and digital photography and PowerPoint. How would you set up a classroom environment (allocating technology resources) to facilitate your teaching/student's learning? The most common request was the addition of projectors in the classroom.

4) Philosophical

What are your thoughts about student-owned laptops?
This question was asked to Middle and High School teachers. Teachers gave mixed answers. While many teachers thought it would be great for students to have individual laptops and felt it might make them more efficient, only a few teachers said that their curriculum would utilize them at this point. They felt the laptops would be of benefit mostly outside of the direct instruction time. Some teachers admitted that their curriculum would need to change to take advantage of individual student laptops. They would need to begin to conceive lessons with the laptop in mind. However, a few teachers said they would be able to take advantage of individual student laptops right away. Practical issues about classroom management scared a few teachers away, and they would like strict guidelines on usage.

Would you recommend this to your colleagues?
Every teacher highly recommended each teacher take advantage of this program. Many teachers say they cannot imagine life without it [laptop].