Short On Books, Texas School Uses Laptops

KingFishKingFish
edited April 2004 in Science & Tech
Every fifth- and sixth-grader at Johnson Elementary will receive a $1,350 IBM ThinkPad computer loaded with digital versions of state-approved textbooks and 2,000 works of literature. If the experiment works, the program will be expanded to other grades.
"We think this is better than simply going out and buying more textbooks," said Forney Independent School District superintendent Mike Smith, who expected a shortage of 600 textbooks in August. Enrollment is projected to rise 20 percent or more at the district, and it takes three months to get new books.
It was only a matter of time. Is "the dog ate my notebook" coming as an excuse for not doing homework now? -KingFish

Source: Excite/Associated Press

Comments

  • CycloniteCyclonite Tampa, Florida Icrontian
    edited April 2004
    They trust 5th and 6th graders with a $1350 notebook? Seems kind of crazy to me. I hope they have good warranties...
  • EnverexEnverex Worcester, UK Icrontian
    edited April 2004
    I don't think "oops I dropped it" and "Oh, someone threw it out the school bus window" are covered under most warranty policies...
  • TheBaronTheBaron Austin, TX
    edited April 2004
    that is ... the dumbest idea i have ever heard. 11th and 12th graders maybe (plus their books are a lot more expensive!)
  • KingFishKingFish
    edited April 2004
    If we could only get folding at home installed on all those notebooks somehow. It would be nice. I second the notion of putting such an expensive piece of hardware in such young peoples' hands. I doubt some would have the maturity to handle and respect those pieces of hardware.

    KingFish
  • ThraxThrax 🐌 Austin, TX Icrontian
    edited April 2004
    What is it with the ****ers in the Education Associations in the US giving the expensive technology to kids who will barely use it, and probably break it?

    Good ****ing god.
  • KingFishKingFish
    edited April 2004
    Unfortunately using laptops in education overall is a good thing, mostly in the university setting. I think this project will fail and cast a bad light for everyone trying to do this. They won't take note that the implementation of this particular project, specifically giving it to the youngsters, was a bad idea in the first place and form the mistaken belief that laptops can't be used in schools.

    /me watches Thrax's blood reach the boiling point
  • CycloniteCyclonite Tampa, Florida Icrontian
    edited April 2004
    KingFish wrote:
    * KingFish watches Thrax's blood reach the boiling point
    I think he's already exploded, man. Haha...
  • TheBaronTheBaron Austin, TX
    edited April 2004
    but i think we all agree with you kingfish
  • ThraxThrax 🐌 Austin, TX Icrontian
    edited April 2004
    I run at 96.7*F, thank you. Heh.
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