The school budgets in Michigan (and other states, I'm sure) are... terrible. I believe a simple solution exists that will allow schools to cut back on potentially unnecessary supplies: requiring each student to use a laptop computer for class work and homework. This may seem like an expensive venture, but in the long run it will save money on things like paper, pencils, computer labs, textbooks, markers, and whiteboards. Teachers would only need a projector and a computer of their own to teach an entire class.
Granted, several problems could arise if each student had his or her own laptop in class. A student could get online when his teacher was talking, or start sending instant messages to his friends. Today’s technology, however, would allow each computer to be monitored, and the internet could be turned off for those who misuse it. Also, high school students are more mature than most adults think. They would be less likely to abuse the privilege than primary students.
Several public schools in Texas have begun this laptop program. It required substantial financial backing, but the benefits were seen quite clearly in the school year. Test scores improved, attendance skyrocketed, and behavioral problems seemed to lessen. The state of Maine gave every seventh and eighth grader a laptop. Thirty-seven thousand iBook computers were bought; thirty-four thousand went to the students, while three thousand were given to the teachers. The same benefits were seen in these schools.
The responsibility of bringing the laptop to school and taking it home would be placed in the hands of students. It would be a greater responsibility than taking books home each night; a laptop is of far greater value, and all the materials needed for school would be in the laptop. This would be an excellent lesson for teens on responsibility. Also, computers are quickly becoming the way of the future. Those who do not have access to a computer at home or school fall behind. It could also be a health benefit. Students wouldn’t be carrying around twenty pounds of books, but instead a five-pound laptop.
This could seriously aid schools in the budget area.
