North Greene Unit District #3

MacBook Roll-out Takes Place at Roodhouse

Three hundred, forty students, grades four through eight, were issued MacBooks on the morning of Thursday, August 26, 2010. The “roll-out” was a special event and according to Apple representative, Tim Grimes, was by far the best such event in his experience with the company. One-on-one laptops initiatives take place frequently across the country and around the world. But it is unique to North Greene Unit District No. 3 and, for that reason, Dr. Cindy Carlson Rice and her Technology Committee put on quite a show.

After students had gathered in the gym, teachers entered wearing sunglasses to the tune of “Futures So Bright, I Gotta Wear Shades.” Balloons had already been handed out to lucky students who ended the proceeding with a bang – popping their balloons to end the ceremonies and begin the handing out of the MacBooks, one version of Apple’s many laptop notebooks.

In between the teachers’ entrance and the balloon-popping were comments by Superintendent Les Stevens and Apple representative, Tim Grimes. Superintendent Stevens sought to set the record straight concerning the facts surrounding the one-on-one initiative, especially in light of some public comments from misinformed citizens. He was very direct in responding to comments that unjustly characterize the teachers at Roodhouse as being “lazy” and suggest that the laptops would allow teachers to work less. But he also chided other public comments that suggested those opposed to the laptop initiative as “idiots.”

“No one,” Stevens suggested, “who has commented on this MacBook roll-out or who has an opinion about the roll-out of these tools (in favor of it or opposed to it) is an idiot.” He went on to suggest that calling people names does not encourage debate about issues, but rather ends such discussions and breeds ill-will. He encouraged students not to follow such examples and to learn to calmly discuss disagreements on such issues.

Stevens ended his comments with the following excerpt from Milton Chen’s latest book, Education Nation: Six Leading Edges of Innovation in our Schools. It is by an anonymous writer in an Abilene, Kansas high school and is a one-way communication to someone who does not enjoy the benefits of having a laptop with which he can do his school work.

Let’s have a little competition at school and get ready for the future.

I will use a laptop and you will use paper and pencil. Are you ready?

I will access up-to-date information. You have a textbook that is five-years-old.

I will immediately know when I misspell a word. You will have to wait until it’s graded.

I will learn how to care for technology by using it. You will read about it.

I will see math problems in 3-D. You will do the odd problems.

I will create artwork and poetry and share it with the world. You will share yours with the class.

I will have 24/7 access. You have the entire class period.

I will access the most dynamic information. Yours will be printed and photocopied.

I will communicate with leaders and experts using e-mail. You will wait for Friday’s speaker.

I will select my learning style. You will use the teacher’s favorite learning style.

I will collaborate with my peers around the world. You will collaborate with peers in your classroom.

I will take my learning as far as I want. You must wait for the rest of the class.

The cost of a laptop per year? $250.

The cost of teacher and student training? Expensive.

The cost of well-educated U. S. citizens and workforce? Priceless.

Grimes followed the superintendent and offered his thanks and congratulations to the Roodhouse staff and students. He later told the superintendent that he was quite impressed with the excitement and enthusiasm of both students and staff members.

Teacher Brett Berry led the competition between the five classes of students to determine which class would be allowed to line up first and receive their MacBooks before heading to their classrooms to unpack them. A five or six-straw relay race of sorts resulted in the eighth-grade team consuming a two-liter bottle of cola first. It was a fun activity that was followed by balloons popping and students acquiring a new tool with which to learn – about technology, about subject content and about themselves.

Updates will follow concerning how students are progressing with their machines. Video highlights of the event can be seen on the Roodhouse schools website.