Students get free laptops

Marion School District 7 Superintendent Everette Dean said the district is extremely proud of the ability to distribute laptop computers to Creek Bridge High School students and Palmetto Middle School students Alma Dyson and Kayla Daniels said they feel good about having their computers and are excited to start using them.
On Sept. 15, parents of sixth and ninth grade students filed into Creek Bridge High School, as district employees waited with the computers, which they said “have been coming in all summer long.” Then, on Sept. 17, Marion School District 2 officials awarded laptop computers to 138 sixth grade students. According to that district’s Web site, MSD 2 was awarded a $200,000 Enhancing Education Through Technology grant for the “Bulldogs Read Every Available Moment” project.
Dean said giving out the computers “places us as one of the leading users of computer technology in the state.” MSD 7 Assistant Superintendent Deborah Barnhill commended technology coaches Cynthia Floyd and Mary Ellen Stacy and computer support specialist Rachel Lee for their assistance in preparing for the distribution of 60 laptops.
Barnhill called it an exciting night, saying the giving of computers is to increase student achievement. “We want you to have access to the whole wide world,” she said. MSD 7, through grant funding from IAm and E2T2, has been able to supply students on four different grading levels with computer technology.
Students are allowed to take the computers home, with the understanding that they are responsible for and entrusted with the learning tool, Barnhill said, adding that teachers have received additional technology tools so they can use the computers in the classroom.
District officials say security measures have been taken, and that one of the goals is to improve student’s technology skills.
Barnhill said there are a number of applications to use on the computers and students will go through pre and post assessments to see how they’ve developed, and parents will be offered workshops to gain a better understanding of computer usage.
Ninth grader Bobby Boatwright said he’s had practice with computers and be will looking out things that would make school work easier. Sixth Grade Stephon Rogers said he hopes the technology tool will help him out in his social studies courses, adding that he’s happy to have his own computer to use.
Sixth Grader Danielle Gause said she’s excited to receive her laptop and finding out what lies in store in the classroom.
The district’s “The DREAM” project will improve student’s ability to process information and be more engaged in learning. “It’s a great opportunity for our students to be exposed to new technology because learning to use and negotiate technology is the most important for young people this day and age,” Dean said.
At Palmetto Middle School, the BREAM project has been employed. It is a research-based, cross curriculum initiative that seeks to dramatically improve English Language Arts achievement and technology proficiency in grade 6 through the use of laptops and innovative curriculum design.
The project seeks to improve technology proficiency by providing access to laptops in the classroom and at home. Technology coach Tonya Ford said she believes the project will strengthen students academically. “Some of the students might not have access or share personal computers, I think this gives them a sense of ownership and little more control regarding their learning,” she said. Students Alma Dyson and Kayla Daniels said they feel good about having their computers and are excited to start using them.
Principal Coleman Barbour said students would have more of a connection to academic information.
“We want them to have opportunities,” he said. Student Emily Elliott said she was excited to hear the news that they were receiving computers.
“With technology today I think this is something that will help her in the future,” her mom, Jean, said. Kyrei Platt said he doesn’t have any plans yet for his computers, but is ready to find out how they’ll be used. Darius Sanders and Vinniesha Phillips said they were happy to have the computers in their possession, including the new computer backpacks.
District Technology coach Pam Liely-Brown said she was a happy the district is one of only eight schools to receive funding.
“This is like a dream come true to see these kids actually get these computers in their hands,” she said. “Because of the economic times we live in, many of these kids wouldn’t have this opportunity. I wanted them to be able to come in class and be like everyone else,” she said, adding that she and the district have all kinds of “hopes to drive students toward success.”