News : 1:1 program: School board approves computers for all VSHS students

Each VSHS student will have his or her own Mac Air 11-inch laptop when the 2013-14 year begins.

When Vinton-Shellsburg High School students arrive for classes this August, each will have his or her own laptop computer.

The VS School Board unanimously approved a 1:1 computer initiative that administrators including VSHS Principal Matt Kingsbury have been working on for nearly a year.

The entire cost of the program – $502,000 – will come from PPEL funds, which come from the 1-cent option sales tax.

Part of Kingsbury’s research has been to communicate with other school districts that have used the 1:1 program.

“They have had nothing but great things to say,” said Kingsbury. “We cannot promise an immediate change for all students but we will see improvement. It’s another tool for helping our students to learn.

Kingsbury and Assistant Principal Ryan Davis also discussed why they chose Apple Mac Air 11 laptops, which have a smaller screen than most laptops

“Kids are used to using smaller screens on their phones and IPads,” said Davis. “Kids prefer the smaller size – it gives them more room on their desks.”

Apple computers, said Kingsbury, have more user-friendly features for educational settings. Most other districts have chosen Apple, he said.

The computers come with protective bags and other necessary accessories. Kingsbury originally received estimates of up to $700,000 for the program but gave the board the lower number during its meeting on Monday.

The program will also come at a cost to families. A technology fee, tentatively set at $40 will be part of school registration expenses, and students who accidentally break a computer will have to pay part of the repairs. School officials are finalizing those expenses.

“Everyone should have some skin in the game,” said Superintendent Mary Jo Hainstock.

Students are not required to use or accept a computer, but Kingsbury said that in the other districts he visited, only one or two students in those districts chose to not participate in the program.

While off campus, the computers will have the same Internet filtering system used on campus to prohibit the use of improper web sites. The district IT staff will also be able to monitor at all times the web activities of all users.

Kingsbury said that eventually the use of laptops will begin to replace textbooks, saving the district some money previously spent for those resources. Eventually, but not immediately, said the principal, a virtually paperless system is possible.

“This would eventually reduce textbook costs but we are not quite ready for that yet,” Kingsbury told the board. “We do not see textbooks as obsolete, but we do see them being used less in the future.

The computers, he said, will also help as the district tries to implement more project-based learning.

The machines are expected to arrive in May, and “roll-out” events will be scheduled in August to explain to students and families the details of the program. Attending the roll-out nights is required for all those who want to participate in the program.

Editor's note: there is now a FAQ page available