As computers have become an integral tool in modern society, today's children must become familiar with technology at an early age. Some U.S. school districts are responding to their students' needs by instituting programs that provide them with laptops. In a typical laptop program, each student receives a laptop for the classroom, and in some cases, home use. Partnership programs such as Microsoft's Anytime Anywhere Learning (AAL) help make the devices available and accessible.
Supplying a laptop to students offers a host of learning benefits for students and teachers:
New textbooks represent a significant purchase for cash-strapped school districts, which is why some still rely on outdated resources. Laptops reduce the dependency on these antiquated books by giving students access to more current and relevant information online.
Laptops are invaluable when helping students develop their writing skills. Once they become proficient at typing, they can "write" more quickly on a computer than by hand. It is also easier to detect mistakes and make edits when using integrated spelling and grammar checking tools and thesauruses. Students can even review their finished papers for plagiarism.
Technology will continue to be an integral part of the lives of today's students. Having regular access to laptops at school — and at home, if applicable — enables students to enhance their computer skills. They will be better prepared to use technology as they pursue their academic and career goals.
The speed of performing tasks on a computer helps students complete assignments and execute other functions more quickly than ever. Teachers can pack more lessons into the school day, allowing their students to learn more and engage in a wider variety of educational activities.
An internet-connected laptop enables students to use videos, websites, virtual reality, education-oriented games, charts and other tools to aid their learning efforts. Teachers can use these resources to implement a more innovative instructional approach that adds fun and keeps students engaged.
Students cannot learn everything they need to have a successful life and career in the 21st century from a textbook. They can only develop specific computer-based skills through a hands-on approach that working on a laptop provides. Examples include image editing, coding, setting up and managing spreadsheets, and email communication.
Teachers don't always have the time to offer the individualized attention that some students need. Laptops can serve as electronic tutors that supplement classroom instruction. Students can log on to websites specifically designed for online tutoring that offer step-by-step explanations of educational concepts and problem-solving guidance.
Group problem-solving is an essential skill in the workplace and life. The use of laptops helps students work through a problem together and exchange information, whether they are in the classroom or at home. The collaborative efforts will also enable them to develop stronger communication skills that will benefit them throughout their lives.
Many school libraries do not have all the resources students need when conducting research or working on major academic projects. A laptop gives students access to an endless stream of information. However, they will need guidance in determining the difference between credible and unreliable online sources.
Teachers face the constant challenge of holding their students' interests and keeping them on task. Anyone who observes a teenager or younger child using a smartphone can attest that kids become easily absorbed in technology. Savvy instructors can use this to their advantage with the help of laptops in the classroom.
Laptops are expensive pieces of equipment — Instructors and parents can use them to teach students the importance of taking care of valuable property and how to use them correctly. They can also help kids understand the need for safeguarding their privacy, such as creating effective passwords that prevent others from accessing their information.
Teachers can also benefit from the use of laptops in the classroom. Students can use them to take tests and turn in homework online, preventing teachers from having to grade stacks of messy handwritten papers. Teachers can then record the grades electronically just by switching to a different screen. They can also use their laptops to send progress reports to parents, encouraging them to work in partnership with the school.
Higher Ground cases help safeguard your investment in technology. Higher Ground products are designed to meet the unique laptop, Chromebook and tablet protection needs of the K-12 educational environment. Request a quote for more information or to receive case samples.
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