Through a combination of loaners and leasing, the district hopes to proceed with a proposed laptop program that has been on hold due to lack of funds.

In Hopkinton, Massachusetts, the debate is underway about whether to reinstitute a one-to-one initiative originally proposed by former Superintendent Jack Phelan but suspended when budgets became tight. The latest version, which would start with next year’s incoming ninth graders, would allow lower-income students to borrow the 50 new Apple laptops purchased by the Hopkinton Public Schools, while others would be encouraged to lease similar models from the district.

Before proceeding, the district plans to hold forums and focus groups and to conduct a survey of middle school families whose children would be involved once they reached the high school. Students who participated in a one-to-one pilot in geometry and American literature classes two years ago have weighed in via video testimonials posted at the district’s web site. According to supporters of the program potential benefits for students include:

• personalized learning environment for every student
• improve writing and research skills
• levels the playing field for all students
• access to information and communication (24/7)
• improve school-home connection
• increase communication between students and teachers
• potential for authentic project-based learning opportunities
• increase student engagement
• foster communication, collaboration and creativity skills
• increase productivity
• become self-directed learners
• become part of a network of learners
• create opportunities for global outreach
• focus on student-centered learning 

During a recent meeting, School Committee members said they are intrigued but need to consider how the program fits into the larger financial picture. Since the 50 new laptops were already slated for purchase, the one-to-one plan would not add significant money to the budget other than $20,000-per-year for a technology consultant to oversee the program. But, as the high school’s assistant principal Ashoke Ghosh puts it, “The biggest challenge we face with this option is that if we don’t have enough students participate we will not have enough spare machines to loan out and the program will not work.”

Sources: Hopkinton May Revive High School Laptop Plan, the Metrowest Daily News and the Hopkinton 1:1 site.