Creek Bridge High School and Palmetto Middle School in South Carolina’s Marion School District 7 are enjoying this year’s new laptop program, known as “The DREAM.” It is an exciting time for a district with a 90 percent free and reduced lunch rate.
The Marion Schools have been building a laptop program for several years. Most recently, $200,000 from an Enhancing Education Through Technology (E2T2) grant provided 138 sixth grade students with a laptop through the “Bulldogs Read Every Available Moment” project.
Through this and other grant funding the district has been able to supply students on four different grade levels with computer technology. Distributing the computers, assistant superintendent Deborah Barnhill said, “We want you to have access to the whole wide world.” Students are allowed to take the computers home, with the understanding that they are responsible for and entrusted with the learning tool. Classroom tools leverage the value of the laptop.
The DREAM program is designed to improve students’ 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,” says superintendent Everette Dean. Students will take pre and post tests to assess their computer skills levels and parents will be offered workshops to gain a better understanding of computer usage.
Palmetto Middle School is pursuing a research-based, cross-curriculum initiative that seeks to dramatically improve English Language Arts achievement and technology proficiency in grade six 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. According to technology coach Tonya Ford, “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.

Source: Marion Star & Mullins Enterprise Reporter, Students get free laptops, by Naeem McFadden