Manistee High School in Northern Michigan is planning a one-to-one laptop initiative that, if approved, would provide all incoming freshman for the 2008-200 school year a laptop for their entire high school career.

Supporters cite some practical and immediate advantages, particularly the replacement of textbooks and the ability to enhance the learning time at home. According to Principal Andrew Huber, the Michigan curriculum doesn’t precisely match the textbook, and teachers already augment 30 percent to 40 percent of what a textbook covers. Laptops would allow for targeted material and also give students access to a web site where they can review daily lessons and check over their work.

The first year of the program would cost approximately $150,000. Most of the program's start up costs would be funded through the school’s textbook and technology advancement funding.

Source : WPBN-WTOM TV 7&4, New laptop program at local high school