The Enhanced Learning Strategy (ELS) program in Quebec’s Eastern Townships schools provides students from grades three through five with a portable computer. According to a survey report by the local school board:

The ELS began in 2003, with students in the Third Cycle Elementary (Grades 5/6) and Secondary Five High School (Grade 11), with a three-year deployment strategy, ultimately providing wireless Apple laptop computers to all students from the Second Cycle Elementary (Grades 3, 4) to Secondary Five and Adult Education. All teachers, school and centre based administrative personnel, non-teaching professionals and technical support staff were also provided the same computer technology, with specific upgrades and programs. In all, over 5,600 laptops were deployed in the ELS.

Steve Weary, the school board’s principal of special projects, explains, “As we’ve gone along, there’s been a lot of wondering about how well things are working. We hear both ends, but we’ve always been interested to know what the majority thinks.”

Students, parents, teachers and administrators filled out surveys in February, based on a questionnaire developed by Henrico Country Public Schools (VA). Of those who responded, 83 per cent of students, 72 per cent of teachers, 79 per cent of parents and 94 per cent of administrators indicated they were in favor of continuing the laptop program.

The poll was conducted via a website. Noticing a poor parent response, the Board sent it home on laptops. That doubled participation, but only to 23 percent. Response rates were much higher from students, teachers and administrators.

Despite the enthusiasm, the leases are due to expire, and the board plans to scale back laptop use to the classrooms were computer are deemed most effective. The study will help shape those plans to give priority to cycle 3 and secondary cycle 4 students.

Among the findings of the survey:

• Students from all grade levels overwhelmingly supported having laptops in the classroom, with 82 per cent indicating that laptops make schoolwork more interesting.
• Twenty-four per cent of teachers said they spend more time disciplining students when laptops are being used.
• At home, parents said laptops are used about equally for personal use and schoolwork.
• Nineteen per cent of parents said their child was too young to have the responsibility of caring for a laptop.

Source : Sherbrooke Record, Students say they love laptops - 23% of parents participate in survey , by Sarah Rogers. To see the complete results of the survey, visit the ETSB’s website at www.etsb.qc.ca .