Oak-Land Junior High in Lake Elmo, Minnesota, is nearing the end of its six-year experiment with laptop computers. They now own the leased computers, but the hardware is not going to work for much longer. So the district is looking at three scenarios that range from discontinuing the program to substantially expanding it. As reported by the local Stillwater Courier:

Estimated at between $787,000 and $1.2 million over four years, the most expensive option would continue one-laptop-per-student, or “1:1,” access to all Oak-Land students and expand it to all students at Stillwater Junior High School and Stillwater Area High School.

The next least expensive plan would provide 1:1 access at both junior highs and more limited access at the high school, for a cost estimated between $284,000 and $584,000 over four years.

Both plans include the machines students and teachers would use, as well as expanded server capacity and infrastructure, software, and a portion of the cost of training for teachers and other staff.

A third option calls for discontinuing the Oak-Land 1:1 option, while spending equal amounts on replacement computers at all three schools, at an estimated cost of $478,000 next school year.

Officials added that the least expensive option would not only be a step backward, it could cost an additional $300,00 if students were to return to textbook-centered instruction.

A study by the University of Minnesota’s Center for Applied Research and Educational Improvement (CAREI) showed increases in higher-order thinking and greater engagement as a result of the 1:1 program. [See Evaluating Stillwater Minnesota’s Laptop Program.]

 “Expanding students’ access to technology fits with our district goals of enhancing relationships and making instruction more personal for students, as well as preparing them for a highly-technical, global society,” says Superintendent Keith Ryskosk. “This study is one of many pieces of information we will consider as we move forward to determine how we can best meet the needs of our students.”

Sources: Stillwater Courier, School board hears 3 options for laptop programs, by Mark Brouwer; Stillwater Public Schools, Access To Technology Changing Way Teachers Teach and Students Learn