Setting Up a School Laptop Program
DOES EVERY CHILD IN THE CLASS NEED A NOTEBOOK?
It helps. Students will use the computers for most subjects at school and to
complete assignments at home.
HOW MUCH DOES THE COMPUTER COST?
Typical leases run about $70 a month, including service and insurance. Purchase
prices start at about $2,000.
WHAT KIND OF HARDWARE IS BEST?
Pilot programs all used Toshiba color laptops, but any durable machine will do.
CD-ROM drives and fast modems are recommended.
CAN CHILDREN TAKE CARE OF THEIR LAPTOPS?
To be safe, lease terms should include insurance and provisions for ''loaner''
machines.
DO TEACHERS NEED SPECIAL TRAINING?
Yes. Australian teachers with the most experience recommend a year of training.
Fortunately, children also teach one another.
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