When was the last time you spent a day without coming into contact with a computer-related

device? You wake up in a climate controlled room, regulated by a pre-set computerized thermostat.
The tantalizing aroma of freshly brewed coffee fills the air because last night you programmed your
Mr. Coffee to perk precisely thirty minutes before your alarm shrilly rang brrrrrring brrrrrrrring at
6:05. You hit a button on your home computer, and instantaneously you learn the temperature and
weather conditions, traffic patterns, scheduled activities, and email correspondences for the day.
You may even download and print out your lessons! Later, you plan to enter your students
attendance and grades into a computer at school. For you, as for your students, the computer has
become an integral part of your life. A wireless laptop for every student is as vital as a number 2
pencil. Every high school student must have this valuable resource as part of their school supplies
because it is cost effective, provides valuable career training, and is highly motivational by todays
multi-sensory visually-orientated global student.
Although there is an upfront cost initially, in the long run a wireless laptop is a cost effective
educational tool. Information in textbooks can become outdated while Internet websites can be
updated with minimal effort. Traditional textbooks require new purchasing of books, disposing of
the old books, as well time for distribution to students and then collection at the end of the year
from students. Meanwhile, there are thousands of online textbooks that can be accessed in minutes.
Websites housing online textbooks in every subject from mathematics to Shakespeare to economics
are readily available. Most online texts can be translated into several languages using Babelfish for
ELL students. According to www. prezi.com, laptops cost less for school systems over time because
school systems no longer need to fund a schools computer lab. The cost for a laptop is $1,500.00
over five years compared to the $75,000 spent yearly on textbooks. Assessments, given to students
using technology, can offer teacher and students immediate and accurate feedback. Students can log
onto their computer to see an explanation of their grade assessments and then sort data. In addition,
imagine the savings in paper, toner, and copy costs if students and teachers used more technology!
In July 2003, the journal, Transforming Education through Technology reported public school
teachers spent $1.6 billion of their own money on classroom supplies such as paper and toner for
copies. Less money spent on paper textbooks and paper for copies can be used for more technology
in the school. All in all, students having their own laptops saves money in several ways.
In addition, technology provides valuable and authentic career training for students.
Students can collaborate on assignments instantly with peers via email. Students can even use
discussion boards and classroom chats to enhance their learning with their classmates. Additionally,
students can even work together with other students from other countries. With a laptop, a
students reach is endless. This helps students train for everyday jobs where email and technology
help companies and its employees go far beyond where they are actually located. Can you think of a
job today that does not use email? Students will be prepared with knowledge on how to use
computer programs that are common in the workforce along with knowing how to type. Teachers
can develop technology-supported engaging learning projects that enable students to solve real-
world problems, retrieve information from online resources, and connect with experts. For example,
high-school students can develop a higher level mock technology company and use the Internet,
scanners, and presentation software to plan and deliver speeches to stockholders. Evidence
indicates that when used effectively, "technology applications can support higher-order thinking by
engaging students in authentic, complex tasks within collaborative learning contexts" (Means,
Blando, Olson, Middleton, Morocco, Remz & Zorfass, 1993). According to the scholastic article, A
Laptop for Every Learner by Mark Edwards, We came to realize, however, that in order to raise the
bar for teaching and learning and helping our students compete in a technology-driven society, we
need to go the extra mile. We decided the best solution would be to secure a computer for each
student. The answer: laptops. Ultimately, if every student has a laptop, they will be trained for their
careers later on in life.
Most importantly, technology is highly motivating to the 21st century multi-media oriented
student. Students can prepare and present homework or project work using multimedia such as
power point, charts and graphs, music or video files. Using the students preferred learning styles,
teachers can use alternate assessments. Special needs and limited English students may be able to
more fully participate in mainstream classes using the power of multi-sensory presentation of
content. Students can maintain an ongoing electronic portfolio of student work that can go with the
student from grade to grade or to a different school. High school students may create a multi-media
portfolio for work prospects or application to higher education. What could be more engaging to a
student? Such innovations are cutting edge in education and are appearing throughout the
country. Many colleges, such as the University of Tennessee, are requiring education majors to
create an online multi-media portfolio. The useful portfolios are looked upon by students with pride
and a sense of accomplishment. Additionally, the school system in Virginia that adopted laptops for
their students say students have responded with unbelievable enthusiasm, excitement, and
creativity. This excitement leads the school system to believe they see positive results in student
achievement down the road. Therefore, laptops help keep students driven in their learning.
In conclusion, a laptop computer is a vital tool in education today. Putting a laptop in the
hands of our high school students is not only preparing them for a career and life, but it is also
motivating. Although the initial investment may be costly, this compact technology will prove to be
cost effective in the long run. No student preparing to be a productive member of our technological
society should be without one! What would your life be like tomorrow if technology was
eliminated along with Mr. Coffee and email?