Pilot Notebook Program

Overview

Colonial Heights Public Schools has been piloting a laptop computer initiative at Colonial Heights High School. The program began during the 2003 - 2004 school year, so the 2004 - 2005 school year marks the second year of the program. This year Mr. Palatiere has two classes involved with the laptop program. The Pilot Notebook Program involves Mr. Palatiere's honors biology classes. The program represents an opportunity for students to use new Gateway mobile computers both at school and at home, providing them with a valuable instructional tool.

Mr. Buddy Palatiere presents a lesson on cells to his honors biology students.

Update from Instructor for 2004 - 2005 School Year "The Laptop Computer program has taken a major step forward in the development of an entire e-curriculum for Honors Biology.  Every student in the program  received a Gateway Laptop computer and a DVD with a teacher created e-curriculum.  This e-curriculum disk includes: Chapter notes for the entire year, Handouts and Worksheets for the entire year, and other supportive materials.  The program has evolved into a 90% paperless classroom where even assignments and some tests and quizzes are taken directly on the computer and electronically submitted for grading. Changing the paradigm of note taking and electronically submitting and grading materials has not been easy, but it has allowed for more student/teacher interaction and discussion about various topics in biology."

SOL Scores from First Year of Pilot Notebook Program

• 21 out of 21 Passed Biology SOL
• 11 Passed Advanced
• 20 of 21 above State Average
• 2 Perfect Scores

Rationale

Technology is increasingly becoming more and more an integral part of a student's educational experience. Access to information technology provides students with the tools and resources they will be using as adults, and gives them the opportunity to develop skills that will equip them for the workplace and higher education. In providing these young people with notebook computers, we're giving them a valuable tool for learning, and the school division is engaging in an important study to explore the benefits and issues related to providing students with mobile computers.

Equipment

Students are being given Gateway model notebook computers with Windows XP Professional. Each computer is equipped with a DVD drive, wired Ethernet networking, wireless networking, and a modem for dial-up access.

 
A student examines a "virtual" chloroplast using instructional materials developed and provided by his teacher.

Software

Several measures have been taken related to security. The application CyberSitter provides an Internet content filter to block access to inappropriate Internet content. Anti-Virus and firewall protection are being provided with applications from Symantec. Instructional applications include the Microsoft Office XP suite of productivity applications. This includes Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access.

Mr. Paul Riding provides technology support to Mr. Palatiere and his students.

Preparation for the Pilot Notebook Program

In gearing up for the Pilot Notebook Program, school division staff did their homework. There was a true team effort to engage in careful, diligent planning. Other school divisions have done similar initiatives, some on a larger scale, and staff from other divisions were consulted for advice. Mr. Buddy Palatiere, the teacher for the honors biology class, dedicated much time to planning how he would integrate this technology into his classroom, and to developing creative instructional materials.

Report from the Instructor During First Year of Program

Here's a report from Mr. Buddy Palatiere, the teacher in the Pilot Notebook Program, describing the first year of the Pilot Notebook Program:

"The students seem to have a very positive attitude when dealing with their laptops. Every student enters the room and immediately turns on his/her laptop so class can begin in a timely manner! They are excited and nervous at the same time. We have changed the paradigm of notes in school. With digital notes and students being a little passive, many seem to think that knowledge will just jump off the page. Therefore we have asked them to stay on top of the assignments and review their notes on the laptops every night. It is a lot of work for the instructor. After 28 years of teaching, I feel like a new teacher. I spend 10-15 hours per chapter getting notes and handouts ready for the class, and that is for one Honors Biology Class. I still have 102 Biology II students to prepare for. The kids are positive and I am positive about the outcome of this pilot project. We have all put in a ton of time and I am sure the effort will be worth it!"

Acceptable Use Policy and Student Contract

The document Pilot Notebook Program: Acceptable Use Policy and Student Contract (School Board policy IIBEA-E4) explains the school division's established guidelines for appropriate student use of the notebook computers. It's guidelines and conditions are to be considered part of the division's larger policy related to Acceptable Computer System Use.

Windows Media video clip (broadband required): Click on the picture to view a streaming video clip of Mr. Palatiere presenting a lesson to his biology class.

Windows Media video clip (broadband required): Click on the picture to view a streaming video clip of students studying for a quiz using their notebook computers.