Punahou fourth-graders were happy to take home their laptop computers last week, after a special meeting with teachers and parents to learn more about the School’s One-to-One laptop program.
“Students, I know how excited you are because you want to get your hands on those laptops, but we must review some important information first,” Grades 2 and 4 Supervisor Julie Crane-Cory told the youngsters, who had gathered with their parents at Thurston Memorial Chapel after school on Aug. 29, 2012.
The use of technology is integrated throughout Punahou’s curriculum, and students gain practical experience using computers as learning tools starting in first grade. But fourth grade marks their entry into the One-to-One program, which assigns each of them an Apple MacBook to use at school and at home. The program continues through 12th grade.
Technology Resource Teacher Heather Byrne explained that students will use their laptops in all subject areas. Besides enhancing the overall curriculum and helping the youngsters become technically proficient, the One-to-One program aids in the development of important academic and life skills.
Punahou began its One-to-One laptop program 12 years ago, and teachers and administrators noticed right away how conscientious most students are about using and maintaining the technological tool, Byrne said. “The fourth-graders display such a great deal of responsibility through this program. They rarely forget their laptops. They rarely forget to bring them to school fully charged. They know how important they are to their learning and they appreciate and care for them.”
After reviewing various computer software the students will use, going over the rules and guidelines of the One-to-One program, and advising parents on ways they can help their children make the most of this important learning tool, Crane-Cory sent the students off to their classrooms to pick up their computers, saying “have a wonderful and exciting learning journey with your laptop!”
