Several East Lansing teachers gathered Thursday afternoon for something that resembled Christmas coming early - just a little more high-tech than the Christian holiday.
As part of a new state program, Michigan teachers are able to sign up to receive new laptops from the state for use in their classrooms and homes.
Several East Lansing elementary teachers received their new computers Thursday, along with a training session on how to use them.
The teachers all opened their bags at the same time, littering the desk with plastic bags and cardboard. They all set their new laptops on the same classroom desk as they were given a crash course on the technology.
“It’s exciting,” said Sharon Viol, a fourth grade teacher at Pinecrest Elementary School, 1811 Pinecrest Drive.
“The computers are a great way for us to get into the world with other teachers. Technology plays a big part in the classroom.”
Before long, the table was littered with cords and the room was filled with the familiar beeps and blips of the computers.
So far about 170 new computers have been ordered for East Lansing teachers. About 60 have been received so far, including the computers dropped off Thursday at the elementary school.
Teachers participating in the program, which brings a $1,200-per-teacher allowance provided by the state for the computers, are able to choose from a variety of options, including a larger screen, more memory or an Internet connection.
All of the computers come loaded with a variety of software, including an anti-virus program.
The computers also feature swappable floppy and CD-ROM drives, allowing users to have both drives at once.
The most popular option among the elementary teachers seemed to be the larger screens.
Although Michigan lawmakers have not been playing a large role in the program, program officials say everything is going well and there have been no major problems.
Jason Sharp, information systems manager for East Lansing Public Schools, has been working with the system, helping coordinate the distribution and also helping out with a few technology questions by showing the teachers the basics of the new laptops.
Sharp also has ordered carrying bags for all the laptops in the hopes that the computers will be more portable.
“The teachers that have gotten their computers so far have had nothing but rave reviews,” Sharp said.
“To have something to take home and have it be their own and not just something we gave them is great. It’s been working out great.”
All the teachers hope the technology will make their record keeping more convenient and allow them to get information from one place to another.
“It affords us to keep our data instantly without having to put everything on paper,” said Nick Archer, a physical education instructor for East Lansing’s public schools.
Archer hopes the portability will prove handy when a student is unable to participate in an activity, moving to the computer to ensure the day is not wasted.
“It’s my first laptop. I’ve been up on the computers for a while now, but this provides me with an accessibility and a convenience I’ve never had before.”
