Students would have free Internet access through a central
school library network, and would eventually be able to dial in from
home.
"We're hoping to find a machine without a lot of bells and
whistles, but would give students basic access," Breen said.
In a companion initiative, the fund also would provide training
and portable computers for Maine teachers, paying for half the cost
of purchasing computers for every teacher in the state over five
years. An additional $1 million per year is proposed to support
ongoing teacher development and integrate technology into the
curriculum.
But not everyone agrees that equipping seventh-graders with
laptops is the best way to spend education dollars.
"We think it's a bold initiative," said state Representative
Joseph Bruno, a member of Maine's Appropriations Committee, which
must approve the expenditure. "But we'd rather have more money to
fix our schools than laptops."
Bruno says that most members of the committee agree that school
repairs and providing teacher training materials should come first.
"Where does this fall on the priority list?" Bruno asked. "For
members in the legislature, it's not a top priority."
Bruno says that towns should be able to decide for themselves
whether or not to have computer labs.
Critics of the proposal also said that laptops are more expensive
than desktops, and can easily be broken by middle school kids.
But supporters of the initiative say that laptops are necessary
in a state where few families can afford computers.
"Maine is not a wealthy state," said Jean Gulliver, vice chair
for the Maine Board of Education.
"There will be breakage," Gulliver said. "But the potential for
gain, for access for the rest of the family, and for students to be
able to do their homework at home are far greater than the risks."
Some private schools have successfully implemented laptops into
their curriculum.
The Peddie School in
Hightstown, New Jersey, is one of the first schools to replace
computer labs with laptops for every incoming student.
Peddie provides Toshiba laptops (valued at about $2,000) with
access to the Internet, email, and application programs to students
as part of their tuition.
