C.J. Morris Elementary expands laptop program

C.J. Morris' iImagine One-2- One laptop program currently serves over 100 third graders.

The innovative program will be expanded to include incoming 3^rd and 4^th graders for the 2011-12 school year.  

A technology showcase was held for 2^nd and 3^rd grade parents on March 30.

Third grade parents were able to see the impact of the One-2-One program on their children's education and find out what next year will look like. 

Principal Susan Arzola presented an introduction and slideshow overview of the One-2-One program in the multipurpose room with a surprise plan for next year.

Second grade parents visited 3^rd grade classrooms to get a first-hand look atwhat their children will be experiencing next year.

"We're revolutionizing our approach to student learning.  As we begin our journey into the 21^st century, we are preparing our students to ask questions, seek answers, and experience learning in an innovative way," she said.

Yes, there is still a lot of class work being done with paper and pencils. And students are "unplugging" their computers and talking about their learning and working on collaboratively.

"Because educational technology changes every day, we want to prepare children to be successful anywhere in the world," Arzola said. 

"What we're doing in classrooms with the MacBook is remarkable," Arzola said. "And just wait until you see what we have planned for next year."

In classrooms, students were eager to show off assignments completed on their personal laptops withcomplete worldwide Internet access.  Each child shared what they have learned and "Imagined" with the visiting parents.

Students shared their "The Tale of Despereaux" storyboards and New Year's resolutions with a watermark photo of themselves in the background.   

They showed off their haikus about the Seasons and Solar System, and National Treasures brochures - all created in the iWorks Pages program.

Crystal and Biome eight-slide keynote presentations were on display outside the classroom . The children captured images from the Internet and then inserted them in the brochures and keynote projects.

Students also demonstrated the Mind Institute math program that features JiJi the penguin and Ticket to Read that focuses on stories that address specific reading strategies.

"The One-2-One laptop program has enabled me to become a facilitator and it has made teaching more exciting for my students as we work side by side learning about our global environment," said teacher Carol Martindale.

Next year, the school plans to offer the new Apple iPad2, a tablet style computer with dual processor, educational tools and software.

"We want to put our students on the cutting edge of thinking and learning," Arzola said.  Parents will be offered a purchase or lease plan.

Students will use the iPad2 to learn skills such as word processing, graphic design, art design, and Powerpoint/Keynote presentations.  They will be able to conduct research in real-time learning, receive individualized enrichment and intervention programs, and be involved in collaborative projects with classmates and students across the globe.

Students will continue to learn the California and International Baccalaureate Content Standards and use California adopted textbooks and instructional materials.