EDUCATION: Laptops make learning fun at Linton-Stockton Elementary

Submitted photo Linton-Stockton Elementary School received a $44,000 Indiana Department of Education grant to purchase 135 laptops. Second-grade teacher Danielle Goodman (above, middle) watches students Vinnie Rich (left) and Kyle Burks work during a recent class. [Order this photo]

Just add laptops to the game.

Linton-Stockton Elementary School recently received a $44,000 Indiana Department of Education grant that funded 135 laptops through a two-year research project.

Danielle Goodman, second-grade teacher who wrote the grant, explained, "Over 100 schools in Indiana submitted grant proposals. We were one of 27 schools selected. We are excited and grateful for the opportunity to have a computer for every second grader to use."

The school received the laptops in January, she noted. Since then the students have used them for writing and research as well as improving math, spelling, vocabulary, and typing skills.

Both the students and teachers are excited about the computers -- which are 2go Intel PCs with 9 inch screens and handles. Each one weighs 2.5 pounds.

"I love them. I think the computers are motivating the students, opening up possibilities and bringing excitement to the classroom," Goodman said.

The two-year research project will study the impact of an affordable, sustainable, one-on-one computing environment on second-grade student achievement and engagement, she noted.

"Our goals for the project include: Motivating students, improving writing skills and increasing parental involvement," Goodman said.

The second graders are excited about the new tech gadgets and motivation is no problem.

"It's not pencil and paper labor intensive. It's fun," she added.

Rather than doing traditional flash card drills, students can play math games on the computers. Students also get on-line to play spelling and vocabulary games that focus on weekly work.

"This really gets them motivated because it doesn't feel like work," Goodman said.

The computers can help improve writing skills.

"Often kids get caught up in handwriting and spelling struggles. Written work can be particularly laborious for some students, especially those with special needs," she explained.

Students even enjoy writing more when the laptops are out.

"The kids see writing as a fun activity when they get to use the computers. They look forward to working, writing stories, plays and poems," she added.

The computers also give students extra time for the writing process and content.

Each computer is loaded with Microsoft Word -- which allows students to immediately see any spelling and grammar mistakes.

"We hope students will feel successful with written work on the computer and we want this to translate into pencil and paper writing as well," Goodman added.

The computers have allowed students to create PowerPoint presentations and research topics on the Web, she said, noting the school's Internet access is filtered and children are always monitored when on-line.

If you're a parent of an L-S Elementary second grader you'll soon get an up-close opportunity to check all of the fun out.

"We will have an open house after spring break for the parents to come and see the activities their second graders have been involved in on their computers," Goodman said.