Each year Padua Academy changes; some small and indiscernible, others monumental. Next year, one change will be a giant leap for Padua.Whereas this year Padua’s biggest change was in regards to scheduling, next year Padua is going to be changing their approach to technology.
In the upcoming 2012-2013 school year, Padua will be offering the opportunity for students to participate in the 1:1 laptop program. Incoming freshman will be required to use either a “school-supported” Macbook Air or bring in their own laptop each day. If they choose a school-supported laptop, they will need to pay the annual technology fee for the laptop. However, if students bring their own laptops from home, they will be responsible for the cost of wireless network access and printing. The school-supported laptop is the 11″ Macbook Air with the 4gb RAM and 128gb hard drive upgrades. The cost will be around $350 for the incoming freshman and any other students who want to use a laptop through the school. For students who choose to bring a computer from home, $150 will the price for the wireless network and printing at Padua Academy.
According to Mrs. Wilson, in the IT Department, the computer program has been considered by the administration a number of times over the last several years. “For the last two years, we have decided it is the way to go, and have taken that time to test various devices,” she explained. All of the freshman are required to have a Macbook Air next year, whether or not they already own a laptop beforehand. Fortunately, they are being notified in advance so no purchases for other kinds of laptops will be made beforehand. What if you’re a sophomore, junior, or senior next year? These students will not have to buy a new laptop, but they are given the option of participating in the program if desired. If a student owns an iPad, it will not be able to be used as her primary device. Student must have a laptop, either as a part of the program, or purchased personally.
It is still unknown if this new technology system will be successful, but Mrs. Wilson believes that it will ultimately benefit students. “The world is changing and Padua’s administration and faculty believe that learning can be enhanced through more interactive courseware and online collaboration,” Mrs. Wilson said, “We want our students to have every opportunity available to them. I think it will greatly benefit our students.” Regan Robertson (’15) recently got a Macbook Air for Christmas. “I’m really happy that I have my laptop,” Regan explains, “I’ve improved in my schoolwork especially in taking notes and writing school reports.” Nevertheless, Regan believes that the whole idea of everyone having a laptop can have a huge disadvantage. Regan said, “You can easily get distracted during class. The social networks are always very tempting to go on or to work on something else.” Hopefully, students will be able to make the most of this new program and find ways technology to enhance their educational experience.
