High Technology At SLPS
Keeping Students Engaged in Learning
By Brianna Gentert and Chantel Pittz
February 05, 2008
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ENGAGED IN LEARNING: Silver Lake
students have gained a technological advantage with the purchase of
a new Apple laptop computer for each and every student!
Technology is changing our world. If you don’t believe me, then
just take a walk down the halls at Silver Lake Public School!
On January 8, the students of Silver Lake got their year started
off right. As of that day, every student in grades 7-12 received a
brand new Apple laptop computer. With an unimaginable amount of
information available on the world wide web, the new laptops will
help students reach an entirely new level of learning. Each student
also received their own e-mail account on the gaggle system, which
allows them safe and instantaneous contact with other Silver Lake
students and staff members.
Students take their computers with them to every class. They can
also take them home at night. Along with the typical programs, the
laptops have many extra options like photo booth, garage band, and
other exciting features.
The new laptops for the students and staff cost the school over
$300,000.00. That price includes the software, the wireless
routers, and two new servers, along with the approximate 200
laptops that were purchased. There were many different types of
software that was purchased and put on the computers. There will
also be updates in software after every student checks in their
laptop during the summer months.
The school plans to rotate these laptops in for new ones every four
years. Next year, they plan for the school to be all Mac, that
means no more PC’s for Silver Lake!
Everyone plans for the laptops to be a great success. Principal Ken
Mahoney commented, “I think the students who want to achieve a
higher level of learning will be able to do so outside of the
classroom.” Students should be able to manage their assignments
better then ever before. We are thankful for such a great learning
tool!
