1 to 1 Program Showcase

In early 2010 Santa Rosa Academy worked with teachers, parents and technologists to research a potential ‘One-to-One Laptops for Learning Program’. SRA has always had a charter which emphasizes the importance of science and technology. Initially SRA built a small computer lab, which began to grow with our program. In 2009 it became clear that students needed more access to computers as we began to see just how powerful this tool was.

One-to-One learning provides every student and teacher access to his or her own laptop computer in a wireless environment allowing students to learn at their own pace and ability levels. One-to-One initiatives have gained momentum, worldwide, and are increasingly seen as a key to transforming education and better preparing students to succeed in a global world. In the One-to-One Laptops for Learning Program students’ access to a MacBook and the

Internet enables them to be self-directed and receive more engaging and more personalized instruction. Students use these MacBooks to do research, complete homework, problem-solve, communicate with teachers and to engage collaboratively in team projects. At the same time, they gain valuable 21st century skills that will be beneficial as they progress through their education and ultimately on to their future careers.

We want our students to be excited about what they learn, to have them dig deeper and to retain more of the knowledge they gain from our talented SRA staff. For the 2010-2011 school year we implemented this new program to our 7th and 8th grade Blue Track students. The next few years will be exciting for these students as they learn the technology needed to succeed in our rich middle and high school programs. Research verifies that 21st century learners excel when their education is interactive, project-based and relevant. At SRA we look to move our classrooms beyond the confines of school walls by putting a MacBook in the hands of every student in 7th and 8th grades,  with 9th grade students being added to the program for the 2011-2012 school year. The SRA vision is not about buying and distributing MacBooks to teachers and students, but rather one of having technology that makes a real difference in the learning experience. The goal of this program is to transform teaching and learning, resulting in measurable improvements in student achievement and preparation for productive futures. Parents and teachers must work together to prepare our students to compete in a 21st century global economy.