Laptop Computer Project

GOAL

The goal of the Laptop Computer Project is to help children achieve greater academic success by integrating computer technology into the school curriculum and home environment.

Research indicates that early success in school is critical to a child's future academic success and enhances lifelong employment opportunities. Underlying this project is the belief that technology can substantially contribute to children's early academic success if it is available to them at school and at home with appropriate user support.

This project is designed to enhance academic success by improving the learning environment, raising the child's level of self-confidence, and increasing parental involvement in the learning experience.

PROJECT DISCRIPTION

Fifth grade students at Woodley Hills Elementary School and Riverside Elementary School in Fairfax County, Virginia received laptop computers, printers and school-to-home Internet connections. Teachers and community-based partners are providing ongoing training to students and their parents in using the technology.

FUNDING

The Virginia Office of Community Services has provided Fairfax County Department of Family Services funding for purchasing hardware and software for 5th grade students eligible for the subsidized lunch program. EarthWalk Communications Inc. has augmented these funds by donating additional computers and in-kind services to ensure that all students in the project have identical computer access. Internet service provider Verizon has donated school-to-home Internet access for participating students and their families. Apple Federal Credit Union has donated funds to purchase technology supplies. The schools' PTAs have provided additional financial and volunteer support.

The following is a summary of the Woodley Hills Laptop Computer Project evaluation results. This is available for viewing in Adobe's Portable Document Format (PDF). In order to view this file, you must have Adobe Acrobat Reader installed on your computer. To obtain a free copy, follow this link:

 

Summary of the Woodley Hills Evaluation Results, May 2002 (PDF)