Franklin Lakes March 27, 2013 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • Page 7 Student laptop program draws opposition by Frank J. McMahon The 1-to-1 learning initiative in the Ramapo Indian Hills Regional High School District, under which every student would be provided a laptop computer to use both at school and at home, has run into some opposition. The laptops would be leased over a four-year term with zero financing, according to Frank Ceurvels, the district’s business administrator, and the initiative would add $300,000 to the existing technology budget. Barbara Duhig, the president of the Ramapo Indian Hills Education Association told the school board at a recent public meeting that a survey of the association’s membership indicated that, while the members recognize the value of technology, they are opposed to the initiative at this time. Duhig acknowledged there are some benefits to the program, such as helping students to organize their files and stay organized, and helping them prepare for testing under the upcoming state mandates. She also pointed out that it would be an exciting opportunity for students who would all have the same technology. She explained, however, that her members feel it would be a distraction in the classroom and problems could arise when a student forgets his or her laptop, or when the laptop needs to be charged. She said instruction time could be lost when a student has technology difficulties, and added that teachers could have difficulty monitoring the students’ use of the laptops in the classroom. In addition, she said the laptops would limit face to face discussion. Duhig said there is a potential for damage in the labs and for the inappropriate use of the laptops by students. “We do not think it is wise to take on such a large expense,” Duhig said. “Students currently have an abundant use of technology. Bottom line: We want students to think and articulate.” Cherylin Roeser, the vice president of the RIHEA, added that there are many initiatives being placed on the teaching staff. “You need to understand the pressure you are placing on the teaching staff,” she said. “All of them require training. You can’t put all of them in place at the same time without taking an enormous toll on the teachers.” Several parents who attended the meeting also voiced concerns about the expense of the program, asking what solid gains the initiative would provide in student achievement. Lynn Budd, president of the school board, responded by explaining that 98 percent of the district’s students go on to college and use laptops in college for everything on a routine basis. The program was explained to the board at a public meeting in early February by Director of Curriculum (continued on page 11)