My name is Scott Monahan and I’m a Grade 8 teacher in the YRDSB (Ontario, Canada).  This year my class has been presented with an opportunity to participate in a pilot project where each student has been given his or her own netbook computer to use for the year.

There are several goals for this project both on the academic side and technical side:

  • Investigate the feasibility of using OpenSource software on school computers to reduce the costs associated with commercial licensing fees.
  • Create a blended learning environment where students have continuous access to resources that can complement their in-class experience (i.e. Google Docs, Moodle, Online Databases and Encyclopedias)
  • Model and develop digital literacy skills for students.
  • Teach students to work collaboratively, and investigate how assessment practices must change to reflect that.
  • Increase student engagement
  • Investigate whether there is a difference in both the quantity and quality of student work when they get to use their computers.