New Hampshire to Furnish 7th-grade Classrooms with Laptops

In a move to integrate technology and traditional learning, New Hampshire Governor Craig Benson introduced on Tuesday a four-year pilot program to bring laptop computers into classrooms. The program, Technology Promoting Student Excellence, is intended to provide wireless connectivity to all 7th-grade students and teachers from selected schools.

Numerous corporate donors have contributed nearly half of the $1.2 million estimated cost to implement the program, according to the Associated Press. Up to five schools will be selected from a pool of 19 school districts being asked to submit proposals. Installation of the wireless network will begin in November 2003, following an announcement of winning schools.

Maine, which adopted a similar model in 2001 (see the June 29, 2001 issue of the Digest), has seen a drop in absences, tardiness and disciplinary cases since implementing its program. Learning achievements also have increased, and the program has received high approval ratings from teachers, students, parents and administrators, Maine supporters say.

Also, in July 2003, the Michigan Legislature approved $39 million for a program meant to give its state's 132,000 sixth-graders access to laptop computers. The overarching program, Freedom to Learn, was conceived in 2002 (see the August 8, 2003 issue of the Digest).

More information on New Hampshire's initiative is available through the governor's website: http://www.state.nh.us/governor/index.html