The document discusses how computers have become an integral part of daily life, including for students and teachers. It argues that providing each high school student with a wireless laptop computer would be cost effective in the long run and beneficial for several reasons. It would save costs on textbooks and copies by allowing access to online resources that can be easily updated. It also provides valuable career training as students learn skills like email collaboration. Most importantly, technology highly motivates today's students by allowing creative multi-media presentations that engage various learning styles. While an initial investment is required, laptops will prove cost effective over time and better prepare students for an increasingly technological world and workforce.

1. When was the last time that you spent a day without coming into contact with a
computer-related device? You wake up in a climate controlled room, regulated by a pre-
set computerized thermostat. The tantalizing aroma of freshly brewed coffee fills the air
because last night you programmed your Mr. Coffee to perk precisely thirty minutes
before your alarm shrilly rang brrrrrring brrrrrrrring at 6:05. You hit a button on your home
computer, and instantaneously you learn the temperature and weather conditions, traffic
patterns, scheduled activities, and email correspondences for the day. You may even
download and print out your lessons! Later, you plan to enter your students’ attendance
and grades into a computer at school. For you, as for your students, the computer has
become an integral part of your life. A wireless laptop for every student is as vital as a
number 2 pencil. Every high school student must have this valuable resource as part of
their school supplies because it is cost effective, provides valuable career training, and is
highly motivational by today’s multi-sensory visually-orientated global student.
Although there is an upfront cost initially, in the long run a wireless laptop is a
cost effective educational tool. Information in textbooks can become outdated while
Internet websites can be updated with minimal effort. There are thousands of online
textbooks that can be accessed in minutes. Websites housing online textbooks in every
subject from mathematics to Shakespeare to economics are readily available. Most
online texts can be translated into several languages using Babelfish for ELL students.
Assessments, given to students using technology, can offer teacher and students
immediate and accurate feedback. Imagine the savings in paper, toner, and copy costs if
students and teachers used more technology!
In addition, technology provides valuable and authentic career training for
students. Students can collaborate on assignments instantly with peers via email. Can
you think of a job today that does not use email? Teachers can develop technology-
supported engaging learning projects that enable students to solve real-world problems,
retrieve information from online resources, and connect with experts. For example, high-
school students can develop a mock technology company and use the Internet,
scanners, and presentation software to plan and deliver speeches to stockholders.
Evidence indicates that when used effectively, "technology applications can support
higher-order thinking by engaging students in authentic, complex tasks within
collaborative learning contexts" (Means, Blando, Olson, Middleton, Morocco, Remz &
Zorfass, 1993).
Most important of all, technology is highly motivating to the 21st century multi-
media oriented student. Students can prepare and present homework or project work
using multimedia such as power point, charts and graphs, music or video files. Using the
students’ preferred learning styles, teachers can use alternate assessments. Special
needs and limited English students may be able to more fully participate in mainstream
classes using the power of multi-sensory presentation of content. Students can maintain
an ongoing electronic portfolio of student work that can go with the student from grade to
grade or to a different school. High school students may create a multi-media portfolio
for work prospects or application to higher education. What could be more engaging to a
student? Such innovations are “cutting edge” in education and are appearing throughout
the country. Many colleges, such as the University of Tennessee, are requiring
education majors to create an online multi-media portfolio. The useful portfolios are
looked upon by students with pride and a sense of accomplishment.
In conclusion, a laptop computer is a vital tool in education today. Putting a
laptop in the hands of our high school students is not only preparing them for a career

2. and life, but it is also motivating. Although the initial investment may be costly, this
compact technology will prove to be cost effective in the long run. No student preparing
to be a productive member of our technological society should be without one! What
would your life be like tomorrow if technology was eliminated along with Mr.
Coffee and email?