Netbooks are ready for Green Bay classrooms

GREEN BAY - Green Bay schools are ready to roll out some new technology.

The district bought 3,000 netbooks and will distribute them to 6th and 9th graders starting next week.

It's part of the district's one-to-one technology initiative.
     
At Green Bay Preble High School,

"Look at how cute these are," said Kelly Baudhuin, Green Bay Preble High School language arts teacher.

A class of 9th grade students got a glimpse of their educational future.

"I think they're pretty awesome," said Pedro Martinez, 9th grader.

The district bought 3,000 mini laptops. One for each 6th and 9th grader. 500 devices are being prepped at Preble.

The netbooks feature a district-controlled environment called Learning Space.

"Students will be able to access the office programs at home, as well as at school. They'll be able to use the Internet," said Todd Anderson, Green Bay Preble High School business education teacher.

"We can have online conversations. We can do all kinds of things. Kids can create PowerPoints, movies, you name it," said Baudhuin.

Each netbook will cost the district about $500. Students will get a case to protect the computer. They also have to sign an agreement in case of any damage.

"I'm going to make sure I don't leave it somewhere, or I have a responsible place so I don't accidentally drop it or something," said Ellie Brennan, 9th grader.

And there is security software.

"That allows us to access the device remotely if we need to try and track it down. We can also shut it down," said Anderson.

Teachers inspired the change.

"This is a piece of technology that will offer our students the opportunity to be absolutely college and career ready," said Baudhuin.

Students seemed to approve.

"My handwriting is horrible, so I think, since I can type, people will be actually able to read it," said Martinez.

"It's going to be fun to be able to like transfer what we're doing at school, over at home. Because we have all our information on the computers and stuff, so I'm excited," said Brennan.

Other districts are implementing these devices as well.

Students in Ashwaubenon are already using netbooks.

And in Menasha, kindergarteners at St. Mary Elementary will soon be using computer tablets in class.