Nebraska school introduces laptop program

The phrase "Take out your notebooks" has a different meaning for Ravenna High School students this year, as the school district has introduced a new program that puts laptop computers into the hands of students.

According to local news provider the Kearney Hub, as part of a one-to-one laptop program, the Nebraska school district has purchased 210 laptops, which students are allowed to use in the classroom and, in some cases, at home.

"We’re creating a technology vision, not just for the high school, but for every student in our district," says Ravenna High School principal Corey Fisher. "We want to help make education more relevant to the 21st century."

The notebook computers are not only intended to introduce new educational resources to the students, but also help them learn lessons in personal responsibility, Fisher says.

"It's not just a toy, not just something they can use for social networking," Fisher tells the news provider. "It's much like a calculator in the 60s and 70s. It's the same mindset, just more advanced."

Many educators say technology in the classroom enables them to engage students more effectively and enrich the learning experience. As a March 2011 Cisco study shows, 83 percent of surveyed teachers say familiarity with technology is key to helping students prepare for the future.