Cape Girardeau public schools take delivery of student laptops

Cape Girardeau public schools assistant superintendent for academic services Sherry Copeland said it was like Christmas when 1,200 convertible laptop devices arrived at the district office.

The ASUS Transformer Book computers arrived Friday. The target rollout date for high school students in grades nine through 12 is Jan. 7. Tentatively, the district plans to distribute the laptops to eighth-graders in August 2014, but may add seventh-graders, as well.

Moving toward the 1:1 initiative started in spring 2012, when the district began researching the project. After all the planning and preparation, Copeland said it was "so exciting" to see the devices, which are part laptop and part tablet, and get photos of the palettes coming in.

"It's kind of like Christmas. I feel kind of like a little kid," Copeland said. She added it will be two years in March since the planning and preparation began to bring in the ASUS Transformer Book computers.

The district purchased 1,300 ASUS devices for 1,200 students and 100 teachers for an estimated $520,000. The teacher devices already have been distributed so instructors can start getting used to the computers, according to Hall.

Copeland said the district was methodical and collaborative throughout the research and device selection process, asking for input from the community, teachers and students. District officials also visited other schools using the laptops for instruction.

"It's not theoretical anymore," said technology coordinator Brian Hall.

Hall and Copeland said the computers will put students at the forefront of college and career readiness.

Hall said Friday the devices are being imaged, meaning the district's version of Windows and other needed software is being loaded onto the machines, and the district is working with the Career and Technology Center to use its etching machine to engrave the district logo and serial numbers. Hall said the district also purchased its own etching machine.

Copeland said the district is working through Southeast Missouri State University to offer graduate credit to teachers undergoing training on the devices, which could help teachers move up on the salary scale.

"They'll have reflection pieces and portfolios when they're done," she said.

Teachers, especially those at Central High School, should be able to finish the course by the end of the school year, Copeland said. But it's not just for high school teachers, she said.

Hall said the devices will have a sleeve and students will get ear buds, as well.

rcampbell@semissourian.com

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