Lending Computers to Students
Over the past few months, on more than one occasion, I
have come across the topic of lending computers to students. For example, I
recently learned that the Computers for Schools program has been providing high
schools with recycled laptop computers to lend to students. Recent distance
education programs have also incorporated lending computers as part of their
programs.
As computers become more readily available in literacy
programs, the next step to improving access to computer technology seems to be
placing them in the homes of literacy students who don't own a computer. In a
1996 survey of literacy practitioners and students in New Brunswick, it was
found that only 16% of students used computers at home. In a 1999 survey of
Ontario literacy students only 30% of the students surveyed owned computers. In
the same study, it was concluded that even if literacy students have access to
computers in school, it is hard for them to practice what they have learned
because they don't have access to a computer outside of class hours.
When the idea of lending computers to students is
presented many questions quickly come to mind First, what are the objectives?
Are they to provide an educational tool to help students improve literacy
skills, overcome learning disabilities, obtain basic computer skills, or maybe
simply to improve their access to community resources?
The next important question that would need to be
addressed is eligibility. Would all literacy students be eligible? Would
computers only be available to those students who are economically
disadvantaged or have a learning disability? Also, how long would any given
student get to keep a computer?
What equipment should be used? All of the programs I've
come across have opted for laptop computers. Should they be Macintosh computers
because they are easier to use? Would peripheral equipment such as printers,
and modems be necessary? The selection of software is also an important issue
that would be linked to the stated objectives.
With any type of equipment, theft is always a
consideration. Would additional insurance or antitheft devices be required?
Would students be required to provide a deposit to ensure the return of the
equipment?
Lastly, what extra support would be required to maintain
the program and the equipment and how much support would students require?
If you have any experience lending computers to students
or you have any thoughts on the questions posed, we'd like to hear from you. We
will share any information we collect in a future issue of CONNECT.