By Laurie Rule

SDMS/SDHS
Technology Integration Specialist                                                                                               

Did you know that at Searsport District Middle School EVERY 6, 7 and 8th grader, and ALL of their teachers have been provided with a laptop?  Does teaching and learning change when everyone has anytime, anywhere use of a laptop?  YES!  Teachers report—and studies confirm--that our students are more engaged, more motivated, able to work more independently and to be better organized.  For students with learning disabilities the positive impact is even greater with additional gains in class participation and interaction.  With these wonderful tools come new responsibilities for both teachers and students, such as, teaching online resource evaluation, media literacy and Internet safety.  As your technology integration specialist my job is to assist teachers in seamlessly blending these 21st Century skills into the curriculum.  One of our most important topics is teaching online safety to our students.  At Searsport District Middle and High School we take three approaches—filtering, inspecting, and teaching. 

Filtering and Inspecting    By law all public schools must filter their Internet.  Filtering software blocks lists of selected Web addresses and we provide two layers of filtering.  Students are familiar with the red stop sign that is the BESS filter or the teddy bear image that is Content Barrier blocking them from further access to a particular site.  The tech staff also inspects laptops remotely and physically.  Mr. Bradford regularly monitors laptop activity remotely and can lock screens rendering the laptop unusable until turned in for a closer look.  Periodically random laptops are collected and examined for condition, Internet history, and evidence of inappropriate use.  The vast majority of our students use their laptops appropriately and value them as a learning tool.  They know that inappropriate use results in a series of consequences restricting or losing access to their laptop.

As a parent what can I do?    Fiirst, be nosy.  Ask to see your student's laptop work, provide feedback, and look around.  Fantastic projects are being created!  Second, be even nosier.  Insist that the laptop be used in a high visibility area.  Glance at the screen often and ask your student to explain what he's doing.  Students enjoy showing you what they have learned.  Third, if you would like us to inspect your child's laptop, let us know.

Internet sites such as Kidsmart and NetSmartz provide more information and resources for kids, parents and teachers.  This Kidsmart video for parents packs a lot of information into just 10 minutes.  Email me at lrule@msad56.org with any questions or concerns.