Laptop mania

So they've given laptops to high school kids.... Sure, I guess it's 'outside the box' thinking, and I do want education to get some sort of overhaul, but my opinion is that this is just really, really stupid. I can't believe how much better they could have spent that money.

Opinions?

Short term- it could motivate 'outside the box' thinkers... Kids who'd normally switch off (i.e. Kinasthetic or Visual learners) now have some way to interact with the class. I use my laptop during lectures at college and most (note: most) times it helps me to concentrate better for longer.

Mmm, interesting. In what way does it help you concentrate? Do you have, like, lecture notes and supplementray material via web access, or something? Or is it because it provides you with a bit of a needed temporary distraction and outlet?

A bit of both really- i'm able to check facts that my lecturers give me (Dates, places, people, etc) and to look at something more in depth if i piques my curiosity- which may sound like distraction, but allows me to input useful info for the benefit of others, thereby improving the lesson for all!

Noice one Glenji!

But can you imagine that happening with high school student?...

Sure- but i'm sure they're blocking porn, games and other bandwidth wasters... also i'd say the Education dept would limit exploration to set sites (i think i just said the same thing twice?)