DEW SCHOOL STUDENT Jarrett Fishbeck gets a preview of the Apple MacBooks that will be given to all Dew students when the fall semester begins next month. Every student in Dew Independent School District will begin the school year next month with an Apple MacBook computer. Every teacher will receive a personal computer as well.

The computers were purchased at a cost of some $800 each, and were paid for by the school district.

“We did a lot of research, and went to other schools to see their computers,” Dew ISD business manager Sally Gregory says.

“We decided to go wireless,” says superintendent Tom Weeaks. “We want our kids to be ahead of everyone else.”

Dew is the first school in the county to issue computers to all its students.

More than 180 students schoolwide receive the computers on the first day of classes: those in prekindergarten through third grade will keep their computers in the classroom while students in grades four through eight will be able to take their computers home each day.

The equipment is durable—-made from football helmet material—-and has a 3-year warranty. They also come in protective carrying cases.

The district will require parents to sign an agreement, and have also put policies in place for replacement of lost or stolen computers.

Security software protects the equipment and its contents—-any tampering causes “owned by Dew Independent School District” to pop up on all the screens.

Software also offers online capabilities for the MacBooks, but filters police the internet 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Parents can add additional controls, if they desire.

Parents can access student work, communicate with teachers and other staff members, and help the students maintain planners and calendars.

Teachers are also excited, says Dew educator Kelly Lewis. “We think it’s great to include more technology in the classroom.”

Students will use their laptops to keep up with the teacher in the classroom, but Weeaks points out that the Dew curriculum will always include writing skills.

“This is just another tool, not our main focus,” says technology coordinator Christie Fishbeck. “The teachers will still teach all day, and some may not use the computer.”

“We actually expect to have fewer discipline problems, because the kids love technology,” Weeaks says.

He points out the decision supports the key goal of the district: “21st century learning and continued exploration of enhancing technology to support curriculum and instruction.” In a press release, Weeaks says, “This decision is one the district feels will continue to engage students and present many possibilities for teaching and learning in Dew for years to come.”

DISD was rated by the Texas Education Agency as a recommended district for the 2009-2010 school year.