Arizona school district provides freshman class with netbooks

Incoming high school freshmen throughout the Yuma, Arizona, school district will each receive a complimentary netbook at the start of this school year. Approximately 3,600 computers have been purchased to ensure students receive a technologically relevant and rewarding education.

According to the Yuma Sun, the project is part of "Ready Now Yuma," a collaborative initiative with the Helios Education Foundation that aims to prepare local students for careers or additional education after graduation. Students will keep their own personal netbooks throughout their entire high school experience.

"All of the research shows that students, if they are going to be college and career ready without remediation, need 21st century skills, and many of our students don't have computers at home," school superintendent Toni Badone told the news source.

School officials believe the improved technology is critical to promoting the development of critical thinking skills demanded in today's collegiate and career environments. And along with the obvious benefit to students, administrators also believe the investment may reduce operational costs by facilitating the transition to a paperless infrastructure.