Illinois school launches laptop initiative

Whether students are ready to hear it or not, the 2011-2012 school year is just around the corner. While returning to school can be a pain for many students, providing the right technological equipment can make it much less daunting.

That seems to be the mindset of the Mendon School District in Illinois. According to a recent report from local news provider the Herald-Whig, the district recently made headway on a new program through which it will provide laptop computers to high school and middle school students.

The program is expected to take up to three years to complete. Starting this year, all ninth- and 10th-grade students will receive laptops that they can use in school and at home. In 2012, 11th and 12th graders will be issued the hardware. And finally, in 2013, the school will hand out laptops to seventh- and eighth-grade students.

"We want to make sure that they feel comfortable before we delve in with the kids," said superintendent Diane Robertson. "We still have to train the students yet, too, on proper use of the machines and what's expected of them."

Many schools around the world are investing in new technology to boost the educational experience for students. For example, 10 public schools in Tennessee recently received grants of $5,000 each to put toward technological resources in the classroom.