The Massachusetts Technology Collaborative believes that success of our future workforce will be vastly enhanced through the implementation of 1:1 access to computing devices and wireless Internet access for students in middle and high schools.
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Former State Rep. Peter Larkin (front right) hands out laptops to students with other stakeholders at the January 2006 launch in the Berkshires. |
Through MTC’s Wireless Learning Initiative, each student in a participating school is provided a personal laptop computer for the school year. The Wireless Learning Initiative is overseeing the deployment of 2,300 laptop computers and wireless access for three schools systems in the Berkshires of Western Massachusetts.
In parallel with this deployment, MTC has engaged Boston College to conduct a first-in-the-nation assessment of impacts on professional development, classroom utilization, and individual educational attainment. MTC also sponsored the creation of a master plan for the deployment of laptop computers and wireless access in a 700-student public middle school in Dorchester, Massachusetts. This initiative is underway. In both instances, MTC has emphasized professional development and community-wide engagement as essential backdrops for success.
Numerous students and teachers have remarked on the positive changes in their learning and teaching styles as a result of the Wireless Learning Initiative.
January 6, 2006: Berkshire Wireless Learning Initiative Official Launch
The three-year pilot of the Berkshire Wireless Learning Initiative (BWLI) was officially launched on January 6. Seventh-graders from North Adams and Pittsfield received new Apple iBook G4 laptops at a morning event at Mass MoCA in North Adams and an afternoon event at Pittsfield’s Clock Tower Business Park. As the students enjoyed their new laptops, public officials and other stakeholders spoke about the significance of the BWLI.
MTC has partnered with Berkshire Connect, Inc., the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, three school systems, Apple Computer, the Berkshire Chamber of Commerce, and community business partners to bring this educational opportunity to students and teachers. The BWLI will help students become technologically prepared for careers of the future, and will allow them to participate in cutting-edge computer-based curricula.
Stakeholders hope that the new laptops and associated curriculum opportunities will help to improve student achievement and result in other positive educational outcomes for students and teachers. Boston College’s Lynch School of Education is evaluating the program over its three-year pilot period. The evaluation study is the most comprehensive and long-term comparative study of a 1:1 laptop program.
View articles from the Berkshire Eagle on the BWLI launch.
View photos from the launch, courtesy of Studio Two.
November 2004: Berkshire Wireless Learning Initiative
Steering Committee Selects Apple Computer
Seventh grade students in four Berkshire county middle schools are a step closer to seeing firsthand just how laptop computers will enhance their educational experience.
Berkshire Wireless Learning Initiative is a pilot program which is designed to increase students’ comfort with and affinity towards computers and information technology; make learning and teaching more meaningful; and assist policymakers to understand how Massachusetts can roll out a state-wide initiative based upon the success of the Berkshire program.
Earlier this month the Wireless Learning Initiative steering committee comprised of educators, public officials and area business leaders announced the selection of Apple Computer as the vendor for procurement of computer hardware and software. Through this program 2,700 laptop computers will be deployed to students and teachers to be used on a daily basis as a tool to enhance teaching and learning. Professional development services for the program are being coordinated by the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts.
The Berkshire program is modeled on the success of similar programs in other states. A similar program in Maine documented numerous positive educational outcomes including improved motivation and engagement among both students and teachers; improved attendance; fewer disciplinary actions; improved student achievement demonstrated through standardized test scores and grade point averages. The Development Assistance Unit of John Adams Innovation Institute continues to be a key player in bringing about this sophisticated collaboration between elected officials, educators and the private sector.
Contact:
Bill Ennen, Program Manager
tel: 
413 997 3070
x 103
cell: 413 834 0192
e-mail: bennen@masstech.org
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