Geronimo Netbook Program (NSSCF)


“1 to 1 netbook education integrates technologies, engaging students in ways not previously possible, creating new learning and teaching possibilities, enhancing achievements and extending interactions with local and global communities” MCEETYA Contemporary learning: Learning in an Online World (2005)		Welcome to the Grange P-12 College “Geronimo” 1 to 1 netbook Program This is a very exciting year for students in Years 9, 10, 11, & 12. This program enables all students in Years 9,10,11 & 12 to have access to a netbook PC to improve their learning opportunities and outcomes. The netbook will be utilised in most areas of the curriculum on a daily basis as well as being available for use at home by the student. The National Secondary School Computer Fund (NSSCF) is assisting schools and school systems to provide new computers and other information and communication technology (ICT) equipment for students in Years 9 to 12. The Grange has established the "Geronimo" 1 to 1 netbook program to deliver the NSSCF program during 2011. This program will compliment the already established "Gel-Ignite" 1 to 1 netbook program. The "Geronimo" 1 to 1 Netbook Program Each Year 9, 10, 11 & 12 student has the opportunity to participate in the netbook program. Students gain access to an Acer Aspire netbook and 24/7 technical support over 4 years. When students become part of the "Geronimo" netbook program they are able to take the netbooks home at the end of each school day and on weekends and will be able to utilise them as a home computer. At the end of Year 12 or if the student leaves the school the netbook will be returned to the school for re allocation.
		Key Features of the program Students have individual access to a netbook computer 24/7 Technical support within 48hrs of notification Access to global knowledge/community 21 century learning opportunities Students have greater ownership/control of their learning Access to over 80 carefully selected software titles ( Edustar SOE)
Research tells us that when the 1 to 1 netbook program is implemented : Students attendance increases and students are more motivated and more engaged ( Russell, 2004, New Brunswick, 2004-06) Student engagement in Critical thinking, problem solving, and higher-order thinking on a task increases with 1 to 1 hardware (Rockman, 1998) Increase in 21^st century learning skills – including multimedia engagement, greater quality/quantity of writing, multiple/deeper investigation of information (Warschauer, 2005) “With 1 to 1 netbook programs learning will not take place only inside schools and colleges, but in communities, workplaces and families. Tom Bentley, DEMOS		Note : As this is a federally funded program there will be no cost for the netbook to the parents of students in the program. However if there is repeated and or intentional damage done to the netbook then there is an expectation that the cost of repairs or replacement be covered by the parents. To be eligible for a netbook computer students MUST have access to their own secure locker to ensure the safety and security of the netbook. Student MUST agree to and abide by the STUDENT ACCEPTABLE USE AGREEMENT at all times while using their netbook. If the student breaches the terms of this agreement then the netbook can and will be confiscated.