Brunswick technology Department

Laptop Program History

In 1995, Brunswick School committed significant financial and human resources to a technology plan that would establish a sound structural foundation for the growth of technology in its educational environment. Among other things, this technology plan created a fully networked environment, connecting all three divisions. This local area network would, in 1998, prove a crucial element in Brunswick's decision to embark upon what was then called the "laptop initiative". The objective of this initiative was to determine the educational benefits of a classroom environment wherein students and teachers were equipped with a laptop computer for their exclusive use.

The program began in the Spring of 1998 as 15 eighth grade teachers were provided with laptop computers. Discussion, evaluation, planning and training would occur over the next several months as teachers prepared for the beginning of the 1998-1999 academic year. Though several logistical and pedagogical problems were not anticipated, many more were. A school community meeting held in February of 1999, expressed the affirmation among parents, teachers and students that the educational benefits of the laptop program clearly outweighed any logistical inconveniences, and that the eighth grade laptop initiative had been a success. Therefore, it was with great confidence that the school decided to cultivate a laptop learning environment in its Upper School.

Presently, Brunswick employs the laptop program in grades 9-12 (Grades 1-8 utilize mobile laptop carts and static labs). Classrooms have been outfitted with individual points of network access, and additional access points have been added to all public 'hot-spots' on the campus.  Additionally, the Brunswick network, established in 1995, has been upgraded and augmented to mitigate the increased usage. Though crucial educational issues will continue to be heavily scrutinized, we genuinely believe we are well on our way in creating a more dynamic, interactive and collaborative learning environment. The technology was never intended to "replace" what the Brunswick faculty does so well; instead we merely aim to facilitate communication, access to resources, and creative thinking through the use of technology.

The concept of the "mobile worker" so prevalent in the business model of the 21st century is also quite applicable to any current student, be they a 3rd grader or a doctoral candidate. Teachers will say that education need not occur within the confines of a classroom or an academic period. In that sense, given the tremendous potential of data resources and organizational schematics afforded by computer technology, it would be counter-productive for the 21st century student to be harnessed to a computer lab, handcuffed to place and time for learning to occur. It is our belief that the exclusive use of laptop computers liberates the student, empowers the student to organize and retrieve information on their own schedule. And its very best, allow the student to think creatively, synthesizing information instead of merely reporting data.

This program is not without it's pedagogical concerns. What impact does the omnipresent nature of laptop computers have on the inter-personal dialogue between teacher and student, or the dialogue between students? How will this "digital" culture change how we see ideas on the conceptual plane? Do teachers see the technology as an intrusion? How can teachers reevaluate classroom management strategies so long thought to be "put to bed"? Ultimately, the laptop computer is merely a tool like any other; like the blackboard, the ball-point pen, the filmstrip, the spiral notebook. Computer integration will develop much like the integration of these other tools, determinant on the expertise, responsibility and creativity of the classroom teacher.

As the school continues to grow in leaps and bounds, the universality in software applications and the versatility of the "anywhere, anytime" laptop paradigm could very well help us maintain our vitality, our sense of community and our excitement about the future.


Laptop Program Home | History | iBook FAQ | Lock-Down FAQ | Specs