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May 15, 2001
Laptop Lessons: Exploring the Promise of One-to-One Computing (cont'd)
Protecting the Equipment
Concerns about machine fragility, theft, and student responsibility are commonly cited reservations about implementing laptop programs, but these have relatively straightforward solutions. In Beaufort County, laptops carry a three-year insurance policy that covers loss, theft, and accidental damage. They also use STOP plates (www.stoptheft.com), aluminum tags that are placed on the cover of the laptop along with a toll-free number that can be called to track down the owner (the company that makes the plates matches the serial number to the owner). If the plate is removed, a "tattoo" appears identifying the laptop as stolen property and displaying the toll-free number yet again. "We've had several laptops go astray and have received calls from the company followed by the return of the machines," says instructional technology specialist Cyndi Pride.
Hartford computers are also purchased with insurance. In addition, parents are briefed during laptop distribution sessions and students are trained in care for the laptops and security procedures. Hartford's student safety procedures include instructions to "never take the laptop out of its carrying case in public places outside the school setting," "never travel alone with the laptop," and, if confronted, to "not hesitate to give up the laptop. The laptop can be replaced." So far, Hartford's rate of loss has been less than 5 percent.
In the case of NetSchools' portables, their proprietary configuration means that the machines lose significant functionality when removed from the NetSchools network-and the computers tell users as much when they boot them up. As a result, NetSchools says that less than 1 percent of student computers have been reported stolen. With a magnesium case and water-resistant keyboard, the notebooks are also quite durable. "They're not indestructible, certainly, but they hold up very well," says Juan Orrantia, campus technology coordinator for El Paso's Rio Bravo school.
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