The April 5 commentary "Laptops don't teach students to stand ontheir own" concerning the I-Connect Initiative deserves a vigorousrebuttal. The I-Connect Initiative (H.B. 5244) is an innovativeprogram that will provide personal laptop computers to seventh-graders and their teachers in 148 public schools across the state.This initiative is essential for the students of Illinois to becomeproductive members of our information age economy.
Technology is utilized in the home, the workplace and all otherspheres of our modern life. Students must be prepared to usetechnology to advance and therefore empower themselves. Those who donot have access to 21st century technology are in danger of beingleft behind.
As chairman of the Broadband Deployment Council, I have traveledthroughout the state, and I've seen first-hand how technology canenhance learning. Our state cannot allow our students to fall behindstudents in other states who are participating in similar and widelysuccessful programs. The Maine Learning Technology Initiative hasseen increased student motivation in schools across Maine, andwriting test scores are on the rise since the implementation of thatprogram.
Michigan's Freedom to Learn program, a similar technologyinitiative, has demonstrated a strong impact on student learning.Students are showing marked improvement in reading, writing andscience standardized test scores.
The I-Connect Initiative will also provide professionaldevelopment opportunities for teachers to learn how to infusetechnology into daily lessons. It will enhance student learning withnew tools and resources that build on established learningprinciples.
Laptops are the textbooks of tomorrow, and granting access tostudents will transform them into 21st century learners. Thisinitiative will enhance critical thinking and problem-solving skillsby equipping students with the tools our professionals have.
The I-Connect Initiative is now before the Illinois Senate. Pleasecontact your state senator and urge support of the I-ConnectInitiative.
Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn
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