Long before the Texas Technology Immersion Pilot (TxTIP) program became a reality, administrators from Bryan Independent School District (ISD) had the chance to hear a presentation by Dr. Mark Edwards, former superintendent of Henrico County Public Schools in Virginia, and one of the country’s most respected experts on 1 to 1 learning. At that point, the district glimpsed the enormous potential in providing all students with equal technology access. But before that would be possible, recalls Jennifer Bergland, executive director of technology for the Bryan district, it would be critical to create a curriculum that would enable students to fully maximize the power of having technology tools 24/7 for learning.

Since our students started using the iBook laptops, we’ve definitely seen a decrease in disciplinary referrals, and increases in attendance. Anytime you have those two things, you’ll see a direct impact on student achievement.

— Jennifer Bergland, Executive Director of Technology, Bryan Independent School District

Thus, when Bryan ISD was awarded the Texas TIP grant, enabling the purchase of nearly 1000 wireless iBook laptops for students and teachers at Stephen F. Austin Middle School, professional development became a top priority for the district. Thanks to the comprehensive teacher training on technology integration delivered by Apple Professional Development (APD), educators were conversant and ready to include the use of digital content in their curriculum when students received the iBook laptops in October 2004.

For the students’ part, engagement has remained high since they took possession of the iBook laptops. School administrators have seen a 35 percent decrease in the number of classroom disruption referrals over the same period in 2003. Bergland reports that students quickly learned to use the iBook laptops and the included digital tools, such as iMovie, and now enjoy collaborating on projects inside and outside of the classroom. Because many students do not have access to the Internet at home, they can be seen sitting in groups around their school at night and on weekends, logging onto the campus network and extending their learning. And Austin Middle School is enjoying a boost in attendance.

In upcoming months, Bryan ISD will be closely monitoring students’ classroom performance to determine the laptops’ effect on student achievement. Bergland believes the resulting data will support her theory: “The iBook laptops are the future of education.”