Students in Poplar Bluff receive Apple computers

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. -- Poplar Bluff schools received more than 1,100 Apple laptop computers last week as they move forward with a digital conversion that begins in August with seventh- and eighth-grade classes.

A website also is available to provide parents and residents with information on the process, which will move to the high school by the 2013-2014 school year.

The site, transform.poplarbluffschools.net, contains information on what the initiative is trying to achieve, said superintendent Chris Hon.

A MacBook orientation for parents has been posted, as well as frequently asked questions, an acceptable-use policy and Internet safety tips. Details about the deployment schedule also will be made available through the website, Hon said.

The school district's vision of the 1:1 initiative is to even the playing field for all students, regardless of socioeconomic background.

The technology is not purchased with the goal of replacing textbooks, but providing curriculum in a new way through digital resources and lessons, according to administrators.

The 11-inch MacBook Air laptop computers already have been assigned to students who will receive them next year, media and technology director Jim Thomas said. Workers will label each computer with the name of the student assigned to the equipment.

They also will spend about 96 hours loading management software and readying the machines for students.

"All 800 [student] machines will be exactly alike when they're issued," Thomas said, adding that about 300 will be placed on mobile carts for use at the high school this school year.

Pertinent address:

Poplar Bluff, Mo.