More students need a laptop computer for the classroom - USATODAY.com

More students need a laptop computer for the classroom - USATODAY.com

This article is talking about students owning laptops for use in the classroom. Between the laptops, iPods and iPads out in the world is this too unreasonable to think about? I think that within the realm of 21st century skills, if we are to be teaching children about collaboration and technology they should have access to the tools. Not to say that some of them will have access to these tools, but at sometime in the future each and everyone of my students will need to use a computer. They come by the skills so naturally that it seems logical to give them access to these tools at an early age in order to incorporate it into their lifestyle. Being able to use a computer appropriately along with Internet access can be powerfully motivating to a student not to mention empowering when the complete something using it. I think that it should be mandated by law that everyone in the United States has access to the Internet, there are other countries around the world that have started this trend and it speaks towards their vision for accessing information. How are we going to get these tools for our kids? They are expensive and I don't expect all of my parents to have to pony up the money for a laptop. What are some of your thoughts and options for more computers and media device tools for children to have access to in the classrooms?