Using the books, not hitting them
Copyright © 2002 Blethen Maine Newspapers Inc.
Kennebec Journal reporter Colin Hickey spoke with Dana Merk-Wynne, a seventh grader at Waterville Junior High School, who received her Apple iBook laptop in September as part of the $37.5 million state initiative to equip all middle school students with laptop computers.
Were you eager to get your Apple iBook laptop?
Yes.
Tell me why. What's so exciting about having use of a laptop?
It's easier. If we were to have something to do like a research project or something like that we'd have to go to the library ... Now we just plug our laptops in and go to this particular site.
How will your iBook help you as a student?
It helps organize a little bit, putting like a paper that you've done and being able like to e-mail it to a teacher instead of having to bring it into class and remembering not to leave it at home or something like that. And you can also type it at home.
Did you already have access to a computer at home?
Yes.
How often would you use your home computer?
Whenever I needed something for school, like a school paper or something like that.
Would you use it beyond that on a regular basis?
Yes.
How much time would you spend on it on a typical day after school?
Throughout the whole day, maybe an hour.
What would you use it for primarily?
AOL (America Online).
And AOL to do what?
Talk to people.
Were your teachers excited about the laptops?
I think so.
Do your teachers all have strong computer skills?
No.
Do they readily admit this?
Yes.
Are you bummed that you cannot take your iBook home yet
Yes.
Is that something students discussed a lot?
Yeah, well not a lot, but at the beginning they were.
Are you worried you might break your iBook?
Yes, but I don't think I will. I haven't yet.
Will you stuff the laptop in your backpack?
No. I carry it separate, because I have like a handle to carry it on my shoulder.
Are the eighth graders envious that you seventh graders got the laptops? They were last year and like the first day that we got (them), but now they don't see us as much.