Mobile computer lab delivers for Holy Cross students

By Jeff Kurowski
Compass Assistant Editor

	Special Section: Catholic Schools Week January 27 - February 2, 2008
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BAY SETTLEMENT -- Holy Cross School added a new computer lab this year, but visitors won't find new construction or building renovations. The new lab is on wheels.

The mobile computer lab features new HP laptop computers. Students grab a computer off the cart, log in and go to work.

"It was a little daunting at the beginning of the year," said Deanna Schauer, Holy Cross computer instructor. "I spent a lot of time setting up rules for the lab. We had some glitches, but the students have really done a good job. I'm thrilled with their progress."

Computer classes for grades one through eight are held on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Teachers may sign out the lab for lessons on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Jason Johnson, who teaches fifth through eighth grade social studies and science, has utilized the lab extensively in his classroom.

"The seventh and eighth grade classes, for example, did reports (PowerPoint using a media projector) on countries in Latin America and South America involving standards-based research," he said. "Our textbooks are older. They have good information, but not current information. The students were able to find the most current information about their country on the Internet. The project was very student centered. They taught the rest of the class about their country."

Eighth grader Nathan Meyers did his report on Haiti and the Dominican Republic. He did his first PowerPoint presentation in the fifth grade, when he brought in his own laptop. He likes the convenience of the mobile computer lab.

"We just grab a laptop and bring it upstairs," he said. "These computers are a little better than my own laptop. It's fun working on them. The more you experiment, the more you learn."

Using the Internet for research made the reports on the countries more interesting, he added.

"I liked seeing what everyone else was doing," he said. "I was able to find some pictures and show what life is like for the people there. We are very fortunate in our country. Having the newer technology made the research easier and it makes you more confident in your work."

Jo Sato, who teaches math to grades 5-8, doubles as the tech support person at Holy Cross. Sato set up two wireless hubs in the school so the computers do not require cords or cables.

"We thought we would have to transport a hub throughout the building," she said. "We set one up on each end of the building and it's worked out pretty well. The only place we've found where we don't have good wireless access is in the gym, but we can use a long cable there if necessary."

Another challenge was getting the lab ready for the students she added.

"You have to configure all of the computers and set up accounts for all the students so it doesn't matter which laptop they are using," she said.

Johnson said he hopes to have the students use the Internet more for current events in addition to research projects. He has utilized the technology in both social studies and science.

"I can show bacterial growth by finding a live culture on the Internet," he said. "We watched this bacteria cell multiply 600 times in an hour. If we use a microscope, we can only look at one slide. The media projector is very helpful. My favorite thing is everything is more visual. It's not just students listening to Mr. Johnson talk. They are able to see the things I'm talking about."

Sixth grader Rachel Shilbauer, who hopes to use her computer skills in her career as a fashion designer, can relate. She did a report on Algeria and incorporated artwork she found online into her presentation.

"I didn't have to look at all the people staring at me," she said. "We were able to look at the screen."

In addition to the laptops in the mobile computer lab, Holy Cross has 10 new Panasonic Toughbooks for use by faculty and staff. The units were donated by Integrys.

The mobile computer lab was made possible through fund-raisers, which netted $30,000, including two $5,000 matches by donors.

"This never could have been done without the support of the parents," said Schauer. "As Catholics, we are asked to give and give some more, and these families are always stepping forward. They are investing in the future of their children. Our mindset, especially for the middle school students, is to prepare them for high school and even college."