Computer Lab Remodel At Duckrey

Five years ago, when I first started teaching digital literacy and technology at my K-8 school, we were fortunate to have two computer labs. My principal had just made the decision ahead of our district that our school should move toward a 1:1 model for student technology usage. He wanted our school to have one Chromebook for each student. This model would assist with learning and research, have students access computer-based interventions on computers that worked and prepare students for a world that was becoming more and more computer-based.

At that point, we had a Mac lab with new Apple computers that was staffed by a capable technology teacher and a Chromebook that I staffed. The purpose of the Chromebook lab was to assist students in learning how to properly use a Chromebook. We were able to have two labs for a year but unfortunately lost our Mac Lab educator, and our Macs went into storage. Then the pandemic hit.

We have since returned to school full time but no longer need a Chromebook lab. Due to the pandemic, our students are well versed in using a Chromebook.

This fall, we are reopening our Mac lab. Unfortunately, five of our macs have cracked or broken screens and need to be replaced. Apple no longer makes these models, and our district does not repair so we are seeking five Renewed iMacs for the start of the school year. The total cost of the five iMacs is comparable to the price of one new iMac.

I believe that our students would benefit from being able to learn so much more on iMacs than they have been able to in a Chromebook lab. I am excited to be able to introduce our younger learners to a different type of computing and expose our older learners to an entirely different world of computing that will give them many more opportunities for real-world application.

Would you consider a donation to assist us with our goal?