Laptop Requirement

St. Norbert College education students have been using Macintosh laptops in their field placements and coursework for many years. In 2008, the program implemented a Mac laptop requirement for all incoming freshmen seeking teacher certification. Our years of experience have proven to us that by removing access as a barrier, this laptop initiative has allowed us to eliminate the hurdles we once had to address with multiple platforms, and multiple versions of software. It has streamlined the process of applying technology theory to technology practice. A unique quality of our program is the multiple field-experiences we provide our pre-service teachers with. During their education courses, we ask that students develop technology-enriched lessons, and bring these with them into the classroom to use with the students they are teaching. During our most recent Program Review from the Department of Public Instruction, our laptop requirement was highlighted as one of our strengths.

St. Norbert student working with children and laptop computer.

"The laptop computer requirement for all students promotes the integration of instructional technology into the pre-service program. Educational technology is strongly supported by the teacher education faculty and administration. This is one of the strengths of the program." ~ 2010 DPI Program Review Report

Research shows that access to technology raises student engagement and achievement. Laptop computers have changed the way many professors teach. They invite students to immediately access research and information as questions and interests arise during the class and beyond, allowing all students to participate simultaneously in their learning.

The teacher education discipline at St. Norbert College historically has embraced the important role that technology has in the classroom. Over the years, students have been leaders in developing multimedia projects, using cutting-edge technologies and showcasing their work through electronic portfolios. Recent graduates have commented how this is a unique quality to the St. Norbert teacher education program, and how in some cases, helped secure their job.

We believe that 1-to-1 mobile computing will offer our students the 24/7 access they need to technology in order to be the most effective teacher possible.

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