Explaining that it will take students one step further in the technology world of today, Geibel Catholic Junior-Senior High Principal Don Favero said the school was thrilled to distribute new computers to each of its students in grades nine through 12.
“They define the future, and the future is right now,” Favero said of the 159 new Acer Iconia W700 computers the school purchased and handed out to its students at a special event this week.
“Right now we are overwhelmed with joy for our families. We can't be mediocre here. We have to be out front,” he said.
The new computers are a combination of laptop and tablet, having both a keyboard and touch screen.
Each student was given a new unit to take home.
“They are now responsible for them,” Favero said. “They will take them home and they will charge them every night.”
Although the facility has a new state-of-the-art media room, Favero said school officials decided the students' limited usage of the area was not enough to keep them tech savvy and advanced.
“Going to the computer lab on Tuesdays and Thursdays just wasn't enough,” Favero said. “Now they will have their own computers that they will be able to use every day, for every course, in every class.”
Favero said classes taught at the school have software available and the teachers will be utilizing the online opportunities.
“We have software for all our courses and there are also online education sites,” Favero said. “It will be a lot more than just a teacher at a smart board.”
The school's faculty received Acer Iconia W700 units two weeks ago in order to give them ample time to familiarize themselves with the product.
“This faculty here is amazing,” Favero said. “They are finding that they can do more and they are really excited about all of this.”
Graduating students will have an opportunity to purchase the computers at the end of the year and all incoming students will receive the computers.
Favero added that personal computers were also a step in preparing students for post-high school educational opportunities.
“This is another way for us to prepare our students for college,” Favero said. “It's a digital world and soon these students' lockers will only contain their coats and a computer.”
Parents unable to make the distribution event made arrangements to pick up the new units; all students will be ready to go digital next week.
“This is really special and we are thrilled to be a part of it,” Favero said. “It's so thrilling to hear that the students are excited about this, too. It's tough to get students excited about academics, and right now, there is just a general sense of excitement here.”
Marilyn Forbes is a contributing writer.
