TUPELO, Miss. (WTVA) -- 130 Tupelo High School seniors got the first round of new laptops to be given out to all 400 seniors.
It's part of a four-part initiative to give all students in the school district access to a laptop.
"The Mac Book is going to be used as an instructional tool in the classroom," said Tupelo Administrative Assistant Niki Peel. "I truly believe it's going to raise achievement."
Teachers have already gotten their laptops. This is the beginning of "Phase 1" of the initiative, in which all seniors and teachers each get a laptop. The goal is to find the best way to utilize the new technology in the classroom. The rest of the program will be getting computers to younger and younger students, ending with computer karts for kingergarteners through 5th graders, and buying SMART boards.
The program is being paid for in large part by the school district. They are redirecting money into the program that is usually spent on textbooks and photocopies. Instead of making handouts, teachers will now create electronic documents that students can see from their computer.
"It's just going to engage them so much to want to learn," said parent Donna Aycock. Her son John said he'll use his laptop for his senior project.
Other students say the computers will benefit them in other ways.
"I think it will help me be more organized," said Evan Simmons.
"Hopefully it will be better than writing on a piece of paper," said student Travis Brey.
The rest of the laptops will be handed out in 3 other orientation sessions that run Tuesday night through Saturday morning.
