Unit 5 has expanded its one-to-one laptop program. (WJBC file photo)

By Adam Studzinski

NORMAL – Unit 5 is pleased with the progress of its one-to-one laptop computer program.

This school year, students in sixth through ninth grade are using laptops as part of their education. Plus, finance director Marty Hickman said the hardware issues the district had during the first couple years of the program have been alleviated.

"The previous two years (we had) two different models, but there was basically design defects with the models," said Hickman. "In both situations the manufacturer acknowledged the design defects and actually replaced them for us."

Hickman said for the districts purposes the laptops need to be more durable than one somebody might buy for personal use.

"Manufacturers have that figured out now. They're building models specifically for one-to-one programs," he said.

Hickman added beginning next school year Unit 5 will likely begin a "bring you own device" initiative to supplement the one-to-one program. The district has been researching this and has found a program called Stoneware which will be used by students who bring their own device.

"It's going to be the new portal, basically, where our bring your own device students can access the different apps and programs that they need for the curriculum for each class," said Hickman. "It's a platform that does many things; it solves our security concerns that we had."

Hickman said a pilot version of the bring your own device program will begin in March.

Adam Studzinski can be reached at [email protected].