Maine, the most northerly state on the east coast of the USA has become a pioneer in what is thought to be the largest educational technology project in the world. The Maine Learning Technology Initiative (MLTI) began in 2002 as a partnership between the Maine Department of Education and Apple Computers. It's principle aims were to provide Maine's students and teachers with the opportunity to become leaders of technological skills. Apple were contracted for 4 years to not only supply schools with equipment but to administer training and provide support for the initiative. 33,000 students and 3,000 teachers from the 7th and 8th grades were to receive iBook notebook computers with wireless technology. As schools get set to return for the start of the new year, the project enters its second year.

In the first year, 239 out of 239 Maine middle schools took up the offer of participating in the MLTI learning for 7th graders. This year the initiative is to extend to both 7th and 8th graders. The development of the initiative was the work of Maine's Governor Angus King.

When he first announced his ideas some people believed the project would be a waste of money and that Maine should not lead such an innovative solution but wait for others to test out the benefits of such a scheme. But King was not to be deterred. He believed that providing every student with the opportunity of access to computers would help make learning inclusive for everyone and put Maine at the forefront of technology in education. The scheme is currently being closely observed not only by other states but by other countries including Canada and Scotland.

Although at present there are no published figures for the success of the project, there have been many reports from both teachers and students of the benefits and dramatic improvements that the laptops have made to children's learning.

Comments such as the laptops have engaged students in learning, and absenteeism alongside disruptive behaviour have fallen significantly. For children with learning difficulties, such as writing and spelling, the laptop initiative is a godsend. Giving all students access to the Internet for research and information purposes has created greater equality within the school system such that those who did not have access to a computer at home can now compete with those who have always enjoyed the privilege.

Maine's Department of Education worked closely with Apple to ensure that the laptops would be an educational resource not an entertainment facility, thus no games were loaded and the ability to download games was disabled.

Teachers have also commented that their proficiency on the computer has been greatly aided through the scheme and that often it is not just the students who are learning in the classroom but the teachers.

Apple have been involved in educational partnerships for over 25 years. According to their report "The Impact of Technology on Student Achievement", there are a number of reasons why using technology makes a difference to the results in the classroom.

In terms of mastering fundamental skills, reading, writing and maths, the report asserts that the technology improves the students capabilities in these areas because the student becomes more interested in the subjects and thus spends more time working on the skills. Having a personal computer also allows learning to be developed specifically to meet each individuals needs. A concept of particular importance to students who find studies more challenging and for students with learning difficulties.

The report notes a study by Rockman et al, "The Laptop Program Research" (2000) which furthers that students who used laptops regularly became better writers. As those of who use the computer regularly to write will agree, it allows quick and easy revisions and editing, a task not so readily achieved with traditional paper and pen. It is this ability that improves the students finished written work. The report also documents a study undertaken by the US Department of Education, "Getting America's Students Ready for the 21st Century: Meeting the Technology Literacy Challenge" (1996), which discovered that when students had home computers which could access the schools network, students spent more time on educational activities and spent less time watching television. Not only was computer literacy improved but so were writing and mathematics.

The report also states that by introducing technology in the classroom, learning is enhanced because students not only have greater access to different types of media such as audio, pictures and videos which help understanding and recall and thus develop true learning, but that such variation allows the learner to use their preferred learning style and this ultimately leads to better educational achievements. Students work looks more professional and with the array of software programs available to assist the student they find it easier to both organize and demonstrate creativity with their studies.

Perhaps an unlikely finding published in the report from a study by ACOT, "Teaching with Technology: Creating Student-Centered Classrooms", stated that students worked more collaboratively when using computers compared to a traditional classroom approach.

The same study also found that technology was a vital component for motivating students to learn and to attend school. In their study, attendance was 30% higher for those involved in computer-based classrooms and those who decided to go on to further education improved from an initial 15% to 90%.
Source: The Impact of Technology on Student Achievement

For Apple the benefits of being involved in schools lie in tapping into a potential market not only now but in the future. Students will become comfortable using Apple and in turn are more likely to ask their parents to buy Apple as well as choosing this brand when purchasing their own computer later on in life. Schemes promote the Apple brand of technology and providing the first experiences with Apple are positive, students are likely to remain loyal to Apple in the future. For those talented youngsters who in the future become CTOs, CEOs, CIOs, Apple have already completed the first 50m in the competition for which technology a business will invest in.

Maine's Learning Technology Initiative is the first of its kind but other states in the US are already showing interest in creating similar programs for their students. Having technology in the classroom undoubtedly revolutionizes learning. Access to the Internet brings the biggest library in the world into each school in Maine. Rather than becoming frustrated or discouraged by not being able to find up to date or relevant information or assistance for their studies, students now have a staggering amount of information available to utilize. Students are given the ability to take charge of their own learning and the breadth of information allows students to take pathways within their schemes of work which specifically interest them, a huge incentive and encouragement to the easily distracted teenager. Students also feel that they are gaining skills which they know that they will need once leaving school in the ever-increasing technological world. With improved presentation, uniqueness, creativity, and content, students take greater pride in their accomplishments at school and their confidence is enhanced.

The initiative is an incredible opportunity for students in Maine and has been a pioneering step forward for education. An important step for the future is to ensure that funding remains available to continue the initiative for future generations of 7th and 8th graders beyond the current 4 year contract with Apple. Also vital is to ensure that the students who have benefitted from the program can continue upon the technological pathway into high school. Taking away such opportunities may quickly undo the huge progress that the initiative has made.