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Megan Yeiter, The Park Record
Treasure Mountain International School will be the second school in the Park City School District to put laptops in the hands of its students. The initiative will give seventh-, eighth- and ninth-graders the opportunity to communicate with teachers and gain access to assignments, videos, lessons and notes on a secure website.

Vice Principal Kevin McIntosh said enrollment this year has increased by about 70 students, which has the school scrambling for extra laptops.

"We might have to borrow from another school or from the district to make sure every student has a laptop. We usually have 15 to 20 new students each year, but we are up to 70. We're not used having it be that high," he said.

The school will use a software program called Canvas, which will allow teachers to go paperless, something that McIntosh said Ecker Hill did last year.

"The experts at Ecker have been very helpful in getting us going," he said.

Technology Instructional Coach Mike Kisow said that Canvas is a learning management system that can also include calendars, interactive chats and a drop box.

"It's really an extension of a classroom. It's the link to learning with the laptops," he said.
McIntosh said the computers are a great way to improve student learning.

"With the direction that technology is going, I think this is just one more tool that we can use to enhance our students experience," he said.

Students will be expected to bring their laptops to each class in their carrying cases.

Mike Kisow said the laptops will be used for school-related activities only.

"I feel like Treasure is really prepared, having learned so much from Ecker Hill last year," Kisow said.
TMIS will require parents to attend a laptop training session.

"Last year we had basic training, but this year parents are committed to about an hour of laptop training, which includes much more about safety and the seriousness of interaction online," Kisow said.
Parents are required to come to the training before their student receives a laptop, according to Kisow. Training will be offered through next week.

He said the process has been a big shift for instructors. The school is offering support and ongoing training sessions through the year to make the transition a success.

Kisow said he's been helping the teachers with lesson plans and will assist in co-teaching in the classroom.
The Park City School District will also be offering a Technology Endorsement Program paid for by The Park City Education Foundation.

The program will be funded for three years and give teachers a learning opportunity that will be added to their teaching credentials.

He said the number of teachers interested exceeds the space available.
For more information regarding student laptops visit http://tmms.pcschools.us .


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