I just read a great post on Cult of Mac’s blog titled, ‘Teachers Protest After School District Scraps Macs Over Cost, Performance’ that addresses a similar decision my school district may facing. Cult of Mac’s blog also included a video journal from one of the teachers involved. I’ve included the video link via YouTube.
According to the article the Toronto school board is dropping the Apple platform in favor of a PC because they bought in to the myth that PCs are cheaper than Macs. About 63,000 computers are involved. The article has some incredible points.
The best part of this entire post, however, is this incredible letter written by Scott Baker about the decision an the fact that the decision was made without the input of any of the tech people or teachers. It is a great letter and a must read.
Here is the link to the letter: http://keepmacsinthetdsb.edublogs.org/2009/11/27/letter-to-chris-spence-from-scott-baker/
This letter is incredible because it outlines just why Macs are not more expensive.
My district is starting to do the same thing. We are about to present each seventh grade student with a laptop and begin a project learning environment. I am advocating that we keep the Apple Platform and use MacBooks. The administration wants Dell Netbooks because they are less expensive. The transition to PCs has already begun in the administration offices and guidance departments. I am doing everything I can to convince them not to take the Apple Platform from me.
I encourage you to send me your comments, experiences, and advice.
I also encourage you to support the Toronto School District.
