In Columbia, Maryland, a new laptop pilot program has provided more than 300 laptop computers for a school of 480 students. Gone are the days when teachers had to compete with each other to get time in one of the middle school's three computer labs. Instead, there will be one set of laptop computers for each department, with plenty of opportunity for students to work one-on-one with the technology throughout the school day. The school has also installed a wireless Internet system, which is the first wireless Internet in the county's schools.

The pilot program coincides with the school's technology goals. They are dubbed H.E.A.T , which stands for higher order thinking skills, engagement of student learners, authentic problem solving and technology use.

After the pilot period the school district's task force will evaluate the data from the program and decide if the rest of the schools in Howard County should have laptops.

Source: Howard County Times Columbia, Maryland, School Days Column: Wilde Lake Middle School pilot program tries laptops