Old laptops rebooted for learning at school
If you’ve got an old laptop lying around consider giving it to Carol-Lynn Hill.
The Cambridge Primary School teacher is after old laptops and tablets, which would otherwise end up at the dump, to put them into the hands of children.
‘‘I really have a passion to make a difference for children, especially with learning difficulties,’’ Hill said.
‘‘I believe assisted technology is one way that can enable some children opportunities to access the full curriculum.’’
Through a programme called Chromium, Hill has given old laptops a new lease of life.
‘‘I remove Windows, which is the one thing that slows up old machines, and adapt and install a really light version operating system onto the devices.’’
It takes her a couple of hours to do the conversion on each device and then there’s a $15 subscription to have it run the software.
It doesn’t matter if it’s Mac or Windows or a Chrome Book, Hill said the conversion works on most devices.
With the way the curriculum is today, devices make it easier, particularly with children with learning disabilities, Hill said.
‘‘We’ve got a lot of dyslexic children at school and a device in their hand opens up a whole new world.
‘‘Most dyslexic students are incredibly bright and intelligent, but their ability to read can sometimes prevent them from independent learning activities that require reading.’’
Every child in Hill’s class now has access to technology if they need it, thanks to donations from the community and businesses such as LIC and Gallagher. She’s given five devices to another classroom and she hopes to collect more for use with special needs pupils.