The Maine Learning Technology Initiative (MLTI), a project of the Maine Department of Education, provides schools sufficient laptop computers and wireless networks for each student and teacher. The project is currently in every 7th and 8th grade classroom in Maine, and plans are underway to extend the project in high schools. MLTI is not just another "technology buy," however. The initiative is firmly focused on improving learning for students and provides teachers with extensive support and professional development.
MLLS is working to document the story of MLTI.
MLLS Articles about MLTI
Special Topic: Learning with Laptops
Provides some history of the Maine Learning Technology Initiative and then describes what MLTI project leaders consider to be the four keys to success: access, a focus on learning, leadership, and professional development in context.
Muir, M., Manchester, B., & Moulton J. (2005, Summer ). Special topic: learning with laptops. Educational Leadership, 62. Retrieved Sep 01, 2005 online.The Power of One-to-One: Early Findings from the Maine Learning Technology Initiative
Examines the history and evolution of MLTI through the lens of several research and evaluation studies.
Muir, M., Knezek, G., & Christensen, R. (2004). The power of one-to-one: early findings from the Maine Learning Technology Initiative. Learning & Leading with Technology 32 (3), 6-11.
Copyright © 2004, International Society for Technology in Education
(PDF 660 KB)Laptops for Learning: The Maine Learning Technology Initiative
Breifly goes over some of the early history of MLTI and answers some questions such as Why 7th grade? Why laptops? Also discusses several sessons learned: Focus on Learning; It's about Technology Enhanced Curriculum, Not Technical Training; Increase the Relevancy of Schooling; Send the Laptops Home. DRAFT - Accepted for joint publication in the Middle Level newsletters of Association of Childhood Education International (ACEI) and of the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP). (PDF 92 KB)Maine's Learning with Laptop Initiative
A brief article about the initiative. Published on edtechnot.com (HTML)
Other Links and Documents Related to MLTI's Story
MaineLearns - Portal to information and resources for the Maine Learning Technology InitiativeSuccessful Strategies for MLTI Schools - Visit this list and related resources for strategies that have proven successful at a number of MLTI schools.
The Maine Event - An overview of wonderful learning by MLTI students. By the George Lucas Education Foundation.
The Maine Idea: A Computer for Every Lap - The George Lucas Foundation's multimedia overview of the Maine Learning Technology Initiative, including interviews and video clips.
Governor Angus King on MLTI - Quicktime video of an hour presentation Gov. King made at Noble High School on November 25, 2003.
MaineLearns Historical Information - includes the Task Force Report, Legislation, Request for Proposals, and Request for Demonstration Sites (Exploration Schools).
A Tale Of Two Laptops - Two different states, two different outcomes. When it comes to state-wide laptop adoption programs, one state did it right, the other is still floundering. Find out why. by Ron Schachter
2-Day Training Proposal - a proposed outline for the 2-Day Training offered to all MLTI teachers. (PDF - 52KB)
MLTI Related Research
MLLS Research Briefs/Technical Papers
Research reports from MLLS. Includes a preliminary look at student achievement test scores and at the power of letting students take laptops home.Center for Education Policy, Applied Research, & Evaluation
The Center is the official evaluator of MLTI. This link connects to their research and evaluation reports.March 2003: The Maine Learning Technology Initiative: Teacher, Student, and School Perspectives Mid-Year Evaluation Report - Prepared by the Maine Education Policy Research Institute A nonpartisan research institute funded by the Maine State Legislature and the University of Maine System (PDF - 304kb)
Feb. 2004: The Impact of Maine's One-to-One Laptop Program on Middle School Teachers and Students - Prepared by the Maine Education Policy Research Institute. Contains evidence and analysis of the impact of Maine's laptop program on schools, teachers, and students.
Feb. 2004: One-to-One Laptops in a High School Environment - Just as the middle school in Guilford Maine was the first middle school to have one-to-one wireless laptops for all their students, the high school in Guilford is also ahead of the rest of the state in one-to-one computing. This is the first of several research reports that will come from the Mitchell Institute and the Great Maine Schools Project evaluating the impact of laptops to Guilford's high school students and teachers.
Feb. 2004: Laptop Use By Seventh Grade Students with Disabilities:Perceptions of Sp. Ed. Teachers - This study used a mail survey to examine special education teachers' perceptions of the use and impact of one-to-one laptop computers provided to seventh grade students with disabilities and their teachers by the Maine Learning Technology Initiative (MLTI). Overall, special education teachers viewed the laptops as highly beneficial to their students with few exceptions.
Other Research on Learning & Teaching with Technology
Research & Theory on Technology IntegrationDigital Kids - Apple's research into who they are and how they learn. Today's kids are different than kids were 15 years ago. They learn differently and as a result feel disconnected from schools that were designed for another time.
Research Links on Instructional Uses of Technology
The 1-to-1 Advocate
1-to-1 Evaluation
MLLS Home
MLTI
MLLS Research Briefs
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The Maine Learning Maine Center for in collaboration with The Institute for the
Integration of |
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Maine Center for
Mike Muir, Director |
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The Institute for the
Integration of
Gerald Knezek, Director Rhonda Christensen, Associate Director |
Created by Mike Muir
Last updated:
September 1, 2005