Looking at the freedom to learn program through different lenses.

The excitement in Michigan's middle schools is around the Freedom to Learn program, a 1-to-1 wireless laptop initiative envisioned initially in 2001 by Rick Johnson, Michigan's former Speaker of the House. Today, about 20,000 Michigan middle school students and their teachers--the majority in schools not making adequate yearly progress as defined by the NCLB Act--are using HP wireless laptops to improve teaching and learning. And the early results are incredibly positive: increased motivation and excitement, improved attendance, higher student achievement, changed teaching styles, increased collaboration among teachers, and greater involvement from parents.

FTL Background

The FTL program has a number of goals, including to:

* Improve student achievement;

* Foster effective and efficient learning environments that improve student learning and success;

* Empower teachers to teach and share ideas beyond the classroom;

* Bridge the digital divide, providing Universal access to technology;

* Empower parents with the tools to become more involved in their children's education; and

* Provide Michigan students with the skills to learn in the 21st century workforce.

The legislation creating the FTL program called specifically for wireless laptops. It also required the state to choose a single vendor for the entire program. The state chose HP because, as Bruce Montgomery, executive director of the FTL Program, stated, "Its commitment reaches far beyond simply providing computers for the classroom; HP is dedicated to helping us improve education." HP and its partners brought a robust package of products and services to ensure the FTL program is successful. In addition to HP notebook computers, wireless access points and servers, HP and its partners brought:

* Professional development in technology integration, reading, math, curriculum and instruction, and educational leadership.

* Software in reading, language arts and social studies, as well as lessons and projects in technology skills from Classroom Connect's Web-based Connected Tech instructional program.

* Management software for teachers in the form of Microsoft Class Server, other Microsoft tools and Discourse from ETS.

* A learning portal using Microsoft Class Server and other tools to provide all FTL participants, including students, teachers and parents, with communication and collaboration tools.

* An important support mechanism in the form of a 24/7 FTL-specific help desk.

With that background, let's look at the FTL program through the lens of different stakeholders in the project--the executive director of the program and two middle schools participating in the program.