All students and teachers are issued a laptop to keep during their time at University High School, and families have the opportunity to purchase the machine if they wish to retain ownership.
 
Laptops level the playing field for all students, whether they live in high-tech households with multiple computers or households with little or no computer equipment. This program was initially funded by the generous donations of former Board of Trustee member Scott Jones and University Trustee Charles Lanham.
 
Having a laptop available at all times allows students to use computers spontaneously throughout the day in every class. The faculty integrate computer use into the daily curriculum. The faculty can assign work requiring computer use without concern about computer access at students’ homes. All students can access files, school email and school software regardless of location.
 
The laptops are used across the curriculum in many ways. Wireless networking allows for quick access to the Internet at any given moment. Teachers post information such as Internet links, worksheets, calendars and daily assignments online for student access. Collaboration on group projects is facilitated because, with equal availability, students can access the group’s information at any time.
 
In foreign language classes, teachers are able to ensure language practice by recording and sending voice prompts that require students to respond verbally using the speech capabilities of laptop microphones. Students can access specialized course software for multiple classes such as interactive physics, photo editing software, brainstorming software and CD-supported textbooks. At University High School, the computer becomes a classroom tool, much like a pencil.
 

At the heart of education is information – finding, manipulating, synthesizing, and sharing it. Students can use their computers to do all these things more quickly and efficiently than before. We want to ensure that our students are using the best tools of today to forward our established goals of learning. Learning how to take best advantage of today’s technology (and learning its limitations) is critical to our students’ education.
 
        Dean of Academic Affairs, Chris Bradley