In a message dated 10/11/04 16:02:11 GMT Standard Time,
[log in to unmask] writes:
<< I am finding more and more that LEAs are reluctant to fund laptops through
the DSA, particularly for students with dyslexia. I had always assumed this
was due to cost.
>>
Some LEAs are very inconsitent about this. One called to ask me to change the
recommendation TO a laptop as the student might undertake a placement
(Business Studies where the student was likely to encounter plenty of computers and
was unlikely to need to do much course work) and then 3 weeks later adamantly
refused to agree to a laptop for a dyslexic student with handwriting problems
who really needed to type notes.
IMHO (as they say) factors against laptops include: the fact that textHELP!
and Dragon do not work as impressively on a laptop as a desktop (some will
dispute this but I can only go on personal experience using a brand new DT and LT
side by side) and that there is, in some areas, a big risk of a student being
mugged for their laptop - one student actually refused a laptop for that
reason (his friend had recently been mugged for his laptop)
My view on this is supported by one of the hardware suppliers.
While I would have a much wuieter life if I were completely free to give the
student a free choice I believe that although Laptops have there place I think
this still needs to be justified carefully in each case.
Mick Trott
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