Hi-Tech High-At Lincoln High, students learn by doing projects using laptops while teachers facilitate. Only two Arkansas school are using this New Tech Model. But more will follow-probably next year.

LINCOLN – It’s a typical day at Lincoln High School here in the northwest corner of Arkansas. A student gives a presentation in front of his classmates. Others are working on their material with help from their teachers.

But there’s a lot about this school that’s not typical. Lincoln is part of the New Tech Network, a growing movement that focuses on project-based learning, smart use of technology, and creating a culture of trust, respect and responsibility. The majority of class time involves students working on projects in groups to find and then present information, with the teacher serving as facilitator, troubleshooter and referee. Some classrooms are integrated, which means two teachers of different subjects work together with 50-60 students. Lincoln is a one-to-one district, meaning every student in the district has a digital device, and all of them beginning inthe third grade have their own laptop. Content mastery is the most important part of a student’s letter grade, but it’s not the only part. The rest is composed of written communication, oral communication, critical thinking, work ethic, collaboration skills, and real world relevancy.