Port Hope, Ontario, Oct. 13-16, 1999 — Dr. Alan Bain, associate headmaster of Brewster Academy in Wolfeboro, N.H., and Raylene Algate, chair of Brewster's English as a Second Language department, participated in an international conference on establishing best practices for the use of laptop computers in schools. Bain delivered the opening address of the conference, which attracted primary, secondary, and college educators worldwide as well as technology consultants.

"When it comes to using laptop computers in education, Alan Bain is probably the one person with the most experience," said Brian Hedney, director of information services at Trinity College School. It was a natural choice to invite Dr. Bain to address the group, Hedney added.

The purpose of the meeting was to bring together educators from around the world to establish a set of best practices for the use of laptop computers in schools. A book is in the works that outlines these best practices. When completed early this year, the book will be widely distributed to assist educators and technology experts worldwide in the best practices of integrating laptops into curriculum.

"With or without the computer the focus in the classroom must always be on exemplary methodology, " said Algate. "As more schools join the move towards greater integration of computers and related technology into their curriculum, they need to keep in mind that this technology must be woven into the very fabric of the program."

The conference was hosted by Trinity College School's Institute of Educational Technology. Trinity College School, located in Port Hope, Ontario, is a private co-ed college preparatory school for students in grades 7-12.

Brewster Academy is an international leader in independent secondary education and is widely recognized for its success in using advanced learning and information technologies to accelerate student growth in a vigorous college preparatory environment. Brewster provides its 367 students (Grades 9-12 and post-graduate) with a personalized curriculum based on individual mastery and best-teaching practices in a sophisticated technology-rich learning environment.

Brewster Academy is accredited as a secondary school by the New England Association of Schools & Colleges, Inc.

The Academy is located on the shores of Lake Winnipesaukee in the resort community of Wolfeboro, N.H. Learn more about the Brewster difference by visiting us at www.brewsteracademy.org or giving us a call at 603.569.7494.