NATCHEZ — The Natchez Early Collge Academy purchased 68 new computers after the school board approved Tuesday a request to continue a program that provides laptop computers for students.

The board approved a request for $35,000 to continue the one-to-one initiative, which provides computers to Natchez Early College Academy students.

Though the academy purchased computers last year, Principal Kesha Broady Campbell said many of those laptops have faulty screens and are unusable.

Before the year was complete, many students had to use personal laptops so that those who did not have a computer at home could have usable computers.

This year, the laptops are new and Campbell said the district will not face the issues that accompany a used device.

“There’s a device in every child’s hand so they can take it home,” Campbell said. “It’s really good for students who are at home or sick. They can still participate in class discussions.”

The Early College Academy, Campbell said, allows students to take college courses beginning in ninth grade.

“They take online classes through Co-Lin,” Campbell said. “They’re introduced to college life through an online platform.”

Many teachers use Google Docs, Forums or Sheets to interact with students on assignments and in discussions.

“It’s a great way for students to collaborate in real time,” she said. “It has taken our collaboration to a different level.”

Each student who uses one of these devices must sign a contract and pay a $55 technology fee in case of damage.

Periodic checks are done to make sure laptops are used only for school purposes.

Campbell said students can use these devices for personal and school-related reading.

“Students utilize it to broaden their knowledge of concepts and things they’re reading in class,” she said.

Though Campbell said she is a book-lover, she said many students are prone to doing research online as opposed to through a physical copy.

“You meet people where they are,” Campbell said. “Your textbook is limited to just that edition. This opens up the world of textbooks. You can make connections with so many things.”

Ninth graders are taking college study skills and community health classes this semester, which Campbell says is the first step to graduating high school with an associate degree.

With the still-functional computers from last year’s purchase, the Early College Academy now has approximately 160 computers for students to use, though Campbell said she would like to see that number grow.

“We hope to get our population up to 200, which would be the max,” she said.

While presenting her petition for the new devices to the school board Tuesday, Superintendent Fred Butcher said he would like to set a long-term goal to purchase more computers each year.

For this year, however, Butcher said the district can afford only the 68 new laptops.

Growth, Campbell said, will come in time.