FAQs

Why is 1-to-1 technology important?

In choosing to go 1:1 with technology in the classrooms we accomplish two major things. Teachers get to decide what device they use to teach their content and students are exposed to a variety of tools and devices. One to one should not look the same in every classroom. We have approached it in a unique way that allows the teachers to look at the technology and determine which tools will be most effective in their classroom. For example, seventh grade math teachers chose iPads so that students can work the problems on PDF notes, use screencasting apps to show understanding, and participate in interactive lessons like nearpod. However, ELA teachers have selected Chromebooks because of the amount of writing their students need to do. Chromebooks also gives students the opportunity to collaborate, critique, and edit together. We even have teachers that have opted for mixed carts because it allows students to research on an iPad and build a slide deck on the Chromebook. Students are using learning techniques, skills, and tools to better learn content.

Why aren't personal devices of students utilized?

Having the devices in the classroom is really designed to save students and parent the stress, cost, and risks to their own personal devices. It is easier for students to know that when they go into Spanish, for example, and the iPad cart is open that they need to grab their iPad versus a student walking in seeing the reminder note to get out your iPad and realizing they didn't bring it today. It would also be expensive for the parents to have to purchase an iPad, laptop and/or Chromebook, plus the subscriptions and apps we purchase and use. We use a school-owned account so that we are able to deploy software and apps on all devices. Another bonus is that these devices are preset to connect directly to the school's wifi and unless the network is down, connectivity will never be an issue. Also, when we depend on students/parents to bring/send devices, all students will not have devices and will not be able to participate. Additionally, if the teacher plans to use specific software or an app that all the students don't have, this will significantly slow down instruction while students load the software. In some cases, students may not be able to load the software or app.

Do younger students, grades 5/6, really need technology?

YES! We would be doing a disservice to take the students from the technology rich elementary schools into a tech-less MIS experience! Our elementary schools have been funded in such a way that students already notice the difference. Why would we purposefully take the learning experiences, creativity tools, and wonder that technology can provide away from our students? These are students that are used to having technology at their disposal; we want to encourage them to continue to be intellectually curious and creative...both with technology and without technology.

Are there state standards for technology?

Yes; Teachers are required to teach the state standards for technology. If you review the standards, you will see why technology in our classrooms is not only necessary, but crucial in order for our students to remain competitive in their future.

How is technology used in classrooms?

Google Classroom (assignments are pushed out and returned electronically)
Research
Writing (teachers can provide feedback on shared documents)
Individual and Shared Projects
Collaborative projects (students can share and work on project via the computer)
Virtual field trips
Learning beyond the walls of the school (best video for explaining a concept; best demo video)
This year, some eighth graders collaborated with other eighth graders in Denmark about "The Diary of Anne Frank"
Learning about different cultures and talking to people in other countries in their language (Spanish, French, and Chinese partnerships)
Video or detailed diagrams of difficult concepts that aren't easily demonstrated from a textbook or paper
Demonstrations of chemical properties
Space exploration and earth science concepts students couldn't otherwise see
Video demonstrations
Video tutorials
Differentiating the levels of instruction for students
Providing real time feedback on practice or assessments
Author visits across the country
Engaging students in the way that they learn (adults use technology every day; so do students)
Student made math tutorials: Using iPads with the app "Explain Everything", students created tutorials that the whole class had access to.
Students use a back channel to post questions while a teacher is tied up with a small group.
Nepris professional interactions. Having this tool this year encouraged classes to think about how to pose questions to professionals so that they can get a detailed response. It also drove our NaNoRiMo authors to be more aware of their own writing. Having an authentic professional to work with encourages our students to do their best.

Where can I find more information about technology in classrooms?