On Monday May 19, 2014 the Upton School Committee was updated on the progress of the 1:1 iPad initiative.
The district had some good news. Students who bring a privately owned iPad from home will not have to pay the $40 fee for apps next year.
Miscoe Vice Principal Amitrano presented what Miscoe has learned after a full year of implementation of the initiative.
Amitrano advised they have seen an increase in communication since the implementation. Students are emailing their teachers for clarification of work, teachers are communicating assignments through myHomework, and families are kept up to date on their child(s) progress through iParent.
Some creative ways teachers have been using the iPad include the music teachers using an app to extend rehearsal time beyond the school day and Mrs. Gentili (the art teacher) is using an app to program a 3D printer which she recently obtained through grant.
Amitrano said, “Teachers are collaborating with each other more.”
Miscoe Hill Principal Ann Meyer said, “The teachers used to tell the kids what app to use. Now the kids find whatever app they want.” When asked if she feels the students are receiving a better education due to the initiative Ms. Meyer said, “No doubt in my mind. The kids are more engaged.”
The initiative has not been all smooth sailing, the district distributed the iPads during summer break and many of the kids forgot their passwords because of the lag time. The administration spent the first two months resetting passwords and making repeated help desk appointments.
Amitrano noted they had hoped the text books would be more interactive. “Pearson assures all the books will be improving and we will be seeing more interactive abilities,” said Amitrano. The district was also not pleased with support, “Pearson customer support is lacking,” said Amitrano.
Amitrano reports Miscoe has placed a strong emphasis on digital literacy and net citizenship. The District Attorney has visited the school on the topic and the school includes units on cyber bullying and what’s appropriate in the tech curriculum. The school has also reached out to parents to have them monitor behavior on personal equipment.
Nipmuc Principal John Clements said they have been working closely with the administration at Miscoe in preparation for the roll out of the 1:1 iPad initiative at the high school which is scheduled for next year.
Clements main goal is to use the iPad to communicate, collaborate, and innovate. “We’ve been eating, breathing, and sleeping 1:1,” said Clements. “The big goal with 1:1 is to not simply have the devices in the kids’ hands, but to do things differently with them.”
With the iPads there will be a “digital record of created process,” said Clements. “Teachers will know who is editing and adding to group projects.”
Clements spoke of how the students live in a digital world. This is how they communicate. “Kids are going to find the tools that they need.”
The school will move from hard books to iBooks giving the students the ability to highlight text, write notes in the sidebars, and add sticky notes with comments. According to Clements the iBooks they are looking at have links to videos, high-resolution graphics, interactive timelines, and 3D images students can manipulate.
Nipmuc Dean of Students Mary Anne Moran said another way to use the technology is something called “Flipping the Classroom” which is a process which allows teachers to record themselves, teach the lesson so students can learn that lesson from home. “How many students have been at home stuck on a math problem and there is no one to ask,” said Moran. With this application students can watch the video as many times as they need. “The benefit is reclaiming that class time.”
Committee member Diane Duncan raised the issue of screen time and her concerns regarding students being exposed to screens at home and at school. “We don’t know the effects of staring at a screen yet.” said Duncan.
Superintendent Dr. Maruszczak said it’s about balance. “We are not proposing an all digital world. We still have to teach kids social graces,” said Dr. M.
Duncan believes in the program but does have concerns, “I think it’s good for the district. I think that the outcomes of putting this tool in the kids hands… there are so many great things that can come of it but the balance piece is important.”
For all information on pricing options for the Nipmuc iPad program click this Nipmuc 1-1 Learning Enrollment Form.
For more detailed information about the program visit http://nipmuc1to1learning.weebly.com/resources.html
If you have a student attending Nipmuc Regional High School next year deadlines to make arrangements for your student to have an iPad are June 6 or June 16, depending upon the option that you select. Forms can be returned to the main office at Nipmuc Regional High School. (90 Pleasant Street, Upton, MA 01568)
UPTON DAILY 
I am intrigued by the concept of “Flipping the Classroom”. I hope it can be incorporated into the classroom soon. My child would benefit from being able to see the lesson again while doing homework. Or perhaps when a student is out sick, he or she could see the lesson and make some progress toward getting homework done. Missing a day of school, particularly in high school, can set you back.