About 300 students in 3rd, 6th, and 10th grades will be provided an iPad next week, thanks to the generous community support of a 2008 bond millage for technology and other needs.
“We’re calling this the ‘C Your Future’ iPad program,” explained Scott Mays, district technology coordinator. “Our theme is ‘Connect, Collaborate, Create’ and that’s exactly what our teachers will emphasize with students. We are applying best practices in teaching and learning as we roll this out.”The district is rolling out the iPad loan program on a gradual basis to provide teachers ample time to further incorporate technology into their courses. In addition, a gradual roll out gives the school time to test wireless infrastructure. Current plans include expansion of the program to all students in the district over the next year.
Michelle Bowen, a sixth grade language arts and math teacher, agrees. “iPads will offer us an amazing opportunity to individualize our students' education. It will allow for more practice when needed or acceleration for a child that has grasped a concept,” she said, adding she’s taking learning to another level through innovative teaching. “I am especially excited about beginning the ‘flipped classroom’ model with my sixth graders.”
The “flipped classroom” means that the lecture part of her lessons will be on video for students to view at home with their parents. The student will write a summary, questions, or do practice problems to see how well they understood the concept or lesson. The next day, her students will come to class with questions, ready to discuss the subject on a higher level.
“We will use the classroom time for labs, collaboration, or creation of projects,” Bowen explained. “Having the opportunity to level the playing field for students that do not have technology in their homes and be able to connect to professionals and cultures around the world seems unbelievable!,” she said.
High School special education teacher Courtney Funsch, who has been using the iPads in her lessons already, said the tablets have made her classroom more interactive.
“The iPads have allowed me to closely monitor students’ present learning levels. I can adapt my teaching and create mini lessons where I see a need. Students are able to get instant feedback and instantly learn from their mistakes,” she said.
Students, too, are excited to hear about the use of iPads. Sixth grader Bailey Birdsall said the iPad will help her stay organized, while her fellow classmate Marissa Salas said, “I think iPads are a good choice and will take learning to a whole new level!”
iPads are an educational tool that lets students and teachers engage in interactive ways, find information in an instant, and access an entire library wherever they go.
The iPads will be loaned to students during the school year and they can take the portable device home for school use. Parents and students in grades 3, 6, and 10 are asked to attend a roll out date where they will learn protocols and expectations for student use of the new device. Families who have students in multiple grades only need to attend one session. The roll out dates are:
• Wednesday, Oct. 24, Charlevoix High School, 6 p.m.
• Thursday, Oct. 25, Charlevoix Middle School, 6 p.m.
• Monday, Nov. 12, Charlevoix Elementary School, 6 p.m.
The third grade class will begin the program by using the iPads in their classrooms only. Students will receive their iPads within the next week; however, the “take-home” program will not begin for the 3rd grade until November 12.
“We are excited about the support our community has entrusted upon us to take learning to a new level at Charlevoix Public Schools,” said Superintendent Bob Gendron. “The iPad program – Connect, Collaborate, Create – will certainly transform how students learn. It will be great to see this unfold over the next few years as staff and students become more engaged and technologically advanced in using the device for educational learning.”
