iPad Use Expanding at LCJSMS

 

In the last couple of weeks the newest sixth graders have received their personal iPads, thanks to funding from the District and SEF.   Last years' pilot, funded with a $139,000 grant from SEF, provided all sixth graders with personal iPads.  Feedback from teachers, students and parents was overwhelmingly positive.  Pre- and post-pilot surveys by the District also indicated dramatic increases in access to technology, online collaboration, communication, research and problem solving among students.

 

Encouraged by last years' enthusiastic response, SEF approved a follow up grant of $129,000 this spring to enable the purchase of iPads for the incoming group of students.  Sixth grade teachers are now fully familiar with the iPad technology and how to integrate it within the curriculum.  

 

"The iPads help students stay more organized and connected to the classroom and its contents.  The devices allow students to approach class content in a variety of ways," says Warren Wannamaker, grade six social studies teacher.  Science teacher Ronna Silagi adds, "The iPads are great because they allow students to work at their own pace."

 

Of course, the students are very excited to have their very own personal iPad! Sixth grader Maddie Lumelleau says, "It's easier to use iPads because everything is in one place and apps like BrainPOP help us study for quizzes." Classmate Giana Acitelli adds, "The iPads make it easier to access information, such as the dictionary, and check teacher websites for assignments." 

 

When the current seventh graders returned to school in September, they received the same iPad they had from the prior year.  "We are off and running with the iPads," says seventh grade science teacher John Ross, who adds that his students will use Google Slides "to create a Dr. Seuss-style storybook about the planets for our elementary school libraries.  The students will use the Socrative app to vote for their favorite slides.  The class winners will then use Publisher to create the actual storybook."

 

Matthew Ramstedt, seventh grade social studies teacher, is also pleased with the impact of the iPad in his classroom. "Students have fully incorporated the iPads into their learning," he reports. "We use the BrainPop App to introduce new ideas and content, and students can take practice quizzes to measure their understanding.  Results are emailed to me so I can chart their progress."
 

Teachers and students are not the only ones who are excited about using iPads in school.  According to Jamie Heckelman, a seventh grade parent, "The iPads have brought an element of enthusiasm--and ownership--to learning."