project By: Denise Dembowski Kennesaw State Itec 7445 Summer 2015

How do we get into the minds of our students ?  Digital natives are used to receiving information at a fast rate, getting instant gratification, parallel processing and multi-tasking.(Prensky, 2001).  So why don’t we give the students the experience that they are looking for ?

Digital devices are even invading schools for STEM/STEAM and more.

Some current devices used in our school are:  Student response systems  Tablets  Language labs  Document cameras  Computer labs  BYOD

What are we missing ?  Not all students have their own devices.  We need more collaboration.  More devices that can be available when computer labs are closed for lunch and testing.  We need technology that is easy to use for those that are less skilled. So, what has not been tried yet ?

We need Apple Products which had not been supported until recently by GCPS? *Research shows that Ipads are one of the devices that teachers and students love. *Ipads are easy to use which helps users at any skill level and are affordable. *Administrators can use the device for meetings, teachers can enhance teachiing and students can be engaged in learning.

Research shows many advantages for Ipads in education.  Ipads transform teaching to be more interactive and allow social learning supported by lev Vygotsky. (Creighton, 2003).  Teachers can create lessons on Itunes.  Thousands of apps are available skill practice at each grade level.  Students can easily access interactive textbooks since not many hard copies are issued.

Benefits of the Ipad over pc’s:  Ipads are smaller than a laptop.  More windows can be open.  10 hours of battery will last the school day.  Better music and video access for projects.  Cost efficient.

Ipads are having an incredible impact on students with disabilities at Oakland Elementary School.  Students with disabilities are able to do projects, play music and more.  Students can hold the Ipad up to an Aurasma picture and it will play a video to learn from or study.  Touch and slide is more manageable for some students.  Ipads can be used for any age and grade level and subject in education.

This proposal is designed to get a classroom set of Ipads to pilot.  Cost of each ipad mini is $379.  Cost of 10 Ipad mini with 2 year warrantee= $3740  Total cost for 35= $13,115 Resources: Mini grants, PTSA fundraisers, business donations, & technology budget.

Successful use of new technologies is made possible with support and leadership. Your help is greatly appreciated to bring in new devices available. Help meet teachers needs and combat the issue of closed computer labs. continue finding resources to flip the classroom.

Use of the Ipad can help meet school goals and ISTE standards.  Engaging students is critical.  Promoting critical thinking is imperative to meet school goals.  ISTE technology standards also wants students to be creative.  Students will also be able to locate, analyze and use information and collaborate in accordance with ISTE.

Support that is needed:  LSTC will order 35 Ipad mini’s with 2 year warrantees.  Teacher will need to install apps that are needed for their subject.  Media staff will need to store the devices and check them out to teachers as needed.  Media staff will need to recharge the devices as they do for cameras, etc.

Objectives:  Give all of our 9 th -12 th grade students skills to produce life long learning.  Support school goals for teachers to use daily best practices and integrate technology per our SIP.  Increase engagement in the classroom as well as individual achievement in accordance with our RBES goals.

Limitations:  Being that Apple products have just been supported in pilot schools since this spring, not all professional development ideas may be in place.  In order to collaborate with others, students may need Google accounts and need parental permission.  This is only one class set for 100+ teachers.  Teachers will need to be sure student use is in accordance with an agreement they sign.

References  Nations, Daniel. 10 Benefits of an Ipad. Benefits-Of-An-iPad.htm Benefits-Of-An-iPad.htm  Successful Teaching. ITC: The Way To Engage The ‘Digital Natives’ In Our Classrooms. May 11, Apple Inc. (2015). Ipad In Education. us-kwg-ipad-com us-kwg-ipad-com standards/standards-for-students