Classroom Technology at BC High

1 to 1 computing Initially tablets - laptops with added features Downsides seen as: Battery life Barrier created by laptop screen Bulk Start-up time

Then, the iPad Immediately on Low profile Access to apps Availability of textbooks?

BC High's exploration of the iPad Last school year, department chairs and administrators got iPads. Over the summer, decision was made to purchase iPads for all teaching faculty. In an investigation process now to answer the question: Will iPads help students be more effective learners?

Investigation Initial training iTunes cards Workshops mainly focused on apps iPad carts Faculty presentations to the Academic Council Parent, student, department focus groups School visitations Faculty meetings

So far... on the positive side Cart seen to be better than taking students to the computer lab - quicker access to information Increased student collaboration, engagement, motivation Many students have their own iPads and use them at the discretion of classroom teachers Converting PowerPoints has been mostly easy Textbook availability is looking very encouraging

So far... on the negative side Content creation is difficult Printing may be an issue... may not be Student distractibility / monitoring them Security, safety, access / equity

Your perspective What excites you about your son using an iPad as an educational tool? What concerns you about your son having an iPad?