Ipads for K-2 kids considered for WGSD

      A proposal to integrate tablets into early elementary classrooms has been put on hold for the time being in the Waterford Graded School District.

      Kannan Heath, district technology administrator, discussed a proposal to purchase 45 iPads for use in kindergarten, first-grade and second-grade classrooms at all three elementary schools.

      But the proposed $51,070 price tag raised questions from some members of the School Board’s Technology Committee, which met in mid-October.

      As proposed, the tablets would be shared among groups of students in each classroom. Heath suggested Waterford Graded could purchase a number of back-end tools alongside the tablets, including management software, charging stations and other infrastructure.

      Board member Dan Jensen, who chairs the Technology Committee, questioned the cost and how the funds should be used.

      “I’d like to see more (iPads) in the hands of students and less money spent on infrastructure,” Jensen commented.

      Doing the math in his head, Jensen also asserted he felt the cost of 45 iPads should be about $20,000 less than the figure quoted by Heath.

      School Board and committee member Paul Beyerl, meanwhile, had bigger picture questions, including the legitimacy of using iPads in the classroom setting.

      “How will we ever measure effectiveness with them?” Beyerl asked administrators. “I would like proof they have been used for good in the classroom.”

      In response, Superintendent Chris Joch said he believes putting resources toward iPads and other forms of technology is wise because of the changing dynamics of students’ home lives.

      “When kids come into our buildings now, it’s almost like they’re taking a step backward,” Joch said. “There are tools available, such as educational apps, on these devices. We’d like to try and catch up more for these kids.”

      While not necessarily applicable to the lower grade levels, Darlene Markle, principal at Fox River Middle School, noted there are a number of collaborative opportunities with iPads and other forms of technology.

      “There are greater opportunities for students to work with classmates and teachers,” Markle said. “It’s also possible to have a global reach. (The tools available) are really powerful as you move up grade levels.”

      Within the context of early education learning, Assistant Superintendent Kathy Hoppe said she believes tablets will have a positive impact on the early education classrooms in Waterford Graded.

      “I think there are some creative ways we can use the device,” Hoppe said, pointing out the prevalence of computer activities that can engage students in forming letters and speaking as two examples.

      Hoppe said software also is available to assist teachers in creating lessons with tablet use in mind.

      The Technology Committee was expected to further discuss the iPads, cost proposals and related issues when Waterford Graded held its next string of committee meetings Tuesday, Nov. 5.