1 to 1 Learning Prompts Nebraska District to Switch to Macs

Apple 1 to 1 Learning

“[Apple’s] whole package was so much broader than anything we saw on the PC side. Apple Professional Development offered full in-service training … plus, the iLife suite was really exciting. Everyone realized that going with Apple was the right thing to do.”

— Ron Streit, Superintendent, Cambridge Public School District

When the Cambridge Public School District decided to implement a 1 to 1 learning program, several PC manufacturers came in to bid on the project. But when Apple made their presentation, community leaders and school administrators – who had been pressuring the district to continue using PCs – voted unanimously to buy Macintosh notebooks.

Apple Sets Up Staff for Success

The district distributed Apple notebooks to the teachers just before school ended in the spring of 2005. Apple Professional Development held two full days of classes, introducing teachers to their hardware and software tools. Apple staff also helped set up the district’s Xserve, followed by training for the system administrators.  

After a full year of working with their Mac notebook computers (as well as an Apple Mobile Learning Lab that was shared among the classrooms), teachers and administrators at Cambridge were ready to take the next step: handing out Intel-based MacBook notebooks to all high school students. The distribution took place just as the 2006-2007 school year got underway.

1 to 1 Learning Pervasive Throughout Curriculum

Thanks to the strong guidance teachers had received from Apple Professional Development, the notebooks became an integral part of the curriculum almost immediately. Spanish and English classes are using online content extensively, while the history and science departments have incorporated rich digital media, creating a much more engaging environment for students. And in music classes, the use of GarageBand is prompting students to create their own learning opportunities through independent studies.

Now, teachers and students are reaping the rewards of wireless, anytime, anywhere learning, and the Cambridge district has an ever-increasing number of dedicated PC to Mac “switchers.”