iBooks Ensure Equal Technology Access for All Students in Tiburon
Apple 1 to 1 Learning
In the fall of 2004, a committee of teachers, administrative staff, parents, and Reed Union’s board of trustees joined together to research the feasibility of a 1 to 1 learning program for Del Mar Middle School in Tiburon, California. Visiting schools as far away as Ohio and Chicago, the committee came away impressed with the ability of Apple’s iBook laptops to create a dynamic, collaborative classroom environment.
“As far as we’re concerned, whether in the classroom or at home, the iBook laptop is the way to go.”
— Sandy Kuzma, Principal, Del Mar Middle School
Prior to the 1 to 1 learning program, every Del Mar teacher had an iBook, and the school had a full complement of Apple technologies — two Mac-based computer labs, and three Apple Mobile Learning Labs. But teachers felt the typical frustrations in trying to schedule time on the computers for their students. Thus, the research committee recommended that Del Mar roll out an iBook-based 1 to 1 learning program for all students in the fall of 2005. With the board’s approval of the plan and the lease of 360 laptops through Apple Financial Services Education Finance, “The Millennial Classroom Project” was born.
Now, the iBooks are used by students in every classroom. Each teacher has a website; many stream video and audio content, and post documents and links that provide additional information for students. Teachers also employ a rich complement of software tools such as Study Island and ALEKS, which allow students to prepare for math tests at home. NoteTaker offers students an organizational tool in which they can store text, images, and graphics for future use. And iCal keeps both students and faculty on track with assignments and activities, while Keynote helps students demonstrate their learning through dynamic presentations.
Having seen the upside of both their 1 to 1 initiative and their research at other schools, Reed Union School District Superintendent Christine Carter and Principal Sandy Kuzma say the welcome mat is permanently in place at Del Mar. They encourage any interested parties to visit their school, and see firsthand how anytime, anywhere computer access for all students transforms teaching and learning.
