Notebooks Differentiate Learning in Omaha
Apple 1 to 1 Learning
“Our staff reports that their ability to differentiate instruction, and to meet the needs of all students, is easier and more effective than ever. I believe this is directly related to our 1 to 1 learning program, and the Apple notebooks.”
— Dr. Ken Bird, Superintendent, Westside Community Schools
In September of 2004, Westside Community Schools distributed over 2000 Apple notebook computers to students at Westside High School, making the school the first in Nebraska to deploy a 1 to 1 learning program. The rollout was the culmination of an eagerly anticipated shift for all teachers and students to a wireless learning environment that began when Westside teachers visited Apple’s campus earlier in 2004. Faculty members quickly saw the potential for individualized learning made possible by the notebooks, and readily agreed to adopt it as the model at Westside High. Accordingly, the district’s 1 to 1 initiative began with the distribution of wireless notebook computers for all teachers and school administrators.
Teacher Involvement is Key
Further solidifying the staff’s support of the notebook program was the formation of teacher-led committees that helped identify professional development, governance, hardware, software, and support needs. Westside High School Principal Dr. John Crooks also worked with teachers and administrators to create a staff development cadre that further defined Westside’s training requirements. Then Apple Professional Development helped create and deliver the content needed to ensure the smooth integration of the notebooks throughout Westside’s curriculum.
Despite the distribution of and ongoing support for over 2000 Apple notebooks, Westside Community Schools Superintendent Dr. Ken Bird notes that no additional staff was hired for the rollout (since the launch, a single support staff member has been added). “The cost of 1 to 1 programs is sometimes misrepresented, and it shouldn’t be,” Bird says. “It does require reexamining job roles and deciding to do things differently. But you can implement a notebook program with your existing systems.”
The Results Are In
An independent team of researchers from the University of Nebraska, Omaha has found that the distribution of Apple notebook computers to all students and teachers has had a dramatic, transformative effect on teaching and learning. Sixty-two percent of the students said they’re writing more essays, 61 percent said they’re completing their assignments more easily, and 63 percent believe they’ve increased their overall learning with the notebooks.
“The teachers are benefiting as well," says Crook. ”A full 73 percent told the interviewers that it's easier to do enrichment activities, and 44 percent said it was much easier to accommodate kids with special needs. Those are very compelling statistics.”
