Apple - Education - Cambridge Public School District, Page 2

Profiles in Success: Cambridge Public School District

Notebooks Pervasive Throughout Curriculum

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. Thanks to the strong guidance teachers had received from Apple Professional Development, the notebooks became an integral part of the curriculum almost immediately.

“Our Spanish and English classes are using online content extensively,” Nibbe confirms. “It’s great, for many reasons: Obviously, it reduces the load in their backpacks. But also, they’re kids! It’s much cooler for them to do a lesson on their computers than out of a book. I’ve been amazed — using Apple Remote Desktop, which allows me to observe what’s going on in the classrooms — how really focused the students have become. They’re no longer ‘distracted’ by an electronic device, because that device is now their primary tool for learning.”

Our students say they are ‘more productive’ because of their computers, and even enjoy doing homework a lot more.

— Alicia Clark, Business Teacher, Cambridge High School

Students Take Ownership of Learning

Other curriculum areas have been expanded as well, Nibbe adds. 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.

“Students now have more ownership in their education,” says Dan Keyser, principal at Cambridge High School. “They have a very powerful tool in their hands for gathering, preparing, and presenting information.”

Alicia Clark, who teaches business classes, concurs, saying, “Our students say they are ‘more productive’ because of their Apple notebooks, and even enjoy doing homework a lot more. As a whole, the computers have made our students happier.” Karen Gottsch, high school science teacher, says: “The students and I can get up-to-date info on scientific findings and discoveries with a push of the button. Science books are never current, so this is a great tool. Also, students who have trouble with writing or verbal skills can demonstrate their knowledge through digital media presentations.” And Josh Graves, who teaches math and science, adds: “The possibilities with these machines are endless! We often do web quests on the topic being discussed. I think my kids get as much from those activities as anything else in my class.”

Apple’s follow-up support has been tremendous: They’ve really helped us, every step along this path.

— Doug Nibbe, Technology and Math Teacher, Cambridge High School

Early Reports: The “Switch” Makes the Grade

After Cambridge students have had some time working with their MacBook notebooks, teachers and administrators will begin assessments aimed at gauging possible changes in academic achievement. In the interim, Streit and Nibbe say they’re glad the district made the decision to switch to the Mac.

“So far,” says Streit, “it’s been just great. Already, when students don’t have access to their computers for even a day or two, they’re very upset. Everything’s going really well, so we’ll always have positive things to say about Apple.”

“After just a couple of months, the MacBook notebooks have become such a huge part of our students’ lives,” Nibbe finishes. “Even the people who weren’t entirely on board with this initiative are now looking back at this, and saying, ‘Gosh, why were we ever so PC-oriented?’ Seeing how engaged our kids are now is really exciting. We’re all very happy we went with Apple.”