La Jolla, CA — In Joe Morris’s case, getting fogged in at the airport turned out to be a good thing. On his way to the fall 2001 Computer-Using Educators (CUE) Conference, the new educational technology director at The Gillispie School found himself waiting out the weather with Bernie Dodge, professor of educational technology for San Diego State University, creator of WebQuest, and one of the country’s most esteemed experts in computer-based learning. After Morris mentioned that Gillispie was considering a new technology plan, Dodge provided some succinct advice. “Two words: iBooks, wireless.” Both have been a part of the vocabulary at Gillispie ever since.
Morris, now an Apple Distinguished Educator, came to The Gillispie School a year before the opening of its new elementary classroom building. Asked to design a 21st century technology learning program, Morris began evaluating a variety of computers and platforms. With his background as a media specialist and computer teacher in the public school system, and as an adjunct professor in Educational Technology at National University, Morris was well aware of the value of giving students ubiquitous access to technology.
“Gillispie used to have one small computer lab with a few Wintel machines, and the students would rotate through twice a week,” recalls Morris. “We knew we were falling behind in terms of technology. But with a brand new classroom and administration building on the horizon, everyone at the school was really committed to making some big changes. Although Apple has always been my computer of choice, as a school we were considering a cross-platform solution. But Dr. Dodge confirmed that the Mac is easy to network; it’s easy for kids to use. And Apple’s support is great. That made the decision really simple.”
Transformation Begins with iBook Wireless Mobile Lab
The Gillispie School began its transition to a 21st century learning environment in the summer of 2002 with the distribution of an iBook laptop to each teacher, and the installation of AirPort Base Stations throughout the campus. When the fall semester began in September, the school rolled out its new iBook Wireless Mobile Lab. Each of the K-6 rooms also was equipped with a group of “permanent” iBook computers, and K-2 students learned basic keyboarding and computing skills on iBook laptops in the technology lab.
As students and teachers were becoming familiar with their new computers, Morris began traveling with the iBook Wireless Mobile Lab to the third- through sixth-grade classrooms. Meeting with teachers in advance to help with lessons and project ideas, Morris greatly assisted with the transformation in teaching and learning.
Having the iBook laptops really encourages creativity and innovation.
— Dr. Jacqueline Yarbrough, Head of School, The Gillispie School
“When I first visited each classroom with the mobile cart, the teachers were asked to stay in the room and take part in the lessons as well,” explains Morris. “There was absolutely no resistance to this, as all the teachers had received an iBook and they were eager to use it in as many ways as possible. In this way the teachers learned exactly what the students learned.
“Eventually,” adds Morris, “as everyone became comfortable with the technology, my time in the classroom became a team-teaching situation. Soon the teachers could not get the cart often enough. And, they started coming up with all kinds of great ideas for projects.”
Next Phase: Apple 1 to 1 Learning
From the start, Gillispie’s administration planned to transition to a 1 to 1 learning model. This decision received enthusiastic support from Gillispie’s Board of Directors, as well as the parents of Gillispie students. But there was still much to be done, in terms of professional development, financing, and other details. Thus, Moreen Fielden, who was then head of school at Gillispie, elected to roll out the laptop program in the fall of 2003.
Fielden was succeeded by Gillispie’s new head of school, Dr. Jacqueline Yarbrough, at the beginning of the 2003-2004 school year. Yarbrough, whose résumé included considerable hands-on experience with and support for educational technology, was equally dedicated to the concept of 1 to 1 learning. She helped guide the distribution of iBook laptops to all students in the third through sixth grades when school began in September.
