Education

Apple Notebook Usage Pervasive in Schools

At Kellogg Middle School, Principal Lori Longo says the iBook notebooks are now pervasive throughout the school. In some courses — such as Fitness, Cooking, and Woodshop — teachers use the computers to introduce a unit, and then students complete their assignments using traditional methods. In most other classes, iBook usage is a daily occurrence.

“We use the notebooks to develop concepts, particularly in math and science,” Longo notes. “With applications such as those from ExploreLearning, students can do hands-on manipulation of information and data, so they immediately grasp the concepts. And streaming video and audio are great resources for us: Dynamic media helps develop ‘background knowledge,’ then students can use tools like WebQuests to go further into a topic.”

With the Apple notebooks, the actual act of teaching is quicker, better, and much more accurate.

— Mary Kootz, Principal, Echo Lake Elementary School

Walker adds, “Students now have the ability to work on a project or do research whenever they want. What often was ‘down-time’ in a student’s life is now filled with exploration and productivity. The flexibility of the learning is impressive, and should produce outstanding results.”

Longo and Koontz believe Shoreline’s 1 to 1 learning program has made academic assessments easier and more efficient. Kellogg utilizes student message boards, which allow every student to voice and share their opinions. The school also employs software tools to gauge students’ level of achievement in math and reading.

“Whether they’re using computers or not, teachers still have to assign homework, review it, and grade it,” says Longo. “Since we’ve ‘gone digital,’ our teachers now can use technology to assess their students, then put interventions in place for kids who need them. Also, the computers and software help us do reading assessments, and get hard data that we can use for placements.”

“When you have individual information on students — which is much faster and easier to collect digitally — you can assess really quickly where those students are,” Koontz concurs. “We have document cameras and projection systems in our classrooms, so the kids will plug their notebook in; they’ll say, ‘Here’s my project; let’s go over it.’ The teacher assesses it, and the student gets immediate feedback. With the Apple notebooks, the actual act of teaching is quicker, better, and much more accurate.”

Shoreline Demonstrating Leadership for Other Schools

In February of 2006, nearly 70 percent of Shoreline voters cast their ballots in favor of a bond measure to expand the 1 to 1 learning program in grades 5-12. The community now sees technology as absolutely essential in education, and understands that the Apple notebooks offer the tools students need to succeed in today’s world. Within Shoreline’s schools, teachers and students agree: All are demonstrating their leadership in the use of technology, charting a course for other schools to follow in the future.