News Archives

iPads and iPod Touch Devices

December, 2011

Last school year Goochland piloted the use of Apple iOS devices in elementary classrooms across different grade levels using iPod Touch. We learned a lot about how young students could use the devices and which apps could help support classroom instruction and mastery of the Virginia Standards of Learning (SOL).

This year we have deployed iOS mobile devices (iPad and iPod Touch) in both elementary and secondary schools. Our elementary deployment includes a cart of iPad 2 devices at each school that may be used by any grade level for use alone, or in combination with more traditional laptops. Since iPads include a camera that takes both still pictures and video, it can be used in combination with creative software on the computer to author and edit multimedia, including video. Included on the iPads are a collection of free apps (programs) created in conjunction with Garfield creator Jim Davis and sponsored by the Virginia Department of Education. This Professor Garfield series is targeted at digital citizenship and internet safety initiatives in our curriculum.

Early elementary classrooms (K-1) are also utilizing iPod Touch devices in the classroom used as student centers. All grade levels can also utilize a 20-pack case of iPod Touch devices for a classroom set. Since the devices are wireless, they can be used to access websites on each school's wireless network and download electronic books. The cameras in these devices also enable apps that decode QR codes to be used as part of a classroom project.

GCPS personnel John Hendron, Bea Cantor, and Zoe Parrish will be leading professional development for teachers' return to school on January 2, 2012. This elementary-only training will focus on using QR codes in the classroom, creating eBooks on the Macintosh, and using the iOS devices to create and edit digital video.

At our secondary level, we have just started rolling out another model for mobile devices and laptops with two model "Twenty-First Century Classrooms." GHS teacher Erin Yearout-Patton and GMS teacher Shelliotte Lawson took on the challenge this year of trying out the new devices in a mixed-device environment after participating in significant professional development. Each classroom has dedicated 15 laptops and 15 iPads to be used by students on a daily basis. "It's very important to study the impact these devices have for improving pedagogy. Each subject area and each grade level can provide various challenges when we introduce new technology," said division supervisor for instructional technology, John Hendron. "Our goal this year is to have these two teachers work in-step closely with our instructional technology resource teacher (ITRT), Bea Cantor, and to model activities that continue our efforts with G21--our framework for learning with twenty-first century skills." Prolonged, regular use with mobile devices in a blended environment this year will help inform future deployments and training dictated by the division's six-year technology plan.

Goochland High School and Goochland Middle School are also sharing the use of an iPad cart (similar to the configuration used at our three elementary schools) with 30 devices. In either of the two schools, a teacher who plans an integrated lesson with our ITRT may use the cart in their classroom. "Apps are where a lot of focus is, but crucial to making a difference with these devices is re-thinking how we teach," adds Hendron. Some innovative apps loaded onto the secondary iPads include Roller Coaster Physics, Garage Band, and Algebra Touch. "When we give kids the opportunity to be creative, it sets the stage for powerful learning. I'm exited to turn our teachers and students on to apps that that tap our imagination," says GHS/GMS ITRT Bea Cantor.

In addition to the elementary and high school deployments of iOS mobile devices, our special education teachers across the division are also integrating the use of these devices to take advantage of assistive applications being developed for iPad and iPod Touch. Use of the iPad by Goochland Elementary's early childhood education program is planned for January.