I hunted around for some interesting articles that might pique my interest and I wandered about and found this short article from Maine. http://www.electronista.com/articles/11/04/08/teachers.saw.remarkable.progress.using.ipads/
It was short but I thought it opened up discussion to the debate as to what responsibility school districts have to seek out funds to equip schools with technology tools that will enhance student achievement. I applaud Maine for taking the initiative without research that proves iPads increase student achievement. I believe that if districts do not investigate the potential of these tools our students will be the victims of an educational system not keeping up with the learning styles students are acquiring as they spend more and more time with technology.
I also thought it was interesting that the money spent by the district included software and professional development for teachers. How many times have our districts given us a computer, document camera or Smartboard and left it to the teacher to figure out how to incorporate in the classroom?
I love my iPad2 and really see the value it could have in a classroom. However, I had to sell my children's old toys in a rummage sale to get the money to buy mine. I wish I lived in Maine.
Our school district recently purchased a laptop cart with 30 laptops and a wireless router for our PreSchool-first grade building, and another one for our second-fourth grade building. They provided PD as well. Even though I'm in the fifth-eighth grade middle school building (which, unfortunately did not receive a laptop cart) I attended the PD. I wondered why the lower elementary would receive the cart, but the PD provider assured us that other lower elementary schools were doing great things with the laptops. Also, it was pointed our that the younger children did a great job with the technology!
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