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District selects student technology devices
Students across Norman Public Schools soon will have more equitable access to educational technology, thanks to the most recent bond issue. The district is investing more than $16 million in restricted bond funds to provide technological devices for use by all students, beginning with the 2017-2018 school year.
“In the past, students went to school because that was the source of information and knowledge,” said Dr. Joe Siano, superintendent of Norman Public Schools. “Today, technology has made information accessible anytime, anywhere. The goal of our student technology initiative is to extend learning beyond the traditional classroom and ensure students from all socioeconomic backgrounds have equal access to the most sophisticated technology we can provide.”
A committee made up of teachers, librarians, administrators, university representatives, parents, students and community members collaborated for more than a year to develop a plan and select devices that ensure the greatest success for students.
The technological tools implemented will supplement curriculum, enhance student engagement and extend learning beyond the classroom. Students will have countless opportunities to demonstrate innovation, creativity and collaboration - key skills needed to thrive in any college or career environment.
Since 2009, the Norman community overwhelmingly approved $235 million in bond issues. Bond funds are restricted by law and may only be used for facility improvements, enhanced instructional tools and technology upgrades. The student technology initiative is part of this broader effort to provide students with advanced learning tools and secure, collaborative environments.
Norman Public Schools have seen significant technological progress over the past decade. In 2007, the district implemented Google’s “Apps for Education,” which is a suite of tools designed to help students and educators learn and work together. The district also has introduced online learning environments, upgraded instructional and student information software and equipped schools with intelligent classrooms.
Infrastructure across the district currently is being upgraded to support full implementation of the student technology initiative, which calls for an infusion of technological devices for student use.
The committee evaluated dozens of devices and ultimately chose Apple computers and tablets for students primarily because of their unique ability to legally host multiple operating systems, which is critical for quality instruction.
Every middle and high school student will receive a MacBook to use in and out of the classroom. Although students sometimes will use computers individually, instructional methods will promote collaboration and encourage students to use computers in groups. The district is working on several partnerships to provide free wireless connectivity in public venues and will make use of several offline learning tools since not every student has internet available at their home.
Students in second through fifth grades will have access to MacBooks at school. The ratio of devices available at these grade levels will be about one MacBook for every three or four students. At times, a teacher may choose for every student in a classroom to be on a computer, and at other times students may be working collaboratively and only need one or two computers per group.
Apple iPads will be provided at elementary schools for Pre-K through first graders. Each classroom in these grade levels will have three to five iPads for use in small groups. Teachers will follow guidelines that define the appropriate amount of screen time for these young learners. And, through special software, teachers will be able to monitor the screens of the students’ iPads.
During the upcoming school year, teachers will learn how to effectively use technology to engage students and support instruction. Nearly 25 percent of professional educators in the district already have been trained in an instructional method known as Guided Inquiry Design, which enhances student interest through project-based learning.
“We live in a digital world and access to technology will assist our students as they seek answers and information,” Siano said. “Technology will not drive our instruction. Rather, our focus will remain on providing quality education for all students and technology will enhance learning experiences for all students.”