iPads in the Classroom
In 2012, a collaborative effort between the Westerly Public Schools Technology Department and WEEF resulted in a special grant opportunity at the Westerly Middle School for a cart of 25 iPads —enough for a full classroom. The collaborative committee sought grants which would enhance and augment the WPS curriculum in a meaningful way, especially addressing the needs of a variety of learners. The quality of each proposal received by the grant committee indicated a high level of innovation, dedication, and enthusiasm for the project by WMS teachers. Finalists were required to demonstrate their proposed use of the cart, and each presentation was outstanding. The cart of iPads was awarded to the Granite Team for their proposal, iPads in the Classroom.
The committee was inspired by the Granite Team’s presentation on the applications of the iPad cart to various aspects of teaching and learning, which clearly demonstrated the use of iPad technology to inform instruction, to differentiate learning for students of all abilities, to level the playing field for those with learning difficulties, and to inspire and challenge students who are ready for further instruction and/or enrichment. The team’s choice of applications was pertinent and exciting, and both WEEF and the WPS Technology Department look forward to seeing the Granite Team share what they learn this year with the greater WPS community. Their work with new technologies paves the way for others throughout the district. We are pleased that WEEF could play a role in this important process.
Feedback from Rob Gouvin
“I made a video lesson for the students to watch online at home. They came in the next day with their notes. While I checked their notes, they took an assessment to see if they understood the concept. When they finished the assessments, they then got the iPad from the cart and self-corrected by seeing the answer key on the web (which I had posted on the team site). When finished we then did the homework in the classroom and students were able to re-watch my lesson again when they got stuck on a problem. My role that day was to facilitate and coach the kids in the right direction if needed. It was one of the best classes I had ever done, to see the students take charge of their learning process was beautiful.”
In 2012, a collaborative effort between the Westerly Public Schools Technology Department and WEEF resulted in a special grant opportunity at the Westerly Middle School for a cart of 25 iPads —enough for a full classroom. The collaborative committee sought grants which would enhance and augment the WPS curriculum in a meaningful way, especially addressing the needs of a variety of learners. The quality of each proposal received by the grant committee indicated a high level of innovation, dedication, and enthusiasm for the project by WMS teachers. Finalists were required to demonstrate their proposed use of the cart, and each presentation was outstanding. The cart of iPads was awarded to the Granite Team for their proposal, iPads in the Classroom.
The committee was inspired by the Granite Team’s presentation on the applications of the iPad cart to various aspects of teaching and learning, which clearly demonstrated the use of iPad technology to inform instruction, to differentiate learning for students of all abilities, to level the playing field for those with learning difficulties, and to inspire and challenge students who are ready for further instruction and/or enrichment. The team’s choice of applications was pertinent and exciting, and both WEEF and the WPS Technology Department look forward to seeing the Granite Team share what they learn this year with the greater WPS community. Their work with new technologies paves the way for others throughout the district. We are pleased that WEEF could play a role in this important process.
Feedback from Rob Gouvin
“I made a video lesson for the students to watch online at home. They came in the next day with their notes. While I checked their notes, they took an assessment to see if they understood the concept. When they finished the assessments, they then got the iPad from the cart and self-corrected by seeing the answer key on the web (which I had posted on the team site). When finished we then did the homework in the classroom and students were able to re-watch my lesson again when they got stuck on a problem. My role that day was to facilitate and coach the kids in the right direction if needed. It was one of the best classes I had ever done, to see the students take charge of their learning process was beautiful.”
