Johnston High School Launches iPad Initiative

Johnston High School students are the proud keepers of more than 1,300 iPads this week.

The district's 1:1 iPad initiative officially kicked off on Monday, as seniors and parents attended a launch event to discuss set up and device care, vision, goals, structure of event, and digital citizenship and safety.

The seniors, as well as juniors and sophomores - who will participate in similar launch events this week- had to read and sign the Student Technology Responsible Use Policy and the Digital Learning Environment iPad Agreement.

Last year, many teachers were part of the 2012 iPad pilot program to explore the benefits of the devices in the classroom.

Science teacher Dustin Mead used the iPads for instructional videos to guide students during dissections.

"Allowing me to spend my time discussing deeper connections to the content with the student, rather than spending a lot of time on basic instructions,” Mead said in a district press release.

The new devices are a way to enhance learning in the 21st century, while also preparing students with the skills to navigate the digital world.

“Much of the Iowa Core focuses on creation, communication, and collaboration,” said Ann Wiley, Johnston Community School District Instructional Technology Coordinator, in the district release.  “The 1:1 will bring those three areas together in the classroom, between teachers and students.”

The use of iPads is almost second nature for most students.

“Students are very fast learners and in this environment, they are actively engaged in learning while demonstrating their subject knowledge through creative assignments – similar to what they might do in college or for a work project,” Wiley said. “This kind of mobile, instantaneous learning is in their nature and they will pick up numerous skills that will aid them in their futures.”

The 1:1 iPad initiative is paid for through PPEL reallocation funds. Each student pays a $50 deposit before receiving the iPad/accessories.

Every senior in Johnston High School received an iPad, Jan. 7 at 5 p.m.

After signing a waiver and putting a $50 deposit down, students and parents gathered in the gym for an assembly to introuduce the iPads.