Wayland elementary students beginning to use iPads in the classrooms

Apple computer tablet  iPads will begin to be deployed in K-4 classrooms across the Wayland district in the bext several weeks.

K-4 teachers from around the district participated in a survey last spring in which they indicated how many iPads they would like in their room as well as what their intended uses of the iPads are. The iPads are being distributed according to teacher requests on the survey. Some teachers elected to have a small number of iPads to use while other teachers requested enough iPads for each student in their class.

The teachers are integrating iPads into their classrooms in variety of ways this year.

Many teachers plan to use the iPad to differentiate student learning through apps such as Reflex Math, as well as eBook options such as TumbleBooks that can read stories to students as they read along. Teachers also may have students create collages with apps such as Pic Collage, where pictures and text can exhibit student learning.

Creating books is another tool that teachers may use to demonstrate learning with apps like StoryKit and BookCreator. Teachers might also use formative assessment tools such as Socrative and Quizizz to check on student learning. Teachers might use QR Codes to guide learners to specific websites like the Information Place. Students also may go on a virtual field trip with apps such as NPS National Mall to learn more about our nation’s Capital.

“The possibilities for enhancing instruction with mobile technology are endless,” said Teresa Fulk, Director of Instruction. “Wayland Union is pleased to offer our students the opportunity to learn with the latest technology.”

The iPad2s being used in grades K-6 were filtered down from grades 7-12 when they upgraded to the new iPad Air this year. Pine Street students in fifth and sixth grades each have an iPad issued for use.

(Photo courtesy Laurie Zywiczynski)