School District Announces One-to-One Laptop Program
April 29, 2013 (Independence, IA) – Students in the Independence Community School District (ICSD) are sure to have an exciting start to the 2013-2014 school year in August. Students in grades 7-12 will be located in the new Jr./Sr. High School and students in grades 9-12 will be introduced to the District’s 1:1 Learning Initiative. The term 1:1 (one-to-one) refers to having one computing device per student.
The 1:1 Learning Initiative will start with students in grades 9-12 receiving a computing device in August 2013. The district will expand the 1:1 to grades 7-8 in August 2014 and they expect to provide more access to technology at school for K-6 students.
“Obtaining and sustaining academic excellence is a major goal for the District. The 1:1 laptop initiative helps to level the playing field for all students to become 21st century learners. We believe technology can enhance both teaching and learning”, said Superintendent Russell Reiter. “Using laptops and updated technology will give students expanded opportunities to research, communicate and collaborate. The students have a dependable, mobile and devoted device to meet their educational goals. Teachers are able to give broader types of assignments and expand their options for lesson planning”.
The Independence school district won’t be alone in the push to integrate technology into educational settings. There are already approximately 140 Iowa school districts with 1:1 program. Studies show when a 1:1 learning initiative is properly implemented using effective teaching strategies coupled with technology integration within the classroom setting; it enhances the student’s learning environment. Students have shown improved writing and reading scores, increased student interest in learning; reductions in student office referrals, increased creativeness and project based assessments, and improved student attendance.
“We are very excited to offer this kind of learning environment to the students. We know there will be a learning curve for both the students and parents, but we are here to answer any questions. The Junior- Senior High School will have a group of students to help troubleshoot issues and to answer questions. The district also has a technical person assigned to the Junior-Senior High School who spends most of his time at the school to answer questions and fix issues”, added Steve Noyes, Technology Director.
If you have questions regarding the District’s new 1:1 Learning Initiative, please contact Superintendent Russell Reiter at rreiter@independence.k12.ia.us or (319) 334-7400. You may also find more information including the 1:1 Student Handbook/Guide and a FAQ document on the school’s website www.independence.k12.ia.us.
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