Dear Parents and Guardians,
During this past school year a committee of stakeholders spent several months studying 1:1 initiatives, the positive results, and what model would be best for our students. What we found was that excellence in education requires that technology is seamlessly integrated throughout the educational program. Technology immersion will not diminish the vital role of the teacher. To the contrary, it will enhance it by transforming the teacher from a director of learning to a facilitator of learning. Learning results from the continuous dynamic interaction among students, educators, parents and the extended community.
In January I presented to the school board a technology purchase proposal that was based off of the recommendations made by the 1:1 computing committee. You can view the presentation of the proposal here. The school board approved the plan, and our technology department worked tirelessly to upgrade the wireless internet infrastructure at each of our buildings, as well as prepared to roll out the first ½ of the computers to the school buildings. This summer the 2nd half of the computers will be purchased in preparation of distributing them to students in the fall. Please be sure to visit the website as the program overview, Q&A, and other miscellaneous information is available on that page.
Having come to Elkhorn from a school district that had a 1:1 computing program in place for three years, I will conclude by sharing with you what you can expect based on my experience.
I am looking forward to the coming school year, and the exciting work that lies ahead. Please be sure to review the linked resources above to learn more about our 1:1 initiative. I hope you have an enjoyable remainder of your summer break.
Sincerely,
Jason Tadlock
Superintendent of Schools
Elkhorn Area School District
During this past school year a committee of stakeholders spent several months studying 1:1 initiatives, the positive results, and what model would be best for our students. What we found was that excellence in education requires that technology is seamlessly integrated throughout the educational program. Technology immersion will not diminish the vital role of the teacher. To the contrary, it will enhance it by transforming the teacher from a director of learning to a facilitator of learning. Learning results from the continuous dynamic interaction among students, educators, parents and the extended community.
In January I presented to the school board a technology purchase proposal that was based off of the recommendations made by the 1:1 computing committee. You can view the presentation of the proposal here. The school board approved the plan, and our technology department worked tirelessly to upgrade the wireless internet infrastructure at each of our buildings, as well as prepared to roll out the first ½ of the computers to the school buildings. This summer the 2nd half of the computers will be purchased in preparation of distributing them to students in the fall. Please be sure to visit the website as the program overview, Q&A, and other miscellaneous information is available on that page.
Having come to Elkhorn from a school district that had a 1:1 computing program in place for three years, I will conclude by sharing with you what you can expect based on my experience.
- The computers are just a tool and will be used when the tool is appropriate, not all day.
- Students will have greater opportunities to share their creativity. SEE Related Video
- Students writing will improve as they write more, revise more, and peer review more.
- There will be bumps along the way as students, staff, and parents learn how and when to use the devices, but in the end all will come out ahead.
- Student achievement will increase.
- Students who may have been previously disengaged will now be engaged in ways which he/she have never seen.
- Parents are in charge of the devices at home, you’ll want to set your home guidelines and rules. Personally, I do not allow web based devices in unsupervised areas, for example: bedrooms…..
- Students will learn to become responsible cyber citizens and develop strong technology skills. Despite people’s perceptions that this comes easy to children, they are learned skills and must be taught, practiced and refined
I am looking forward to the coming school year, and the exciting work that lies ahead. Please be sure to review the linked resources above to learn more about our 1:1 initiative. I hope you have an enjoyable remainder of your summer break.
Sincerely,
Jason Tadlock
Superintendent of Schools
Elkhorn Area School District
Please click the links below for additional 1:1 Information:
Why 1:1?
FAQ's
Laptop Insurance
Chromebook Documentation
Resources
Chromebook Keyboard Shortcuts
Why 1:1?
FAQ's
Laptop Insurance
Chromebook Documentation
Resources
Chromebook Keyboard Shortcuts