By Maddie Nerad
Staff Writer
The Manhattan Beach Unified School District Board of Trustees is implementing new additions to the iPad program for the 2012-13 school year.
Improvements include a one-to-one iPad program at Manhattan Beach Middle School, iPad training on the usage of the technology, iPad access for all fifth grade students and a Teacher on Special Assignment to support the program.
“This program is made possible because 75% of MBMS parents expressed a willingness to lease or purchase an iPad for their child, and Chevron made a generous donation to help cover costs of those who choose not to purchase an iPad,” MBUSD Superintendent Dr. Michael Matthews said.
The one-to-one iPad program mandates that every student at MBMS is required to either lease, purchase or borrow an iPad from the district.
Some parents expressed concerns about the risk of their children dropping or having an iPad stolen, but students can purchase iPad insurance and lock their iPads in classrooms or P.E. lockers during snack and lunch.
“It’s a challenge to keep the iPads safe because everyone is used to throwing their backpack around or leaving it somewhere,” eighth grader Becca Waxman said.
The goal for next year, according to Mira Costa Principal Dr. Ben Dale, is for all incoming freshmen to bring their iPads to Costa. Dale is working with Hermosa Valley Middle School’s principal, Rita Flynn, to figure out a way for Hermosa students to get iPads.
“Hopefully, students take out their iPads and will be able to use them as learning tools,” Dale said. “I feel like my number one responsibility this year is to get teachers to say ‘yes’ when students ask to use their iPads.”
The MBUSD Parent-Teacher-Student-Association provided 70 district teachers with iPads so they could become more familiar with them as well. Currently, there are three iPad carts at Costa, each with 35 iPads each for student use.
“I’m excited to use the iPads this year,” sophomore Haley Webb said. “We can make posts and take surveys using the programs.”
In addition to the other pilot classes, advanced broadcast journalism students received iPads for use in other classes as well as their reporting.
“The best thing about the iPads is their flexibility,” Costa media arts teacher Michael Hernandez said. “The students can be more productive in class and can report news wherever they are.”
Dale believes iPads will create a better learning experience.
“It is my moral responsibility as an educator to put this technology in students’ hands,” Dale said.
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