More iPads coming to SD73
The Kamloops-Thompson school district board voted this week in favour of a partnership between SD73 and Apple, Inc., which will see more iPads in local classrooms and better training for teachers.
Superintendent Terry Sullivan said the deal will see the district purchase two class sets of iPads in exchange for $150,000 worth of professional-development resources.
“What we’re interested in is we really believe that personalized learning and 21st-century learning is where we need to be,” he said.
“This is where kids are. They’re already taking command of their own learning and we really need to be inventive in using these devices in the classroom.”
Sullivan said Apple also has a lot to gain as the company tries to regain its old foothold as a leader in education technology.
“What’s in it for them is that where they once were a major player, they’re a major player again,” he said.
“They probably have an opportunity to expand that market.
“Way back, 25 years ago, they were kind of at the forefront [of education technology] with the Apple IIes,” Sullivan said.
“They were everywhere, then they were kind of replaced.”
Sullivan said the 70 iPads will cost SD73 $30,000. But, the training local teachers will receive in return will make it worthwhile.
“I’ve looked at the professional-development opportunities they provide and it’s high-quality — certainly more high-quality than we as a school district could provide,” he said.
“We couldn’t afford to provide all these devices and also provide the professional development that goes with them, so this partnership is a good way to do that.”
History and astronomy classes at Westsyde secondary are also slated to begin using iPads in September, but Sullivan said that agreement is separate from the one with Apple voted on at Monday’s board meeting.
The iPads are slated to go into use at Bert Edwards Science and Technology School when classes resume in the fall.
COMMENTS
Let's keep comments:
We ask that all participants own their words by logging in with their Facebook account. It's a simple process that will take seconds and helps keep our comments free of trolls, cranks, and “drive-by” commenters.
We reserve the right to remove comments from anyone using screen names, pseudonyms or false identities. Please see our FAQ if you have questions or concerns about using Facebook to comment.