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Sikeston Junior High staff readies for implmentation of iPad use this year
SIKESTON -- When Sikeston Junior High School students start the new year, educators say they'll also be opening themselves up to a whole new world of learning.
Both students and teachers will use iPads in their classrooms as part of the school district's 1:1 initiative called Project iLearn. Last year the initiative was first implemented at the high school, and in May the school board approved the program for the Junior High.
Thia Hawkins, eighth grade English language arts teacher at the Junior High, said she's excited about using iPads in her classroom this year.
"I'm ready," Hawkins said. "When we got the iPads, I was ready for the school year to start. Some of my other co-workers and I have talked about how we are going to be using these in our English and literature classes."
For example, with the GarageBand application, or app, which allows users to play, mix and record their own music, students will make soundtracks to suit the stories they're reading, Hawkins said.
"Using the iPads will allow us to differentiate our instruction much easier than just regular book and paper -- although that is still going to be an option for the kids who struggle with the iPad or have discipline issues and can't use the iPad," said Molly Pfefferkorn, eighth grade history teacher at the Junior High.
She continued: "It's really going to allow kids to be more creative and get more into the learning process in the way they want to."
For example, if students want use the iMovie application or are more musically inclined -- or if they want to do more of the Microsoft Word-type programs, it will allow teachers to do their instruction using many different styles, and students will be more engaged, Pfefferkorn said.
Seth Harrell, principal of Sikeston Junior High School, said teachers completed multiple day-long training sessions on iPad use in June. Another training opportunity will be offered for teachers in August.
"We thought the teacher training went great," Harrell said. "You can only do so much talking, and until the iPads are put in their hands and they start doing things with them, that's when they grasp the concept."
Abbie Edwards, technology instructional coach at the Junior High, who conducted the training, agreed.
"With the training, we talked about why we decided to go to iLearn and how it will change the role of the teacher in the classroom; they will be more of a facilitator. Students will be more active learners," Edwards said.
Teachers have also spent the summer becoming more familiar with the apps they and their students will use during the school year.
"I gave them an assignment and some play time for them to become more familiar with the apps," Edwards said.
Pfefferkorn said trainings are always fun because there are teachers who are more tech-savvy than others and who help others.
"So we're really mimicking what will happen in the classroom," Pfefferkorn said. "Some students will be more advanced and help the ones who are following behind."
It's about collaborating and working together, Edwards noted.
"We're teaching students to be problem solvers and critical thinkers," Edwards said.
For the complete story, see the Sunday edition of the Standard Democrat.