Letter to the editor: Retired educator endorses district’s iPad plan
Dear editor,
I commend the Marshfield School Board for its decision to provide iPads for all students. The district has addressed how these devices will meet Marshfield’s learning goals. Having implemented one of the first computer labs in the Marshfield district, I am confident that students’ individual learning needs will be met.
The role of the teacher is changing. Our students will now have information access 24/7, and our teachers will be facilitators of learning rather than simply transmitters of knowledge and wisdom.
The use of iPads by students and teachers will drastically cut down volumes of paper, replace textbooks, improve communication, provide assessment, iBooks authoring opportunities, whiteboard interaction, etc.
Projected savings will help offset the costs associated with the iPad project. The technology department will not be replacing the computer labs in the future. The district will also be purchasing e-textbooks, realizing savings there as well. The technology director and the curriculum director anticipate saving about $155,000-$177,000 per year.
Student use management, teacher training, and maintenance will be important challenges. I believe Marshfield’s excellent educational standards will greatly be enhanced through districtwide iPad implementation.
Terry Gillespie
Retired Marshfield educator
Leave a reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.