by Mikaela Smith and Jadrian Williams
Specialty center freshmen at Varina and Glen Allen high schools are using new technology.
As part of a six-week pilot program, which ends on June 7, Henrico County issued Apple iPads at Varina and Google Chromebooks at Glen Allen.
“The Communications Center at Varina seemed like a nice fit for the iPads because the device lets you connect media,” instructional technology specialist Gaynell Lymon said.
For example, communication students can use their iPad to record video, edit it in iMovie and send the final product to Vimeo.
County administrators will use information gained from the pilot program to determine if Henrico County high schools will use either device when the county’s contract with Dell is up at the end of the 2012-2013 school year.
“We wanted to look at different options other than the full size laptops, and really iPads and Chromebooks were the two things that sort of jumped out as being new emerging technology,” Mrs. Lymon said.
Thirty-two freshman and two teachers at Varina are testing the new devices. The teachers who received iPads are English and communications teacher Kimberly Hodges and world history teacher Gary Colletti.
Freshman Markeise Dudley could hardly believe it when his teacher told the class that they would be receiving iPads.
“I was excited. It wasn’t expected,” Markeise said.
Students like freshman Macy Shupe are even using iPads to receive instruction when they are absent from school through FaceTime.
“I FaceTimed Haley Link on her FaceTime app, and Mr. Colletti just put me in a seat,” Macy said. “I just paid attention, and I was answering questions and everything.”
Markeise likes the ease of using iPads.
“My favorite feature is the touch screen because it makes it easier and quicker,” Markeise said.
The iPads, however, have not received all raves.
“The iPad is a lot better for using things that are already out there, not the greatest for creating your own work,” Mrs. Hodges said.
Students have encountered some difficulty accessing sites like SchoolSpace on the iPad. Students use a blog to make comments or seek answers to questions related to their iPad use.
Instructional technology resource teacher Mike Dunavant said Henrico is known for its technology initiatives.
“Nobody else does what we do around the country,” Mr. Dunavant said. “When a person hears that you’re a Henrico County high school graduate, they know that you come with a particular set of skills that are pretty remarkable.”
Mrs. Hodges is proud of her students for finding ways to use the iPad for instruction.
“It’s been fun, and it’s been a challenge to figure out how to make it work in the classroom,” Mrs. Hodges said. “I’m so glad that we have the chance to use iPads. It has given me just a huge appreciation for the kids and just seeing what this generation can figure out and what they can do.”
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