The Bend-La Pine Schools launched a 1:1 (student to computing device) pilot during the 2013-14 school year using the Apple iPad in High Lakes, Juniper, Rosland, Lava Ridge, Buckingham, and Ponderosa elementary schools, as well as Mountain View and Summit high schools. This initiative will continue in the 2014-15 school year with the addition of Bend Senior High, Marshall High, La Pine High, Three Rivers 3rd-8th graders, Westside Village 3rd-8th graders and 6th graders from all 5 traditional Middle Schools.
Although many technologies have claimed to have the power to revolutionize teaching and learning, the portable, powerful, flexible iPad, along with its thousands of apps, may actually fit that description. It allows students and teachers to explore and communicate about topics in ways no other technology, no matter how well designed, can. The iPad allows teachers and students to read, write, paint, draw, take pictures and videos, record sounds, communicate, collaborate, manipulate data, and access a world of resources. And, no less importantly, when not needed, it can be easily put aside, sliding into a desk like a notebook.
The following pages are designed to give a solid introduction to the iPad, both how it functions and its potential as a learning tool. Unlike many devices, however, no extensive manual is needed to use the iPad. Its basic functions are simple and straightforward, which is one reason it has inspired so many apps.
Beyond how this amazing learning tool functions, information on the appropriate role of an “iPad Parent” is provided to help guide you through the issues involved in students using and caring for a powerful piece of technology.
We welcome your questions and comments now and as your son or daughter works with their iPad in the coming year. We hope this iPad Bootcamp helps you begin the necessary conversations that will help all of us provide a future ready education for each and every one of our students.
IMPORTANT: The iPad Bootcamp is designed to be viewed in sequence. You will see a link at the bottom of each page which will lead you to the next section.
Start below when you are ready!
Begin your iPad Bootcamp journey here–Parenting in a Digital Age