Transforming learning: Technology is changing the game for Zeeland schools students and teachers
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on July 19, 2013 at 12:00 PM, updated July 19, 2013 at 12:34 PM
Zeeland West High School freshmen listen to biology teacher Chevron Fickel about a dissection and review information on their iPads.
GRAND RAPIDS, MI - Zeeland Public Schools is headed into year three of its bold technology plan leaders believe is essential to building students 21st century skills for success in college and the workplace.
The district of 5,800 students has been a technology leader in the state and an example across the country, since its 2011-12 1:1 iPad launch at its two high schools - issuing 1,800 iPads to students at Zeeland East and West.
Last school year, the program expanded to the middle school and in 10 elementary classrooms in grades 3 through 5. This fall, its 1:1 for all classrooms grades 3-12.
"It is really an exciting time in education because the technology allows you so much diversity," said Zeeland Superintendent Cal De Kuiper, "We see it as a tool to facilitate and accelerate teaching and learning for career and college readiness. The technology allows teachers to work with students on a much more individual basis."
DeKuiper, at the helm the last seven months, said the impressive part about the district's iPad journey is that not only ZPS willing to be the first district to make the investment and take the risk but has been willing to share their experiences with schools in and out-of-state.
On Aug. 13, the district is hosting a technology conference, the Zeeland Educational Technology Academy, featuring presenters from across the state, who will be discussing how teaching and learning is changing with the use of technology. The district has been blogging and sharing information about its transition on its iLearn website.
Stephen Braunius, ZPS director instructional technology, said the district "continues to listen, learn and adjust," when it comes to its technology program.
"Some people think technology will replace the teacher but that could not be further from the truth," said Bruce Umpstead, director of educational technology and data coordination for the Michigan Department of Education Office. "The more technology we have available, the easier it is to personalize learning and we need the teacher. It all comes down to the teacher and their knowledge and comfort level with the technology."
Braunius said professional development has been critical to their plan to transform learning. He said the district brought in technology coaches for teachers last school year at the high schools and will have them at the lower levels this fall.
"We realize you have to invest the time to work with teachers, so that they can effectively use and integrate all aspects of the technology into the learning process to fully engage our students," he said.
"Now that we have the technology in place, the next phase is looking at more ways to deliver instruction, interact and personalize the information more. We are changing how we teach in the classroom, doing things more meaningful things with students that keep them engaged."
ZPS is still using textbooks but students also have access to online versions of many of them, and Braunius said they are working with teachers on creating their own books.
The district was able to began its transition with a voter approved bond that included $5.5 million for technology. But with the devices, infrastructure and other other upgrades the funds have diminished. The district has made some changes to try to sustain the program overtime, including offering for high school students only three options this year:
• Parents can pay an annual fee, a $120 this fall, which is the cost of the iPad divided over four years. The iPad which they would eventually own includes a case, apps, district technology support and insurance.
• Students can bring their own iPads to school, which the district would provide with the necessary instructional apps but parents would be responsible for any damage.
• Students receive a free iPad, with the option of purchasing a $40 for insurance to cover damages, and turn it in at the end of the year.
The district has no plans to change funding for the grades 3-8 at this time. The district has a 4-year lease/purchase plan in place with Apple Inc. for 1,200 iPads. The annual cost, beginning this year (principal and interest) is $148,851 for a total agreement of $574,800.
"Money is the number one challenge to people adding computers as common item," said Umpstead, who said that's why only a handful of districts have been able to implement district-wide programs such as Zeeland. "The state wants to see more personalized learning."
Most recently, Frazier schools issued 5,000 iPads to its student body, and this fall, Ludington schools, where De Kuiper was previously superintendent, will go 1:1.
He said the state will see around 75,000 tablet PCs, predominately iPad, in schools this fall, a 30,000 increase because of a $50 million grant to help schools get ready for online testing.Students in grades 3-5 are the only ones not allowed to take the iPads home.
ZPS continues to educate students about digital citizenship and proper use of the devices to avoid classroom distractions such as playing games and going on social networking sites.
There are locked models and restrictions can be placed if necessary. In attempt to prevent damages, the district is now issuing the more durable Gumdrop cases.
As for academic strides, Braunius said it will take time to see progress but they have not seen significant shifts up or down.
De Kuiper said the district is committed to moving the technology vision forward.
"This is not technology for technology sake, rather a learning vehicle for college and career success," he said.
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