5 day forecast
iPads supplement eighth graders' classes at Holy Child Catholic School
Share with others:
New technology once again greeted eighth-grade students as they returned to Holy Child Catholic School in Bridgeville.
Each student received an iPad on Aug. 23 for use throughout the school year.
The program, which was piloted last year by the eighth-grade class, has proved successful, said Sister Barbara Anne Quinn, principal at Holy Child.
"I think it definitely has made a difference," she said. "I see that the students have a greater appreciation of what they've been given and what they're going to do with it, as to when I just handed them a book."
The iPads were used in math and science classes last year and have been expanded to include literature and religion this year.
While textbooks are still being used in most classes, the devices have replaced the algebra book with a mobile math curriculum specifically for the iPad.
In addition to supplementing the eighth graders' book-learning, the devices enable the students to participate in a SmartGraphs study with the Concord Consortium in Concord, Mass., which helps them learn about graphs and the concepts graphs convey in mathematics, science and other subjects.
Sister Barbara Ann said the technology has enhanced the students' learning, particularly when it comes to note taking as they are better able to organize their notes and have the ability to store them in the iCloud.
She said the students respect the iPads as a tool that they use for school and can take home to continue studying.
"They take the iPad home and have everything at their fingertips," she said.
Sister Barbara Ann said entrusting the devices with her eighth grade students was a great leap of faith, but they took on the responsibility with great rigor.
All were required to sign a contract stating that they would take complete responsibility for the device including caring for them and ensuring they are charged.
"I just think it's incredible," she said. "It is exciting to see them in the morning when they come in.
They'll sit down and they'll turn them on to study, and they really focus. I'm impressed."
First Published September 27, 2012 5:05 am
