Freshmen and Sophomore Classes to Receive iPads in 2012-13

MCMECHEN—Bishop Donahue Memorial High School Principal Tom Wise announced that all freshmen and sophomore students will be provided with iPads in the 2012-13 school year as the school launches an iPad-based curriculum. “We are excited about the unlimited opportunities the new technology will provide our students. Thanks to the donations and support of our alumni, friends and school board, we will begin the program during the first semester of the 2012-13 school year. We are still seeking financial support that will allow our junior and senior classes to participate in the program.”

Wise said “while some schools have used iPads for limited classes or portions of the curriculum, we plan on using them for all freshmen and sophomore classes. For the past year we have investigated the possible benefits of a 1 to 1 computer/tablet program. During our research, it became clear that the iPad was the vehicle for us. Its small size, long battery life and multiple apps allow the device to be used in the school, outside the classroom and at our students’ homes.”

The primary reason for the change from traditional textbooks to a tablet-based curriculum was simple. “The ability to have our students access educational information anywhere, anytime is a driving force behind our decision to begin the program,” Wise added. “Our students were born and raised during the technology revolution. They have always had immediate access to digital information and communication. Yet in most high schools, this access is limited to brief periods of time each day. Our goal is to model our best colleges and universities, where computers and tablets are the norm. We want to give our students the skills and tools necessary not only for success in post-secondary education but also for their future careers.”

The iPads will not only replace textbooks, but they will also provide every educational tool a student may need in a small 1.5 pound tablet. Apps allow the iPad to be used as a multi-class notebook, file organizer, electronic portfolio, web browser, scientific and graphing calculator, simulator, digital video creator, text annotator, highlighter and much more.

A key feature is the ability to individualize lessons for all students. “The multitude of educational apps allows teachers to create lesson plans that meet the needs of all students. We believe every student can be successful and the use of this technology will allow every Donahue student to achieve their maximum learning level,” Wise stated.

The school will be able to eliminate the purchasing of expensive textbooks by using E-books that are a fraction of the cost. Wise said, “The economic savings are an advantage, but giving our students access to the most recent and relevant educational materials available is much more important.” Apple’s newest apps allows faculty members to create and publish their own notes and books for students’ use. Digital books can display interactive text, pictures, diagrams, audio and video. Apple recently announced that electronic high school digital books from their publishing partners, including Pearson, McGraw-Hill and Houghton Mifflin Harcourt are available. “There are apps,” Wise continued, “for every subject that is taught at the secondary level as well as the collegiate level. Our staff will evaluate a multitude of apps before choosing those that best match our diocesan needs, WV 21 Century CSO’s and WV Common Core standards.”

Donations for the iPad program are being accepted by the school and will be used to help fund the program for the junior and senior classes.

“Our goal has always been 100 percent school integration, with the help of our alumni and friends, we can reach our goal,” Wise said.

For more information or to register for the 2012-2013 school year, call (304) 233-3850.