The digital device also extends the school day. Studies show that students who are engaged in learning don’t stop when the school bell rings. We have already witnessed our 5th graders using the devices not only to increase their own knowledge, but also working together via the Internet on projects and helping each other with homework. In short, the device empowers the students to drive their own learning and learning style. What better situation could a parent or school district create?
"Are you curious about new ideas? Do you want to learn a new language. Or just a new word. Maybe you want to know more about anatomy. Or astronomy. You could master something new or uncover a hidden talent. There’s never been a better time to learn."
- Apple, Inc.
Project REAL provides a digital device, an iPad, to our students in grades 5-12 to serve as a textbook, research tool, library, creation station, homework center, collaboration tool, and much more. Our students have the ability to do assignments, write papers, get homework help, access the Internet to research, and use built-in applications to create projects that demonstrate understanding. Teachers can electronically load their devices with assignments, readings, short video clips...and the list goes on. The device allows (and in some ways demands) imagination on the part of both the student and teacher.
The project also provides five classroom sets of iPod Touches to our elementary schools. There is great work and outstanding results being shown by several school districts across the country using the iPod Touch device as a supplement to traditional reading instruction. We will be sharing those techniques with our teachers in grades K-4.
