Image credit: Apple
In an attempt to learn more about the upcoming 1:1 iPad program, The Phoenix Inquirer interviewed Middle School Principal Alexa Quinn. She provided information about the 1:1 iPad program, including why the school decided to provide Chromebooks to the 7th grade last year as a pilot program. Mrs. Quinn shared that the administration wanted to see what the 7th graders would have to show for their exposure to technology by 8th grade. They did not give the Chromebooks to 5th graders last year because they felt 5th graders were not ready to care for them. They also did want to give it to last year’s 8th graders because they are in Upper School this year and the administration would not have an easy way of knowing whether the 1:1 Chromebook program worked.
We also asked Mrs. Quinn whether she could provide insight into the iPad program. She responded that Dr. Schuster, the main force behind this program, might provide information on this program sometime in the near future, possibly in an assembly this spring or fall. We also wanted to know what the pros and cons of this program will be for middle school students. One of the benefits is that being 1:1 allows for a better learning experience through easier access to learning tools. A disadvantage of 1:1 is that it could be a distraction for certain students. It requires integrity to do the right thing and not play games during the school day.
For more information on Friends’ Central’s 1:1 iPad program, visit the FCS-maintained informational site on the program, which includes a section of helpful FAQs.
Editor’s Note: This article is only the beginning of The Phoenix Inquirer’s investigation of the 1:1 iPad program. Stay tuned for updates from our staff next year!