SPRING LAKE PARK, Minn. — With a bottom line that as boosted by the passage of a technology levy last November students in the Spring Lake Park School District will soon be equipped with personal technology devices. The new 1:1 technology initiative will be phased in during the 2012-2013 school year. Each student in grades 3-12 will have their own iPad while younger students will have access to an iPod Touch. The district has been planning this type of program for years but did not have the necessary funding until the passage of the levy that November.
Through exhaustive research it became clear to the district leadership that a 1:1 technology environment would serve students and teachers the best, “that’s when the technology really starts to make a difference” said SLP Superintendent Dr. Jeff Ronneberg.
Ronneberg was quick to point out that the new technology will be one more tool to enhance student learning – but even with the new technology “great educators” are still the key.
The district has already begun training their teachers to help them implement the new learning methods. “Just since January…over 200 teachers have had at least a day of professional learning[on technology]” said Ronneberg. The district will continue that training with teachers over the summer.
Ronneberg reported that most of the feedback from the staff, students, and the community has been positive but he understands that some concerns exist. “We will have to do some education with the students…on how to take care of the devices” said Ronneberg.
Ronneberg is excited to give teachers one more tool to help meet the ever growing needs of students. To learn more about the 1:1 technology initiative click here.
