Schools Show Off iPad Pilot Program

Wyckoff students from around the school district showed off their technological know-how at a Mobile Technology Fair at Eisenhower Middle School Thursday night.

The event showcased an educational initiative pairing young students from Pre-K to fifth grade and their teachers with iPads in an effort to enrich and advance the overall learning experience.

The Wyckoff Education Foundation spearheaded the pilot project, purchasing more than 100 of Apple's costly electronic devices.

Robert Bayer is the president of the WEF.

"[We] purchased 120 iPads last year, which went into the schools in September," Bayer said. "The teachers have been using the iPads in the classroom with the students using applications for reading and math."  

The Tech Fair, which was open to the public, enabled the district to demonstrate how the technology is being implemented through various demonstrations by teachers and students from , , ,  and schools.

"This is an opportunity for parents to see what is going on in the classroom now," Bayer said. "The informal feedback from the principals, teachers, administrators and students has been very positive."

Technology allows students to potentially have the Library of Congress at their fingertips and in their pockets, said Wyckoff schools Superintendent Richard Kuder. 

"When the iPad came out we were really excited," he added.

Having already brought approximately 150 iPads into the schools — some additional units have been purchased since the initial buy — the push toward a very different looking classroom is underway, but don't expect Apple products to replace hardworking teachers. 

"Mobile technology and iPads are just one piece — nothing replaces a terrific teacher who works to motivate students. This is just another tool in their toolbox," Kuder said.

"This helps us engage kids and makes education motivating and engaging," Kuder said.

Students aren't just handed the iPad and told to keep busy when they walk into the classroom. Teachers create course work bolstered by the high-tech gadgets.

"It's great for all levels," said Nancy Perry a math specialist at Coolidge.

Perry said she uses the iPad less as a teaching tool and more for exercise and practice, but has experienced a new challenge. On such a high-speed, multi-functional device, the kids sometimes need help to stay focused though.

"In the classroom this needs to be a supervised activity," Perry said.

Kuder said that students ultimately learn to take ownership of their education through divergent educational choices that make learning personal and individualized — a key advantage of the iPad over more traditional learning tools.

"Curriculum is the framework of common course standards, we offer a variety of opportunities for kids to look at [specific] points of interest," Kuder said. "If kids are studying ancient Egypt, not everyone needs to focus specifically on hatchets or pyramids" they can make their education their own while being guided and instructed by teachers.

According to both school administration and Bayer, the WEF would be considering an expansion of the program, so Thursday's event was crucial in showcasing the viability of the costly pilot program.

Because the iPad has only been on the market for about 2 years, and the size of the institutional purchase was relatively nominal, Kuder said, the district's cost for each unit is very close to the $500 price point for the average consumer.

"The Wyckoff Education Foundation is seriously considering making another investment for the coming year," Kuder said. "We really appreciate their support."