Waukesha Schools Implementing iPad Program Next Fall

Students at four Waukesha schools will receive iPads next fall as the Waukesha School District begins a technology pilot program it hopes to implement at all Waukesha public schools.

Some teachers at Waukesha Blair, Bethesda and Hillcrest schools already have the capability to use iPads in their classrooms. However, students will be able to take home the devices next school year at the four schools.

The use of technology in the classroom is increasing throughout the country. School districts across the nation are adding iPads and other tablets to their education system with some apparently positive outcomes. A recent study showed that students who use iPads in class score higher on literacy tests, according to Time Magazine.

Using iPads is a technologically savvy tool to deliver curriculum to Waukesha students – a method that is necessary to stay competitive in 21st century schools, according to School Board President Dan Warren.

“It is the system of the future,” Warren said at a recent meeting. “I am convinced of that. … This is a visionary decision.”

• SEE RELATED: Waukesha North Teacher Uses iPads to Engage Students
• SEE RELATED: iPads Keep Elmbrook Elementary Students Engaged

The Waukesha School Board recently approved the Waukesha One project, a plan that is to cost the school district no more than $3 million each year. Taxes are not to increase because of the purchases, however, some of the savings are coming from health insurance and retirement savings, paper reduction, repurposing the technology budget and staffing efficiencies, according to a school district document.

All schools are expected to have iPads by September 2016.

Funding for the first phase of the project, which is the pilot program at North, Blair, Bethesda and Hillcrest, was approved at a cost to not exceed $349,396 earlier in April.

The program will provide a Macbook Air laptop and an iPad to teachers and students will receive an iPad. Families receiving the devices are required to attend a parent orientation and sign an agreement that states the family is responsible to fund the repairs or replacement of the iPad. Families will also be given the option to purchase insurance for the iPad at a cost of $50.

While the program received an unanimous endorsement from the Waukesha School Board, School Board Member Ellen Langill was concerned about approving the plan to bring iPads to all schools before the program had been tested at the four schools next school year.

“I just worry when we jump into things in the deep water,” Langill said.

The program will reviewed by school administration and the school board requested updates about the program as it moves forward during the next several school years.