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iPads will help science students

District wins a grant to buy 20 of the gadgets for grades seven through 12.

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By Andy Sedlak, Staff Writer 11:24 PM Sunday, August 22, 2010

MADISON TWP. — Madison City Schools has been approved for a grant that will put 20 Apple iPads in the hands of science students in grades seven through 12.

“I’m hoping students will use them on a daily basis,” said AJ Huff, public relations coordinator and grant writer. “Hopefully it’s something at least one of the teachers is using every period of every day.”

The $18,239 grant was approved July 27.

“Students can touch the screens and manipulate applications,” Huff said. “There are some science apps that have to do with anatomy,” she said when asked to point to a classroom-friendly app.

After the iPads initial release, many customers complained about security and Wi-Fi issues along with crashing apps. Huff said the grant covers Apple Care support. Apple will to respond to any repairs the technology may require, she said.

Madison schools would like to obtain 20 more iPads in the near future, which should ensure a one-to-one ratio in classrooms.

“I anticipate the students will be excited since most teens like the use of technology,” said Pam Daniels, a science teacher at Madison junior/senior high school. “I can see an increase in interest and participation in the classroom as we work to incorporate (iPad) use into the curriculum.”

The increase of interactive technology is because of the efforts of Project S.O.S., (Secure Optimal Success). The concept was created last fall and aims to adapt newer technology to classroom needs.

“We can be blind to that fact that students are carrying their iPhones and BlackBerries,” Huff said. “This is basically just bringing the school up to speed with what they’re already using when they walk out our doors.”

Contact this reporter at (513) 705-2871 or asedlak@coxohio.com.

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