by Lauren Tashjian
Immanuel Junior High and High School are headed into the future of technology. The school will be starting the one-to-one iPad program for the 2013-2014 school year. This program will include grades seven through 12. Although it requires an enormous amount of planning, Principal Ryan Wood seems up for the task.
high school students using the ipads
Because education is transitioning from a conventional atmosphere into a technological atmosphere, there are many positive outcomes from this change. One of these changes is that there will be fluidity in the classroom with students and teachers. The iPads allow students to engage in online discussions. Since most discussions are within the classroom during school hours, these discussion threads allow the conversation to continue in the parking lot, at lunch, and at home. These online discussion threads allow the students to view their peer’s writing, while in the traditional classroom, it is almost impossible for a student to review thirty other pieces of writing.
Since immediate feedback is vital for the teacher, iPads make this simpler. Online surveys allow the teacher to be notified within seconds whether or not the students understand the concepts. In order to keep up with the demands of education, research is imperative. The Immanuel teachers have had individual iPads for the past two years, making them knowledgeable in all of the common apps and usage of them within the classroom. iPads allow students to research in the classroom and share their findings with each other during class.
Immanuel Schools are paving the way for schools in the Central Valley. Because technology is playing a huge role in the lives of most people, educators have no choice but to get on board and be familiar with the various technological tools. Ryan Wood stated that he knew of no other schools in the valley doing any other program like it. Central High School might consider doing a program like the one-to-one iPad program in a couple years, but not this coming year. Because Immanuel High School is starting the technology craze in the Central Valley, schools should be able to follow in their footsteps.
Although this may be a financial burden for some parents, Mr. Wood has made it easier for the students to have access to the iPads. The iPads will run just like the school’s financials do: scholarships will be available. Immanuel understands that financials can be difficult, but they try to make it as accessible as possible because a solid education is important to them. Since scholarships are limited, iPads will also be available for rent. The school understands the economy and is willing to help in any way to make this program be complete. 
Immanuel Schools are all about community. Ryan Wood thinks that this program will bring us closer together. The staff is all in favor because it is a step towards the technological future. Everyone is communicating in the same way, causing the body of Immanuel to be unified in the education aspect. Although using technology is easy for the upcoming generation, Ryan Wood has created this program around using the technology responsibly, so no one will continually stare at a screen without any focus! Immanuel Schools are creating the way for the future and everyone seems to be on board. There will always be tweaks and updates, but in general the program will allow students and teachers to connect. It will bring the community of Immanuel closer together.
This will be Lauren’s last article with us as she prepares to graduate and move on to new things! We are happy to have had Lauren here with us these last several months not only as a writer but as an intern.
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