Technology at Phoebe Hearst
Phoebe families and staff have committed to implementing a full scale technology program. Through ongoing parent support (PTO), three iPads carts were leased during the Spring of 2013. The roll out produced excitement among students and teachers. The technology roll-out had two faces:
Technology Lab
Phoebe Hearst now has a fully functioning technology lab. The Common Core State Standards call for students to have proficiency in technology, and as a school we are committed to providing this instruction. The Smarter Balanced Assessment, which will replace the STAR exam, is an all online test. Helping our students prepare to navigate this exam with proficiency is an additional goal of our technology program.
The lab is equipped with three iPad carts (100 iPads in total), LCD projector, wireless booster, and Apple TV, and three MacBooks. One cart of iPads has wireless keyboards to help support the learning of keyboarding skills. A class set of earphones is also available for use in the lab. Every iPad has a brand new, heavy duty cover, donated in part by Big Grips, a local East Sacramento company. Later this fall, the school district will be providing all sites with MacBook carts based on enrollment. Phoebe Hearst will receive three MacBook carts, a total of 100 laptops. This will double our ability to provide technology access and instruction to students.
Students in grades 1, 4, and 6 have scheduled Technology Lab time with the our Tech teacher, Mrs. Planchon. All other grades can schedule time to use the lab with their classroom teacher. Apps have been chosen to support teaching and learning of the CCSS, and to promote content creation in alignment with grade level goals.
Technology in Classrooms
All classroom teachers can check-out iPad carts for use in their classrooms with students. This option allows students to use the iPads right in their own rooms for research and project creation. Teachers are receiving training in how to use the iPads to support learning, and how to trouble shoot any tech problems that might arise. Additionally, many teachers have solicited help in the tech roll-out from particularly tech savvy parent volunteers.
Apps
The list of Apps is always changing based on student and staff needs and learning goals. Here is a sample list of current apps:
