The educational landscape is changing, not only in Ferndale
but across our state and the entire country. Based on recent studies, consider
the following:
- 53% of all 6-8th graders have a laptop or tablet style device (In Ferndale that number is 100 %)
- 60% of all high school students have a laptop or tablet style device.
- There are now more than 4.6 billion mobile phones in the world, and children under 12 years of age constitute one of the fastest growing segments of mobile technology users in the United States.
The teachers in our Ferndale schools are using a variety of
technologies in their classrooms to create engaging curriculum, grade
assignments, and track student progress.
Recently, the Ferndale School District was selected as one
of only 20 Signature School Districts in the
United States by a research
organization called Project RED. This organization brings together the work of
schools across the nation that have chosen to make an investment in the
education of their young people by giving each student a computing device. The goal
of one-to-one programs is to personalize education by creating a
student-centered learning environment for each young person. Research shows one
of the best ways to accomplish this is through personal and portable technologies. In Ferndale, we deployed such devices to each of our middle level students last
fall.
While we are at the beginning of our work with the
one-to-one project, early evidence suggests students are more engaged and
motivated on a regular basis. Both teachers and students report increased levels
of confidence and comfort using technology in and out of the classroom. Students
have found various ways to access learning and information. We are beginning to
see a positive shift in teaching practices. Such practices include different
ways to communicate with students and support their learning beyond school.
Some people have asked about the cost of providing students
with mobile devices. Among the data points Project RED is helping us track are
ones related to costs. A recent study showed textbooks for a single student
over their four years of high school averages $1,020. The mobile device we
purchased was under $700. In addition, we are saving money on copying and
paper, which are among the school districts’ largest non-employee expenditures.
Our plan is for our 8th grade students to take
their devices to the high school with them next year. Immediately, excitement
grows when we consider 25% of our high school students will have a district-provided
device. Unfortunately, we’re concerned the infrastructure at the current high
school won’t be able to support full implementation of one-to-one. For our high
school students to realize all the advantages our middle school students are
discovering, we will need an upgraded facility. Otherwise, students will take a
step backward.
Our initial work with giving each student his or her own technology
learning tool promises great dividends. We’re excited to continue at the high
school level, which is another reason we need a new facility!
-Scott Brittain
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