Mobile Learning - Transition to High School

As students transition from one instructional level to another, parents/guardians often have a number of questions. One of these is specific to transition from a 1:1 mobile device environment to one in which a variety of digital platforms are available for learning. As your child enters ninth grade, please be assured that the technology instruction and exposure your child has received at the middle level has equipped him/her to participate in “The Internet of Things.” Students will be able to access their learning materials at any time, from anywhere, from any device with an Internet-based connection that is non-device specific.

While enrolled in grade 7 and 8, student experiences focused on independent learning, curation and research skills. At these grade levels, the goal is to develop, in all students, a degree of digital proficiency allowing for the use of web-based tools such as Google Workspace for Education (“GWFE”) in an efficient, effective and appropriate manner.

As a ninth grader, student instruction will extend prior learning experiences by focusing on the importance of the student-centered classroom. Numerous opportunities are provided to students to engage with classroom materials in both a digital and non-digital format regardless of an assigned device.    In this setting, students may use a wide array of digital tools; access is not limited to a Chromebook, but might involve an iPad, tablet, laptop or computer network stations. The structure as established is predicated on the following:

• Web-based learning allows for learning to take place in the classroom and outside the classroom on any device.
• Based on past digital learning experiences from middle school, it is essential to allow opportunities for choice as the best way for students to demonstrate their learning and engage in the learning process. The ability to select the tool most appropriate to the task/assignment is a key factor in preparing students to become lifelong learners.
• While a 1:1 program does not exist at the high school level, the District recognizes the importance of preparing students for “life after high school.” Students must be comfortable and exposed to multiple technology platforms to respond successfully to the structure they will be presented with when entering higher education, employment and/or the military.
• Students are also able to engage in lessons and access materials with their own personal device by utilizing our “guest network” under the direction of the classroom teacher.
• A long-range plan has been developed to increase access to mobile devices/equipment through Internet connectivity, infrastructure and other technology in classrooms, libraries and labs. Examples include:
  • Access to Chromebook carts for research and instructional use.
  • Library sign-out of mobile devices is available to students throughout the day.
  • Wi-Fi Smart Schools Bond Act plan includes a wireless access point in each instructional area
  • A plan for systematic growth has been articulated which also incorporates teacher professional development.