A Technology Committee was created to begin researching & testing multiple device platforms in classrooms so that students have an opportunity to learn important skills for the 21st Century. Furthermore, Wood Dale School District 7 has completely updated its network in the district to provide increased bandwidth and wireless technology to its users. Students are demonstrating a high aptitude with these devices and are using them to research, create, communicate & collaborate locally and globally.
At the March 20th Board of Education meeting, it was decided that Wood Dale School District 7 will expand its successful 1:1 technology program to other grades. The order of expansion was recommended by the Technology Committee. Next school year, every student in the following grades will receive an individual device for learning.
- 1st Grade: iPads
- 2nd Grade: iPads (Currently, every 2nd grader has an iPad)
- 3rd Grade: iPads
- 5th Grade: Chromebooks (Currently, one classroom has Chromebooks)
- 7th Grade: Chromebooks
In addition, we just began experimenting with the BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) model in 4th grade. This model allows students to bring their own technology from home to use at school. The aforementioned is a growing trend throughout the nation and will only continue to gain momentum.
Over the past several years, all teachers have had the opportunity for extensive professional development in the area of technology integration. This has been provided through classes or by directly having lessons modeled in their classrooms by our Instructional Coaches or Facilitator of Technology. In addition, classroom teachers, who are part of the 1:1 technology program, have been provided with an iPad or Chromebook to begin curriculum preparations.
Thank you to the Technology Committee for their continued hard work and feedback and to the BOE for their support. It is exciting to be able to continue to provide our students with technology that will prepare them for college and career.