Digital Learning
Background
Background
Hibbing Public Schools began its Digital Learning Initiative as part of the Indoor Air Quality renovations at the High School in 2009. The Indoor Air Quality projects in the district required major structural changes to each classroom in order to accommodate new air flow infrastructure.
Since classroom size and layouts were changing, the district decided to ask itself what the classroom of the future would look like. We knew that technology would play a larger and larger role over time.
We started to install additional technology infrastructure in each classroom while the Indoor Air Quality renovations were taking place.
Initially this included projectors, interactive whiteboards, audio enhancement systems, and equipment cabling. Beginning with the 2013-2014 school year, the district began assigning iPads to students in grades three through six. For the 2014-2015 school year, students in grades seven and eight were assigned iPads and students in grades K through 2 used shared iPads in each classroom and a cart in each building. In 2015-2016, the iPad coverage was expanded to include grades nine through twelve. In 2016-2017, we will expand the iPad coverage to kindergarten through second grade, giving us complete 1:1 coverage district wide.
Be sure to review the Interactive Whiteboard and iPad Initiative pages.
District Technology Vision
- Empowered Learner: I use technology to set goals, work toward achieving them and demonstrate my learning.
- Global Collaborator: I strive to broaden my perspective, understand others and work effectively in teams using digital tools.
- Digital Citizen: I understand the rights, responsibilities, and opportunities of living, learning and working in an interconnected digital world.
- Creative Communicator: I communicate effectively and express myself creatively using different tools, styles, formats and digital media.
- Knowledge Constructor: I critically select, evaluate and synthesize digital resources into a collection that reflects my learning and builds my knowledge.
- Computational Thinker: I identify authentic problems, work with data and use a step- by-step process to automate solutions.
- Innovative Designer: I solve problems by creating new and imaginative solutions using a variety of digital tools.
- Fluent with the use of Computing Skills: I can apply the essential foundational functions/operations with the current technology.
Interactive Technologies
While our original vision equipped each of our general ed classrooms with an Interactive Whiteboard and an ultra short-throw projector, by 2019 it was clear that the interactive component of the" interactive whiteboard" was becoming the mobile device (in our our case, an iPad), and not proprietary hardware and software installed in a whiteboard or panel.
Each interactive whiteboard installation also includes a classroom audio enhancement system, with four speakers mounted in the ceiling, an amp with auxiliary inputs, and teacher and student microphones.
Teachers and Students can project both computers and iPads wirelessly to the projectors/whiteboards.
- 2009 District Pilot
- 2009 - 2012 High School
- 2010 - 2012 Lincoln Elementary School
- 2012 - 2013 Washington and Greenhaven Elementary Schools
- 2019 - 2020 Elementary School Laser Projectors and iPads
- 2020 - 2021 High School Laser Projectors and iPads
2009 District Pilot
2009 District Pilot
As part of the Indoor Air Quality renovations at the High School, the district installed two "prototype" classrooms which included projectors, interactive whiteboards, and audio enhancement technology.
We also installed an interactive whiteboard system in each school as a pilot program.
Since the technology proved successful, we began to expand the initiative.
2009 - 2012 High School
High School Interactive Whiteboards & Audio Enhancement Systems
During each phase of the High School's Indoor Air Quality renovations (2009-2012), the district installed projectors, interactive whiteboards, and audio enhancement systems into each classroom.
The cabling for the systems was concealed inside the built-in teacher desks that were installed.
The projectors and interactive whiteboards allow teachers to display content from their computer screens in front of the classroom and deliver interactive presentations. The interactive whiteboards become a digital whiteboard which can be used to present classroom materials and discussions. Teachers can control their computer directly from the interactive whiteboard.
The PolyVision eno interactive whiteboard can also accomodate traditional dry-erase markers and has a metal backing and can be used with magnetic manipulatives in the classroom.
Each classroom also has an audio enhancement system. Speakers are installed in the ceiling, and there are teacher and student microphones which can be used to amplify speech. The audio system also amplifies the computers and other classroom equipment.
The audio enhancement system can also integrate with equipment used by students with hearing disabilities.
2010 - 2012 Lincoln Elementary School
Lincoln Interactive Whiteboards & Audio Enhancement Systems
The district installed interactive whiteboards and audio enhancement systems at the Lincoln Elementary School over two years.
We started with the sixth grade in 2010-2011. Based on the success of the systems, we covered the remaining classrooms in 2011-2012.
The projectors and interactive whiteboards allow teachers to display content from their computer screens in front of the classroom and deliver interactive presentations. The interactive whiteboards become a digital whiteboard which can be used to present classroom materials and discussions. Teachers can control their computer directly from the interactive whiteboard.
The PolyVision eno interactive whiteboard can also accomodate traditional dry-erase markers and has a metal backing and can be used with magnetic manipulatives in the classroom.
Each classroom also has an audio enhancement system. Speakers are installed in the ceiling, and there are teacher and student microphones which can be used to amplify speech. The audio system also amplifies the computers and other classroom equipment.
The audio enhancement system can also integrate with equipment used by students with hearing disabilities.
2012 - 2013 Washington and Greenhaven Elementary Schools
Washington & Greenhaven Interactive Whiteboards & Audio Enhancement Systems
After successful interactive whiteboard initiatives at the High School and Lincoln Elementary, the district installed interactive whiteboards and audio enhancement systems at the Washington and Greenhaven Elementary schools during the 2012-2013 school year.
The projectors and interactive whiteboards allow teachers to display content from their computer screens in front of the classroom and deliver interactive presentations. The interactive whiteboards become a digital whiteboard which can be used to present classroom materials and discussions. Teachers can control their computer directly from the interactive whiteboard.
The PolyVision eno interactive whiteboard can also accommodate traditional dry-erase markers and has a metal backing and can be used with magnetic manipulatives in the classroom.
Each classroom also has an audio enhancement system. Speakers are installed in the ceiling, and there are teacher and student microphones which can be used to amplify speech. The audio system also amplifies the computers and other classroom equipment.
The audio enhancement system can also integrate with equipment used by students with hearing disabilities.
2019 - 2020 Elementary School Laser Projectors and iPads
Elementary School Laser Projectors and iPads
As our projectors and interactive whiteboards began to age, we began looking for replacement options. The older projectors did not support HDMI connections and had lower resolutions than most of the devices used in the district. Additionally, power supplies began failing on projectors.
The interactive whiteboards are no longer supported by the vendor, we cannot get parts for the pens, and the software drivers are not updated for 64-bit operating systems.
Since originally deploying the interactive whiteboards, iPads have become the standard tool for presenting content in classrooms.
For the 2019-2020 school year, we replaced the aging projectors with newer laser projectors in the elementary schools. These new projectors are brighter, quieter, and use lasers so we will not have replacement lamp costs. We left the high-quality ceramic coated steel whiteboards in place, but no longer use the interactive pens or software. We now use the iPad as the interactive component.
This has several added benefits:
• no additional software to maintain
• no training needed for proprietary software/hardware features
• no proprietary software lock-in
• all of our curriculum is compatible - it is just running on the iPad, it does not need to integrate with any "smart" notebook software
• teachers can be more mobile in the classroom
2020 - 2021 High School Laser Projectors and iPads
High School Laser Projectors and iPads
As our projectors and interactive whiteboards began to age, we began looking for replacement options. The older projectors did not support HDMI connections and had lower resolutions than most of the devices used in the district. Additionally, power supplies began failing on projectors.
The interactive whiteboards are no longer supported by the vendor, we cannot get parts for the pens, and the software drivers are not updated for 64-bit operating systems.
Since originally deploying the interactive whiteboards, iPads have become the standard tool for presenting content in classrooms.
For the 2020-2021 school year, we replaced the aging projectors with newer laser projectors at the high school. These new projectors are brighter, quieter, and use lasers so we will not have replacement lamp costs. We left the high-quality ceramic coated steel whiteboards in place, but no longer use the interactive pens or software. We now use the iPad as the interactive component.
This has several added benefits:
• no additional software to maintain
• no training needed for proprietary software/hardware features
• no proprietary software lock-in
• all of our curriculum is compatible - it is just running on the iPad, it does not need to integrate with any "smart" notebook software
• teachers can be more mobile in the classroom
iPad Initiative
There are no resources or collections to display
Hibbing Public Schools provides each student in grades K through twelve with an iPad. This program provides each student with powerful tools to aide in their learning, both in and out of the classroom. Students now have access to information and the ability to create materials in new and exciting ways, with increased opportunities for communication and collaboration.
- 2011 Project Background
- 2013 Approval & Development
- 2013-2014 - Lincoln Elementary Grades 3 through 6
- 2014-2015 - High School Grades 7-8 and K-2
- 2015-2016 - High School Grades 9 through 12
- 2016-2017 - Kindergarten though Grade 2
- Curriculum Applications & Services
- Training
- Parent Resources
2011 Project Background
Project Background
The district started looking into iPad programs in 2011. The district formed a Technology Focus Group and looked into several technologies, with the goal of determining a three-year technology plan. The Technology Focus Group determined that the district should prioritize iPads as the most effective technology. Members of the administration, school board, and faculty have visited schools, attended seminars, and researched various iPad initiatives.
Supporting an iPad initiative requires a significant investment of both time and money. While observing how other schools approached their iPad programs, we learned that successful iPad programs had some common characteristics:
- iPads significantly change what happens in the classroom
- It is important to determine what and how the iPads would be used for
- Adequate training needs to be provided
In order to effectively utilize the investment an iPad initiative would require, we wanted to make sure our iPad Initiative met those goals.
2013 Approval & Development
Approval & Development
On January 23, 2013, the Hibbing Public School Board directed administration to bring back a plan which implemented iPads in grades three through six for the 2013-2014 school year, and grades seven through twelve for the 2014-2015 school year.
At the board meeting on February 6, 2013, the Hibbing Public School Board directed administration to implement a 1:1 iPad initiative for grades three through six for the 2013-2014 school year, based on the planning information submitted. The iPad Initiative will distribute an iPad to each teacher and student attending the Lincoln Elementary School (approximately 750 iPads). Students will take the iPads home for homework and assignments. To support the iPad Initiative, the district also began work on building a wireless network for the Lincoln Elementary School.
Earlier in the year, we implemented an iPad Pilot program in a 3rd grade classroom thanks to a grant from US Steel. We have been using this pilot program to help determine the best applications and services to effectively deliver curriculum using iPads.
We are currently researching applications, services and curriculum for the new iPad initiative. We are also working on developing a comprehensive training program to best prepare the staff for the new program.
2013-2014 - Lincoln Elementary Grades 3 through 6
Lincoln Elementary - Phase 1
The 1:1 iPad Initiative begins at the Lincoln Elementary School as part of the 2013-2014 school year. The district purchased over 700 iPads for students in grades three through six. The students will each receive an iPad that they can take home for school work.
Over the summer, the district installed and configured the wireless network infrastructure to support the program and enrolled the iPads into the management system.
We then provided five days of training to Lincoln staff to introduce them to tools they could use in the classroom for content creation, curriculum delivery, homework distribution, online virtual classrooms, and state testing preparation.
The Lincoln held a Parent Orientation day in which we talked about the Digital Learning Initiative and the students activated their iPads.
Giving each student their own iPad will transform the way curriculum is delivered in the classroom, and we are excited to see where this takes us!
2014-2015 - High School Grades 7-8 and K-2
Grades 7-8 plus K-2 - Phase 2
The district continues to expand its Digital Learning Initiative with the purchase of an additional 590 iPads for the 2014-2015 school year:
- All teaching staff district wide will be assigned an iPad
- Students in grades seven and eight will be assigned an iPad
- The Washington and Greenhaven K-2 Elementary buildings will each receive an iPad cart, and each classroom will be assigned two iPads for curriculum augmentation
- In February, the district purchased an additional two iPads for each classroom, bringing the total to four iPads per classroom in grades K through 2.
The district has purchased Accelerated Learning's Accelerated Reader and STAR Assessments systems.
We have also joined the Minnesota Partnership for Collaborative Curriculum, a grassroots initiative to create and provide digital curriculum based on Minnesota standards.
We will continue to support the Digital Learning Initiative with a strong training and support component. Teachers new to the 1:1 program will receive five days of training. Other teachers will receive two days of training for iPad basics and introductions to new technology services. We have also hired three new positions to help with technology instruction and technology integration.
2015-2016 - High School Grades 9 through 12
Grades 9-12 - Phase 3
The district continues to expand its Digital Learning Initiative with the purchase of an additional 716 iPads for the 2015-2016 school year. This will provide students in grades nine through twelve with iPads.
The district has also purchased the Enterprise edition of Schoology to increase integration between the district's Student Information System and Learning Management System.
We will continue to support the Digital Learning Initiative with a strong training and support component. The district has increased Lincoln's Technology Integration Specialist to full time, and hired an additional District Technician. We have also built three training days into the 2015-2016 calendar.
2016-2017 - Kindergarten though Grade 2
Grades K-2 - Phase 4
The district continues to grow its Digital Learning Initiative by expanding iPad coverage into kindergarten through second grade. Beginning with the 2016-2017 school year, every student in kindergarten through grade twelve will have their own iPad.
We will continue to support the Digital Learning Initiative with a strong training and support component. The district will be adding an additional District Technician to support our technology programs, and we continue to build three training days into the school calendar.
Curriculum Applications & Services
Curriculum Applications & Services
A successful iPad initiative goes beyond using the iPad as a web browser. We need to fully integrate the iPad into the curriculum. To accomplish this, we are researching best practices and determining effective applications and services to help deliver the district's curriculum. The district provides applications and services in several key areas:
- Presentation Tools: wireless projection and audio enhancement hardware along with presentation software
- Word Processing & Note Taking Tools
- Learning Management Systems
- Assessment Systems
- Curriculum Delivery & Digital Textbooks
- Library Services
- Student Response Systems
- Virtual Meeting Systems
Training
Digital Learning Initiative Training
A successful Digital Learning Initiative requires more than the purchase of equipment and hardware. Once the district has researched and selected the the appropriate equipment, applications, and services, training must be provided to help teachers integrate the technology into the classroom.
Summer Training:
The Technology Department provides comprehensive training for the teachers over the summer to prepare them for the transition to the 1:1 iPad program. Five days of training covers everything from policies, basic setup, to creating virtual classrooms. We cover each application and service that the district has standardized on.
District Professional Development:
The District provides four days in the school year for professional development. We use a "train the trainer" model and send staff to conferences and other training opportunities throughout the school year.
Online Resources:
The Technology Department maintains a repository of Support Articles to help staff with common issues. The district also maintains a Professional Development course in Schoology with resources on a variety of topics, including training videos from Hoonuit Learning.
Ongoing Technology Integration Support:
Ongoing support is critical for a successful program. The district has staff in each building to provide Technology Integration training through ought the school year.
Parent Resources
Parent Resources
We have placed a link to our iPad Help site (https://ipads.isd701.org) on each student iPad. The site provides information that will be helpful in using and troubleshooting common problems.
You can also view specific resources from the Guidelines Page.