The school’s technology committee has been visiting schools over the last two years and gathering information to determine what a technology initiative may look like here at Heartland. At the March school board meeting, a proposal that included a compilation of their information and ideas was presented. The school board approved the project and we are quickly moving forward with its implementation, making technology more accessible and enhancing learning in the classroom. It is an exciting time for our students and for our community.
The goals of the project are increased student achievement through the improvement of 21st century skill sets of our students and staff. Areas of emphasis will include:
- Creativity and innovation
- Communication and collaboration
- Research and information fluency
- Critical thinking, problem solving, and decision making
- Digital citizenship
- Technological operations and concepts
The initiative will provide students in grades 7-12 with a laptop computer, updates to our computer labs, and additional iPads in the elementary school at a ratio of one device for every two students. See this great site to learn more about it.  Additional upgrades to our current computer network, technology used by teachers, and training opportunities to enhance the teaching and learning process are also part of the initiative. The project will be paid for with budgeted and depreciation funds.
Updated technology will be issued to teachers this spring, student devices will be prepared throughout the summer, and laptops distributed to students in grades 7-12 in August. We are looking to further engage parents in their child’s learning with these devices through informational meetings, open houses, and suggestions posted on our website at various times throughout the next year. Please stay tuned for the timing of these meetings and additional information over the next few months.
If you have any questions, please feel free to give me a call.
Brad Best
