The USD 428 administration and the technology committee are now looking at changing the options to allow local teachers to choose a laptop computer or a stand-alone computer and an iPad for school use.
“As part of a trial process, the administration will provide an iPad to each Technology Committee member to determine the benefits of having instructors use iPads during the instructional process,” said Dan Brungardt, business manager. The school board recently approved the plan.
“This group would be the beta (test) group for the project. They will provide feedback to the board as well as to teachers in their building,” he said.
Currently, desktop computers cost $648 and laptops cost $1,002 – a difference of $354. The cost of an iPad is $500.
“There is an additional potential hidden savings since there are so many iPad applications that can be purchased for $3 or less that can be used in the classroom,” Brungardt said.
There are several other applications that could be purchased that might also provide the district with either additional savings or greater technology access for instructional purposes, he added.