In February, principal Meg Bigane, notified faculty, parents, and students that the Regina Dominican would transition into a 1:1 iPad school for the 2015-2016 school year. Rising sophomores and incoming freshmen will be required to purchase their own iPad. Juniors and seniors will use the iPads that were previously purchased from the student raffle fundraising.

iPads are not new to the Regina community. The school’s iPad Pilot Program began almost three years ago. In 2013, all faculty were provided with an iPad and had time during the course of the year not only to experiment using their iPad, but utilize the device within their classes. Over that summer, workshops were offered that showcased a variety of apps and how they could complement teaching within the classroom. Additional professional development for faculty was greatly encouraged and supported and has been a main staple during faculty meetings and during monthly faculty and staff professional learning lunch-time workshops.

During the second phase of the program, major upgrades to the school’s infra-structure were addressed. There have been upgrades to the school’s servers, switches, and hot spots to handle the large amount of students who will be on wi-fi at the same time. Adjustments and upgrades are will be completed by the end of this summer.

Principal Meg Bigane said, “Over the past two years we have been working to determine how best to integrate 1:1 tools and resources into our classrooms and our young women’s’ educational experience at Regina. We have focused our efforts on infrastructure improvements, faculty professional development, and applying best practices with Apple iPads. Through our research and pilot program, we have determined that now is the time to move to a 1:1 program at Regina Dominican involving all grade levels. Our goal is to provide 21st century skills that will be critical to student success.”

During this past year, seven teachers volunteered to be a part of the iPad Pilot Program. Each of these teachers chose one class to receive iPads 24/7 and test the iPad in their class. The teachers included English teachers: Annette Bochenek, Pam Cassidy, and Kate Houston; spanish teachers: Brianna Cairns and Paula Duran; math Teachers: Sandy Locher and Mary Stenson and theology teacher, Beatrice Phelps.

In March, the pilot teachers and several of their students: Mary Berg, Ella Bjurman, Kendall Barrett, and Miranda Radke hosted a parent informational meeting regarding the use of iPads.

The students explained how they have been using iPads in their classes. They also addressed several concerns shared by a few parents regarding iPads as a potential distraction as well as a device that would stifle organizational skills.

Students commentary regarding these questions calmed many parental fears. Students indicated that if they got distracted, they would miss out on learning time and get behind, which would cause more problems that a momentary lapse surfing the internet.

Students told the parents they believe they are much better organized when using the iPad. Students told parents that are apps that help with organizing their homework and apps that help them with note taking and submitting homework.

The students agreed that they love using the iPad to conduct research and be able to access resources at a moment’s notice. They also stressed that the use of iPads was an eco-friendly alternative rather than printing out assignments and papers.

After the students provided their feedback about iPads in the classroom, the pilot program teachers expressed the many ways they use the iPad in their class. All the teachers agreed that the iPads continue to be a great resource to collect and grade assignments as well as a fun way to make their classes more interactive and engaging for students.

Paula Duran, spanish teacher, said, “The iPad has been a great tool for my classes. On the one hand, it has allowed me to distribute materials I created and to provide feedback to students, in a paperless form. On the other hand, it has allowed me to use different apps and online resources that have enriched my students’ learning. For example, the use of online resources like Kahoot! has allowed me to perform formative assessments that readily provide me with valuable information about my students’ learning; while keeping my students engaged and having fun at the same time.”

Over the summer, Regina will offer a variety of workshops for students, parents, and faculty so everyone can feel more comfortable with the iPad and how it can be integrated into each department’s curriculum.

As noted by Miss Bigane, “Our goal is for all students and teachers to use iPads as another tool in their teaching and learning toolbox. While they may not be used each class period all day every day, it will be another tool for them to enhance their learning experience in the classroom. Many of our textbooks will be available in e-form, thus saving families money while saving the backs of our young women from their weighty backpacks.”

In the parent section on Regina’s website is Miss Bigane’s letter. This letter along with answers to several frequently asked questions. This letter was sent to parents in February. Parents and students are encouraged to attend various workshops at Regina over the summer and to feel free to ask any questions as the school moves to a 1:1 learning environment.

Other high schools in the area: Loyola Academy, St. Ignatius, St. Viator, Trinity, and Wilmette Public Schools have gone 1:1 with iPads. Most elementary schools, too, have a 1:1 program or have introduced iPads into their classes. For many young students coming into high school, technology is something most students are accustomed to and have used for many years.

As Bigane stresses, “We know that this transition will go smoothly, not just from the preparation and research that we have done over the past two years but also knowing that many of our students are coming from grade schools that are already using 1:1 technology, whether they are iPads or laptops. We are excited and well prepared for next year’s changes and look forward to our new technology enhancements. Please be sure to watch our newsletters for dates and times of iPad workshops for students and parents this summer!”