BUSHLAND, TEXAS -- Area school districts are preparing to use new technology to enhance student's education for the up-coming school year.
When the bell rings on the first day of school scheduled for August 24th every student in grades 7 - 12 at Bushland ISD will receive a laptop. Students in Pre-K through grade 6 will receive and I-pad. This is due to 1:1 Technology Initiative, students will now have the latest information at their fingertips.
"They will help with research," said Anthony Montelongo, Information Coordinator Bushland ISD. "We offer Micro Soft Office so it helps with reports, research papers and the ACAL students it helps them do their projects."
Jandi Tyson, the coordinator of Instruction Technology at Bushland ISD tells ABC7 News the 1:1 Technology Initiative benefits students who miss time in the class room.
"The students have access to their homework at any time throughout the day if they're travelling for sports or extra activities," said Tyson. "They also have access to the assignments so the students can maintain the level of intensity and rigor in the classrooms as the students who remain."
1:1 Technology Initiative is free to students but comes with a steep price for districts who have implemented it. With the help of bonds and school boards allocating more funding the challenges can be met. Another challenge is dealing with the technology divide.
"There have been instances where the kids have to help the teachers because they come into school knowing how to use an I-Phone or a Smart Phone," said Kathie Bryant, Technology Director for Vega ISD. "It works out well when students help the teachers."
Educators tell ABC7 News regardless of the price the program is an investment worth making. The 1:1 Technology Initiative is preparing students for the next level of academics and for the workforce.
"Students are more engaged," said Paul Uttley, Superintendent Vega ISD. "They're used to having a computer in hand. They're use to working with technology and the students enjoy it rather than a textbook."
"The skills these devices offer to students gets them ready for the workforce," said Tyson. "It gives them the opportunity to learn different plat forms employees along with public and private universities use."
Educators tell ABC7 News the 1:1 Technology Initiative will offer results after five to ten years following a period where the program evolves.
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