Implementation of iPads at Abingdon

Technology creates engaging, relevant, and personalized learning experiences for all students regardless of background, language, or disabilities. At Abingdon, we will be deploying a personalized iPad to each student in grades 2, 3, and 5 for instruction use.  We have been using technology to support student learning for many years, and many of our teachers have already introduced or implemented new instructional strategies using digital devices. Our 2nd and 5th grade teachers are veterans at using the 1:1 devices in their classrooms and can’t wait to get started with this new group of students.  In preparation for our iPad deployment, our 2nd, 3rd and 5th grade teachers have been trained and will continue to receive professional development to help strengthen their ability to use these personalized devices to support students and enhance instruction in the classroom. This year, your child will be issued a school iPad and iPad case to support and enhance their learning experience. iPads will be used throughout the school day and your child will be expected to take it back and forth between school and home each day. The iPads will be collected at the end of the year.

Based on the iPad Initiative in Arlington County over the last two years, we have discovered that that iPad provides new and powerful learning opportunities for students. For instance, flipped video lessons created by the teacher allows students to re-watch a lesson and practice a strategy before coming to class. There are also a multitude of new ways for students to respond to their reading, such as digital community boards and blogs. Please look at the parent handbook that has been sent home to learn more about what your child might do in the classroom and how you can support your child’s use of the iPad at home.

Just like notebooks or textbooks, the iPad is an important learning tool. Each child is expected to take great care of his or her assigned iPad. We have gone over this with your child in class.

In addition, we require student and parents to sign a more detailed contract that highlights the specific iPad expectations we have at Abingdon.  Click here to see the Acceptable Use Policy that is used by Arlington Public Schools.  There will be consequences for misuse of the iPads.