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Published: Monday, Oct. 08, 2012 / Updated: Monday, Oct. 08, 2012 12:09 PM

Palisades Episcopal School introduces iPad program

STEELE CREEK -- 

Just as technology continues to advance, Palisades Episcopal School recently launched a new iPad program for all middle school students.

“By giving each middle school student his or her own iPad to use, we erase the cumbersome process of going to the tech lab and can more easily integrate technology into our curriculum,” said Kerin Hughes, head of school.

Every middle school student is provided with an iPad that is owned and maintained by PES.

“I love that they’re portable, and I always have everything with me,” said PES sixth-grader Lyndon Gerber.

These iPads coming with apps – Pages, Numbers and Keynotes – already downloaded.

“It’s easy to do assignments using them,” said PES sixth-grader Xavier Williams. “I always have access to what I need.”

The iPads could eventually take the place of hard copy textbooks, as Scholastic publishing now offers e-books.

“Students have begun utilizing apps to assist with just about anything in the classroom, even virtual dissections in science,” said Amy Stadler, PES middle school director. “They also can instantly download iBook novels for humanities and create 3D figures to illustrate problems in geometry. It has empowered our students to be engaged and interactive learners, nurturing their natural curiosities and creativity.”

Parents agree the iPad program is enriching their children’s educational experience.

“They’re great for homework,” said Lori Biggers, a parent with two middle-schoolers. “My children really enjoy the interactive learning this technology provides.”

Families of Palisades Episcopal School, the parent support group, raised money through fundraisers to purchase three SMART Boards last spring. Installed in the second, third and fourth grades, the fifth, sixth and seventh grades already were using them.

“Our iPad program is a natural extension of our history of providing access to technology and our belief the technology expands the learning experience of our students,” Hughes said.