The Portage la Prairie School Division (PLPSD) is launching an iPad learning pilot project at one of its elementary schools next fall.

Students in Kindergarten to Grade 4 at Fort la Reine School will have iPads integrated into the curriculum for application uses to improve literacy, numeracy and student engagement, PLPSD Asst. Supt. Pam Garnham says. The school division will purchase 25 iPads to create a mobile station to move throughout classrooms.

“It will give students the opportunity to show they're learning in a different manner, through pictures and audio,” explains Garnham. “And it's going to give (division administration) an opportunity to see how we can infuse the technology into the existing curriculum.”

Garnham says iPad or tablet use is becoming more popular in school divisions across the country; and research has been established that the iPad itself is the most user-friendly device for students at the Kindergarten to Grade 4 age level.

“It's not just for kids to use to play games on,” she notes. “A lot of people think that. There's many applications and many uses for an iPad or tablet to integrate it into existing curriculum to enhance literacy, numeracy and student engagement.”

Garnham notes tablet use in classrooms won't affect the delivery of standard curriculum. Students will still learn basic skills like how to use a pencil, how to write on paper or how to access a desktop computer.

“The general philosophy is use the right tool for the right task,” she explains. “If it's something that requires a pen and paper, then we'll use that. If a computer's more practical, use that. It's about using the right tool for the right task so kids can start gaining skills in different areas and seeing there's different ways to do things.”

Teachers delivering the iPad pilot program will receive professional development training to ensure they're comfortable for instruction using the device. PLPSD administration will evaluate the effectiveness of educational iPad use at Fort la Reine during the 2017-18 school year and then consider possible expansion of usage to other schools. Garnham says the evaluation process will include speaking with teachers and students involved.

“We want their feedback, what they liked and didn't like.” she adds. “We want to look at how this is helping learning and whether or not it has engaged students. And if so, how has it engaged students?”

“If it's successful and provides positive feedback to continue (students') learning then we'll look at how we can integrate it into other schools.”