This year, seventeen teachers in the Middle and Upper Divisions responded to the Technology Departments call last spring for 'pioneers' willing to experiment with the use of iPads within the classroom. The Technology Department announcement of the iPad Pioneer Program stated, "As an iPad Pioneer, you will be expected to meet regularly to discuss ideas for integrating the iPads into your classroom, as well as connecting and sharing curriculum with other Pioneers."  Teachers in English, History, science, psychology, media and literacy, chinese and art history responded, and the results have been spectacular.

Dr. Jeff Weitz, who introduced iPads in his Selected Topics in Physics course, said "iPads bring the world into my classroom."  Sam Schalman-Bergen, responsible for Academic Technology Development at HM, shared that the Pioneer program has been successful this year in simulating a 1:1 iPad environment; "We've had a lot of teachers doing terrific jobs integrating the iPads into their classrooms in very different but meaningful ways. Some of the utilizations for students have been collecting, storing, and organizing class materials, annotating documents and worksheets, exploring curriculum-relevant apps, and creating multimedia projects."  Mr. Schalman-Bergen added that teachers have spent a significant amount of time thinking about and planning their lessons with the iPad, as well as attending workshops and other professional development opportunities throughout the past year.

Middle Division History teacher Emily Dutton said, "Using the iPad in my seventh grade history classroom was challenging and eye-opening; it forced me to rethink the way I teach and adapt many of our readings, activities, and documents into an iPad friendly medium. Some kids flourished using the device, others found the technology challenging to use acadmically. It was, in the end though, a fantastic learning experience for all." Upper Division science teacher Dr. Stephen Palfrey added, "The iPads have had a significant impact in facilitating collaborative work. Students have ready access to a wealth resources during group activities, and they are able to share their work in real time with the rest of the class."

Mr. Schalman-Bergen looks forward to next year, sharing, "We've had a lot of positive feedback from the iPad Pioneers as well as from other teachers who are interested in a 1:1 iPad classroom of their own for next year. With Apple's announcement that the majority of textbooks will be moving to digital format and the releasing of the iTunesU app, the iPad will continue to enhance the classroom experience for both students and teachers."

To see some of the programs HM teachers are using on the iPads in class, click this link.