New approach to geometry takes shape with iPads in schools

English teacher Kelly Phelps demonstrates how to use a dictionary app that she wants her junior English class to use to study for an upcoming vocabulary test at N.E.W. Lutheran High School.

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Patti Zarling

Green Bay Press-Gazette

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Sophomores Jacob DeCoste, left, and Sam Speckhard, right, use their iPads during study hall Wednesday at N.E.W. Lutheran High School in Green Bay. / Photos by Megan McCormick/Press-Gazette

Internet use in classrooms

Local school districts have similar policies about Internet use in schools. Most limit access to certain sites and require students to work on assignments while in class.
Visithttp://www.greenbay.k12.wi.us/Students/Student-Information/Pages/Internet-Acceptable-Use-Policy.aspx to see Green Bay’s policy.

Holly Blocker’s geometry students at Northeastern Wisconsin Lutheran High School bring to class compasses, rulers and protractors.

This year, they’re also carrying iPads.

The school, like several others in the area, launched a one-to-one program this year, and is providing tablet computers to each of its 125 students to use both in the classroom and at home. Educators say the devices enhance classroom learning and also encourage students to become familiar with technology they will use later in life.

N.E.W. Lutheran High School has been in session for about a week and the iPads are in full use. Blocker said she’s taught her students a number of applications they can use on the iPad — such as a math glossary and math reference site. She teachers math to all four high school grades.

Students also use the iPad to take pictures of formulas she’s written on the board which they can refer to later while doing homework. Many also use a notepad application to take notes.

“It really is such a great resource,” Blocker said. “The students love the opportunity to use it.”

School staff discussed ways to use the technology, and principal Chris Nelson said use varies between classrooms.

Blocker, for example, expects about half of math tests will be done on the iPad and half with traditional pencil and paper.

“Math is about training the brain,” she said. “You still have to be able to understand how to work problems without looking things up.’”

Students also must turn in homework on paper. “There’s not a good math keyboard,” Blocker said. “Having them write it out would be tedious.”

Similar to other districts that offer one-to-one programs, N.E.W. Lutheran met with parents and students to discuss use and responsibilities. The school allows families to buy or lease the devices. Families pay a $75 technology fee if they own iPads and $275 if they lease, but then don’t pay for applications required for class.

Nelson said about 75 percent to 80 percent of N.E.W. Lutheran families have wireless Internet access at home. The school blocks certain Internet content from students while at school.

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