Technology
Reliable Infrastructure
Our first priority in the technology department is to ensure our equipment and infrastructure are reliable, efficient, and safe for all stakeholders.
Professional Development
We want to provide support and leadership to all aspects of technology use, from troubleshooting to pedagogy, we will offer relevant professional development to our stakeholders.
Improved Communication
We want to model exemplary communication to keep the stakeholders up-to-date on what is happening and support their classroom needs.
Support Learning
Our ultimate goal is to support learning. The infrastructure, professional development, and communication initiatives are designed to support staff and students and their pursuit of learning.
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Technology Vision Statement
As an early adopter of the one-to-one environment, Wabash City Schools strives to be a leader in educational technology. We believe technology can break down barriers and create new opportunities for our learning community to communicate, collaborate, learn and lead in the modern era. We believe successful technology integration will foster a learning environment with ubiquitous access to information that emphasizes creation, not consumption and allow a more personalized learning experience for all stakeholders.
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Wabash City Schools was one of the earliest adopters in Indiana of the one-to-one computing concept. The days of computer labs and limited access are over. Every student at Wabash City Schools has their own iPad.
We believe the Internet provides resources, access, and communication tools that can't be matched by traditional education resources such as textbooks. We also believe that students need to learn in the same environment in which they live. While our students still use paper and read physical books, we are preparing them for a 21st Century world and workplace.
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Safety is our number one priority, online or otherwise. We have a sophisticated filter on our entire network and also a mobile filter on all student devices. We do our best to educate our stakeholders about the dangers and best practices when online. In addition we have several convocations that help to further guide our students toward safe use of the Internet and technology in general.
We do everything we can, but no system is perfect and the Internet is always changing, so we need parent/guardian help at home. It's always a good idea to keep the iPad/device in a common area as opposed to in a bedroom or other secluded area. We can't emphasize that enough. We like to think of these as a kitchen table device because that is the best place for it.
To help maintain expectations, we have an Acceptable Use Policy to guide student behavior using technology and working on the Internet.
In 2019, we changed from MacBooks to iPads because Apple stopped manufacturing the MacBook model we have historically used. One of the main reasons we chose iPad was for the incredible creative power to make podcasts, videos, and other modern media that provides students with lots of options to demonstrate their understanding of a given topic. The other main reason was for durability. The iPad and Logitech Rugged Combo 2 case is one of the most durable devices on the market.
As durable as it is, it's not indestructible and they are definitely not waterproof. We have taken great steps to reduce breakage, and most students will have their iPad for 4 years and never have a break. If they are properly cared for, students should never have an issue.
- Keep the keyboard attached! It is the other half of the case that keeps it safe.
- Don't put open liquid contains near the iPad.
- Try to put it on a flat sturdy surface with a low chance of falling a far distance.
- Only move it when the keyboard is attached.
- Don't ever strike the iPad or be rough with it.
If students follow these basic steps, they won't have any trouble, but if they do break their iPad they will be billed for it. The bill parents pay is greatly reduced from the actual replacement cost that WCS pays over the life of the device. The school will pay half of the cost of the first 2 damages over the 4 years to help lower the financial burden to our parents and guardians.
The fees for various types of damage are below in the attached damage invoice. If you believe the iPad has ever been stolen, you MUST file a police report.
