EAST HARTFORD — In preparation for new testing standards, elementary school students are learning to read, type, and swipe through lessons on iPads with the help of literacy media technology specialists.
Schools began integrating iPads into classrooms in the 2011-12 school year and expansion of iPad programs is ongoing.
Ben Upson, who serves as technology coach for all kindergarten-through-grade six schools, updated the school board Monday about the status of the programs.
"Really what we're doing is teaching kids in a manner and on a device that they really enjoy using," Upson said.
The Common Core curriculum and accompanying Smarter Balanced Assessment testing requires schools to administer tests on computers and integrate technology into classrooms. Upson said iPads and computers help encourage reluctant students to engage in learning.
In addition to introducing students to iPads, Upson said schools are working to integrate media literacy and technology throughout classrooms with the help of media specialists Jaime Prokop, Andrea Ferreira, and Laura Corpora.
The three specialists were hired in the spring with funding from the state alliance grant program, which seeks to bolster reform efforts at the state's lowest performing 30 districts on standardized tests.
East Hartford schools are in the third year of what is expected to be a five-year program, and have received an increase in alliance grant money each year. Schools received $1.71 million in 2012, $4.35 million in 2013, and nearly $7 million for the coming school year.
Ferreira said that students are receiving instruction in typing, testing methods, and activities that use classroom lessons, such as blogging about that day's reading assignment.
Smarter Balanced Assessments include technology requirements, such as being able to type a minimum of two pages in a single sitting by fifth grade, and the ability to use control shortcuts to drag objects across a screen, highlight, and cut and paste text.
Ferreira said students are also being taught how to do research online and cite sources.
"They're taking notes, they're asking questions, and then they take all that research and they're creating Powerpoints to present in their classrooms," Ferreira said.
Prokop said that the media specialists are collaborating with school principals and library media staff to redesign library layouts to accommodate new technology and establish consistent media lab procedures.
Media specialists also provide technical support for school functions, manage the iPad apps and software, and train teachers.
Because use of alliance grant funding is restricted by the state to schools identified as being in need of assistance, Upson said that the media specialists are only working in those schools, which include Silver Lane, O'Brien, Hockanum, Norris, Mayberry, and Langford.
"It is our hope that these three positions will expand, because we really are seeing some worth from the positions," Upson said. "These fine people service six schools but it would be lovely if we could expand that support at some time."