iPads for Shorewood students

Steve Jobs holding iPad2

The Shoreline School Board has approved a high school technology plan for 2011-12 that includes the deployment of Apple iPads to students at Shorewood High School.

The Board and District leadership have studied a range of options regarding high school technology for the 2011-12 school year, given that technology levy funds cannot support a wholesale replacement of the District's existing 1-to-1 laptop program which began five years ago.

Of the options that were reviewed, a gradual shift to lower-cost tablet devices offers the District the most benefit. The District piloted the iPads in selected English, Social Studies and Science classes at both high schools this year. 

The benefits of an iPad include longer battery life, portability, number and low cost of apps and e-Book reader.

The District expects that in many cases the devices will replace textbooks.

For 2011-12, Shorewood students would each receive an iPad, while keeping 1-to-1 laptops at Shorecrest. Surplus laptops will be on carts at Shorewood for activities not available on the iPad. Shorewood staff will receive training over the summer for the fall implementation. The District will evaluate the effectiveness of the program for potential expansion to Shorecrest High School in 2012-13.

The estimated cost is just over $1 million, from technology levy funds approved by Shoreline School District voters in February 2010.

Money approved for technology cannot be spent for any other purpose.