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Hamilton Southeastern rolling out tablets to elementary students

FISHERS, Ind. (WISH) – After years of planning, Hamilton Southeastern Schools (HSE) is preparing to introduce tablets to its youngest students.

For some educators, a new year gives a fresh start with new students. But for others, including Sadie Stevens and Erin Nornberg, it’s a time to start their HSE careers.

“Lesson planning, moving everything from one classroom to your new classroom,” Stevens said.

“Just kind of getting things kind of staged so that I can then implement everything in my classroom,” Nornberg said.

While they are new, the kindergarten teachers aren’t behind the technology curve. This year, all kindergarten  through fourth grade students must use tablets in the classrooms.

“It’s definitely a learning experience, but it’s one of those things where you just jump in, you learn it with the kids and that’s an exciting part about teaching,” Nornberg said.

“I’m still doing some work, and I feel like as a teacher you never feel completely ready, but getting there,” Stevens said.

To help, HSE teachers took part in a “Launching Inquiry” e-learning conference this summer. For two days, educators discovered new gadgets, tools and ways to use smart devices.

It’s one way Nornberg and Stevens have prepared themselves.

“Talking a lot with other teachers who have had that experience already,” Nornberg said. “I went to ‘iPad-palooza’, which is a big conference all gearing toward iPads in the classroom, all one to one in the classroom.”

“Just really talking with the principal and (learning) what other teachers have done,” Stevens said. “Just a lot of teacher to teacher collaboration.”

One person offering support is eighth grade teacher Stephanie Dalton.

“I have been telling them that I was a little hesitant to start with,” Dalton said. “I always say, I eventually drank the Kool-Aid. Once you see students do it you just fall love with technology and how it’s integrated in the classroom.”

One thing teachers already using tablets have learned, encouraging students to get up and move around. Unlike paper and pencil, tablets give kids more freedom to find the spot that works for them.

“If you don’t want to sit at a desk with a chair, sit in a couch, sit on the floor, learn what is best for you so that you can find success,” Dalton said.

While teachers are embracing the technology, the district encountered some parent resistance. This spring, a petition asked HSE to delay the tablet rollout.

After hearing concerns, changes were made. Tablet rental fees were lowered by $35.

Screen time is limited to classrooms only, not recess, lunch or on the bus. And kindergarten through second graders must keep tablets in school.

“The teachers should be aware what’s good for the kids and what’s not,” HSE parent Olga Briggs said.

There’s help for parents with that too. Teachers will send home app information, so parents will know what should be on their child’s device.

“Kids are fast learners, and they really enjoy learning with new technologies,” Briggs said. “I think they’re excited about it.”

Fast learners are also something Stevens and Nornberg have to be. But they’re looking forward to what new technology can bring to their classrooms.

“Be excited about it,” Stevens said. “It’s a great tool that we’re going to have for all the kids to use.”

“It’s not a scary thing,” Nornberg said. “The kids will love it, they’ll be more engaged with activities that we’re doing in the classroom.”

And they say, give young minds a jump start with an evolving tech world.

If parents have questions about the tablet rollout, they should contact the school’s principal. If you want to see the full list of smart device changes for elementary students, click here.