From left are Whitko students Maddie Foutz, Braxton Prater, Colin Craig and Shayla Himes, all of whom will be freshmen in the fall. (Photo provided)

At the direction of Whitko School Corporation’s Board, a plan to infuse technology into students’ educational experiences has been implemented and, this fall, the Personalized Learning System will place a laptop computer into the hands of Whitko students.

First, PLS is designed with the fundamental goal of improved student learning. Whitko has been committed to quality instructional processes that depend upon accurately measuring student progress (formative assessment) and then consequently providing learning opportunities that are dependent upon individual student progress (differentiated instruction). The PLS will be used to assess, then provide customized learning for each student.

Second, the PLS will provide augmented learning experiences. There are some things that are best learned with paper and pencil, crayon, or flashcards. There are other learning experiences that are best learned digitally.

Imagine Spanish students working on dialog with native Spanish speaking students from another country via web cameras on student devices. Experiences like this illustrate the limitless potential for what electronic/digital learning can provide.

A third goal of the PLS is to increase students’ ownership in their own education and choices for their future beyond Whitko Schools. “We believe that as the PLS provides an environment where students learning activities are customized to them, they will become more accountable and passionate about their successes both here and their future careers,” said Joel Yeager, director of informational services for Whitko.

One of the key components to the PLS proposal is the addition of support personnel. Instructional Technologists will be employed to work closely with teachers to develop the various parts of the system, including electronic assessment, differentiated experiences, augmented learning experiences, etc. “They will be doing much of the leg work to get the system organized,” Yeager noted.

The plan allows for both initial professional development as well as a plan for ongoing program development. The Instructional Technologist will be deeply involved in teacher professional development. They also will work directly with students in classrooms, assisting them with the parts of the system that help maximize student success.

Yeager explained, “Clearly there will be new things that need to be learned and incorporated into classes. The school will need to provide the time and money for teachers for this development. The PLS builds on the good work and foundation we have already established. However, answering the questions ‘How are we going to know that they know it? ‘What are we going to do if they don’t?’ and ‘What else can we provide them if they do?’ are questions regarding formative assessment and differentiated instruction.”

So what will the PLS look like?
Yeager said the corporation is developing an environment where students can have access to their assignments, resources and communication tools to help them become successful. This includes a personal device for students that they will keep with them during the day and perhaps even take home.

Access to the system will not be limited to the device. The PLS will be accessible by home computers, smartphones, etc. The system also includes assessment tools, digital content and electronic textbooks.

Timeline
Whitko is beginning the PLS this fall with all Algebra I students as well as Kindergarten through 5th-grade reading students. Non-Algebra 8th-grade students will begin in Trimester 2 of the 2013-2014 school year. By Fall 2014, nearly all students will be into the PLS.

Some Background
The schools’ approach to providing technology and technological resources for the past several years has been to invest where there is a buy-in of technology as it relates to learning. In 2010, said Yeager, “We began devoting resources in areas where teachers demonstrated legitimate interest and passion to utilize technology. The school has provided them with equipment, training and support to allow them the freedom to explore and enhance their classrooms.

“Requested technology is not merely limited to PC’s or tablets, but includes smart boards, document cameras, clickers, content software and course management systems (Moodle, Edmodo, Schoology), etc. Whitko High School, for example, has 480 devices for its 589 students.”

Twelve of the 27 classes have full classroom units of laptops, PCs, or tablets, with the remaining 15 classes sharing 7 mobile or sign-out labs. Essentially, any class desiring devices has access.

Financial responsibility for the device costs will be funded through textbook rental fees. “We are working hard at minimizing this financial impact by replacing current textbook fees with free digital content in the hopes of minimizing any increase in current textbook rental,” Yeager explained. “There will also be impact at home if/when students bring their device home. While there will be proper security and Internet filtering installed, proper supervision from parents will be imperative.”

There are still many questions that the corporation needs to work out, including device selection, policy development, staff professional development, etc. Yeager added, “We have several teams of Whitko staff, students and parents working very hard on every aspect of this program to make it successful for your child and all of our students.”

Progress of the program may be monitored on the school’s website, under “services” on the Technology Department’s page.

Questions or comments regarding the implementation of PLS, or if you would like to participate in the planning process, should be directed to Joel Yeager at [email protected] or by calling 260-723-5146.