iPad, I Can: Empowering Every Learner Through Apple Technology
Stolley Park Elementary Kindergarten teachers Becky Waind and Katrina Moseman have been recognized for their commitment to personalized learning, securing a Classroom Grant from the Grand Island Public Schools (GIPS) Foundation. This significant funding will introduce cutting-edge Apple technology—including Apple TVs, iPads, and Apple Pencils—into their classrooms to support their belief in differentiated instruction.
In the classroom, differentiated instruction means utilizing different teaching materials and methods within the same lesson to suit the varying abilities, readiness, and needs of individual students. It is the epitome of educators thinking outside of the box to ensure every student is reached and supported.
The integration of the new Apple technology is set to significantly enhance the teachers' capacity for delivering engaging, interactive, and personalized instruction to their 44 kindergarten students. Teacher Katrina Moseman states, “I am so excited to get started using our new tech tools. Becky and I are fortunate to have the support of the GIPS Foundation in using these resources. I am most excited for the mobility that these devices provide for us in the classroom. With so many of our school resources being digital these will provide us with the flexibility to move around and engage more with students in the moment while they are learning. They will also allow us to keep track of data while we support our students and help with planning more opportunities for immediate feedback.” Monitoring “in the moment” instruction and learning allows the teachers to reflect and create targeted groups for focused instruction during WIN (What I Need) times.
The educators anticipate high returns on this investment in technology. They project that 80% or more of students will show increased engagement and enjoyment of learning. Ultimately, this focused approach is expected to lead to measurable improvement in student progress scores by the end of the year.
Becky Waind and Katrina Moseman are setting an exemplary standard by creating a truly individualized and supportive learning experience through technology. The passion of the GIPS Foundation is fueled by dedicated teachers like Moseman and Waind. Their energy propels the GIPS Foundation’s efforts to continually engage the community in supporting teacher excellence and student success.
