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The Branson 1:1 iPad Program

In the winter and spring terms of 2010-11, Branson piloted iPads in several classes and participating faculty were enthusiastic about expanding the program to the whole school. The teachers commented on how much they appreciated the flexibility of the iPad and the seamlessness with which they incorporated it into their daily classroom routines. Student engagement and ingenuity in finding uses for the iPads created an atmosphere of shared, collaborative learning. The iPad is easy to incorporate into a lesson when appropriate, just as easy to turn off and put away when it’s not needed and, unlike a laptop, the iPad is unobtrusive – no hiding behind a screen.

Because of the enthusiasm generated by these pilot programs, Branson decided to put an iPad in the hands of every teacher and student, beginning in the Fall term of 2011. In collaboration with our students, we believe we can build on our early successes and discover many more applications for the iPad in the classroom.

Case Study-English

So far, the iPad has proven to be a groundbreaking pedagogical tool, both in and out of the classroom for Branson English Teacher Tim Danner. In English I, Tim's freshmen have been using their new devices on a daily basis, for tasks such as shared note taking, whiteboard image capture, sentence study practice, immediate information retrieval, and creative methods of communication. The students used a variety of image manipulation programs to create a pair of visual art projects, one in which they analyzed an ancient Greek amphora and one in which they created a contemporary amphora drawing of their own.

This image on the left is an example of English I's Contemporary Amphora Project and depicts a scene from The Book Thief, in which the character of Hans undergoes a crisis of conscience when confronted with the choice of giving bread to a starving Holocaust victim. The artist, Sophie Rosenbaum-Jones, used the Noterize iPad app to create her project

The juniors and seniors in Modern Poetry have also been using their iPads daily, as an integral element of classroom discussions, as a forum for online debates, as a means of filming and editing presentations of spoken word poems, as a research tool, and more. One of the most exciting aspects of the integration of this technology into our curriculum is the freedom it allows students to explore apps and other educational techniques on their own, thus placing the agency of learning literally into their own hands. The presence of iPads in Branson classrooms promises to be a powerful and innovative element of our program throughout the rest of the year and beyond.

Case Study-Geometry

Using an app called Sketchpad Explorer, math teacher Jason Montana creates dynamic sketches that students can manipulate during geometry class on their iPads. Through hands-on manipulation, students are able to discover various geometric properties and/or theorems much more easily than with static drawings. These brief explorations lead to meaningful discussions in which students can propose ideas and debate those suggested by others. As a result, students gain a deeper understanding of the concepts that allows for greater participation in future discussions. Click here to see these iPads in action.

Case Study - American Literature

In the winter term of 2010-11, Dr. Susee Witt introduced the iPad to her American Literature II course, hoping to enhance the students' learning, encourage sharing and interaction among the students, and allow them to learn through doing rather than watching.

While in class, the students performed the following tasks on the iPad:

Read shorter texts online, saving paper usually used for handouts
Browsed through a book of photographs of the Civil War to illustrate the readings
Viewed podcasts and video casts
Accessed a course wiki
Researched authors, artists, historical figures, and textual references
Used Google Maps to situate the texts
Collaborated and commented on each other's work

From the teacher's perspective, the pilot was a great success. Students shared more easily with the iPads than with laptops, and she was able to view these interactions without the barrier of a laptop screen. Students looked up unfamiliar words from the text, and were fully engaged in all map and research exercises. Although the students needed a laptop or desktop computer at home for writing, the iPads more than met the students' computing needs in the classroom. Overall, it was invaluable for each student to have a computing device in the classroom, leveling the playing field, and opening up the curriculum to new possibilities only available because every student had a device.

For the students, 83% stated that the iPad enhanced their learning:

"It inspired a more collaborative curriculum."
"It brought new multimedia options to class, like photos, clips, and movies."
"Since everyone had one, I think it brought our class together more, especially outside of class time."
"I could pull up things I had written on my laptop on my iPad in class, and I could then view it on my phone if I wanted. In class it was nice to be able to access syllabi, notes, etc."
"I loved the visual aspect of it -- I am a visual learner and being able to pull my iPad out and do research/look at images was awesome."

FAQs

How will teachers know how to use the iPad as an effective tool?

Some of our teachers piloted iPads in their classes last year and discovered many ways to integrate the iPad into lessons. This summer, Branson is sponsoring Tech Camp for faculty and staff, a week of intensive tech training with our in-house tech experts as well as a consultant from November Learning, a specialist in iPad training. We expect early adapters in each department to share their discoveries with their colleagues. We also expect to learn from our students as they explore the capacities of the iPad.

Why is Branson adopting iPads rather than another platform?

The iPad is being developed for education with programmers and app designers creating more apps for iPads than the other available platforms. We believe the iPad is the best platform currently available.

Who owns the iPad?

Branson students will own the iPads, and they are expected to use the iPads first and foremost for academic purposes. Each year, every Branson student must agree to abide by our Acceptable Use Policy. The provisions of this policy will, of course, also apply to the iPad. We expect each student to care for and manage the iPad for use in class just as he would care for and manage any course material. We launch this program in the spirit of trust and collaboration with our students, and we will deal with individual cases of misuse as they arise.

Who is responsible for purchasing apps?

As a requirement for receiving an iPad, Branson students must sign up for an iTunes account using their school email. The Branson Technology fee covers the projected cost of apps for the year. Apps required for courses will be purchased and distributed to the students by the faculty and educational support staff. Branson will work with every student and their families to purchase apps at the volume purchasing price. Apps purchased for personal use must be paid for by the student.

What models are available?

Branson will be providing all students with the 32GB wifi version of the iPad 2 with SmartCover. We recommend that students purchase a stylus, case and apple headset with microphone.

Can you print from an iPad?

The iPads give us an excellent opportunity to evaluate our printing resources and be more efficient and thoughtful about consumption moving forward. The iPad comes pre-installed with AirPrint, which prints to a select number of HP wireless printers, which we do not have on campus. For more information, go to: http://www.apple.com/ipad/features/airprint.html

Can my child use a different mobile device such as an android tablet instead of an iPad?

Branson has chosen to be a single device environment, which will enable us to focus on the educational experience of the iPad.

Do iPads have parental controls?

iPads have controls through which parents can restrict Safari and YouTube, as well as the installation of apps. Contact the Branson Technology Office if you need help setting the parental controls on your child's iPad.

Will Branson filter content on the iPads?

Branson does not filter content on campus. We expect all students to adhere to the Acceptable Use Policy when using any networked mobile device. The Acceptable Use Policy is in the Parent/Student Handbook, which is available on the Branson website.

Will I need to purchase any additional accessories?

We recommend purchasing a headset with microphone, a stylus, and a case.

Will students receive support in setting up the iPad and using it for educational purposes?

During the week of August 22, students attended an information session and received their iPads. Our Technology Coach, Offie Clark, will work with faculty and students throughout the year to provide training and support.

Should students purchase their textbooks electronically?

Not all texts are available electronically. Those that are available for purchase may expire after a limited period of time. Our librarian, Lori Deibel, has been researching the availability of texts. Go to Program and then Academics on the Branson website. You will find a link called Course Booklist. Search the appropriate course and you will find the booklist. Included in that information will be the duration of a subscription if the book is available as an ebook. For example, you may find a notation that says "180 day subscription."We will update this information as changes in ebook availability take place. Before purchasing an ebook, students should consult with their teachers.

What if the iPad is lost or stolen?

Branson will supply a replacement and the cost of the replacement will be charged to the family. Students on financial aid will receive support commensurate with the financial aid package for one replacement. A second replacement will be the full responsibility of the family.