Lewis Elementary School
Downey, California, United States
Discovering the full potential of iPad in the classroom.
for Educators
Just southeast of Los Angeles in Downey, California, Lewis Elementary School serves 850 students. Lewis’ iPad deployment began with one device for every two students. That put iPad in every classroom, but it didn’t mean every teacher knew how to teach with them. And among those who did, there was a lack of consistency and continuity across the classrooms. So the leadership took action.
“It was all about changing the mindset of the teachers,” says Instructional Technology Coach Leslie Neill. “We have these tools, they’re powerful — but they’re going to be paperweights if we can’t show their value in a classroom.”
School leaders began modelling the use of iPad at every opportunity — mirroring screens with AirPlay on Apple TV, sharing files with AirDrop, and taking notes with Apple Pencil during meetings. To further inspire adoption and enhance fluency among educators, leadership turned to the free resources of Apple Professional Learning.
Apple Teacher tutorials get participants comfortable with iPad, Mac and Apple software. And Apple Learning Coach trains educators and administrators to conduct one-on-one sessions with peers — they answer questions, provide feedback, and help others get the most out of their Apple devices.
Lewis’ educators now feel supported when taking risks, trying new things, and discovering innovative ways to use iPad in their classes. In doing so, they’re giving students new avenues to explore subjects they’re passionate about.
“We’re inspiring, influencing and empowering tomorrow’s adults. The endless possibilities of students with iPad in their hands is awesome. I wouldn’t trade it for the world.”
Teacher and Lewis Tech Squad leader, Melissa Minahan, recently felt empowered to incorporate podcasting into her lessons, and it has energised her students. They research subjects in Safari, write scripts in Google Docs, and record audio in GarageBand, where they then edit, add music and layer in sound effects to create a podcast. “It’s been really cool to see students demonstrate their learning in new and innovative ways that they wouldn’t have been able to do without iPad,” Minahan says.
In another example of empowerment, teacher Susan Fisher — with the help of Apple resources and support from her peers — has led the Lewis News Team to huge success, even though she didn’t have previous experience in broadcast production. Her students use iPad to research stories, record interviews and write scripts. Then they edit and deliver with iMovie. “iPad is the only all-encompassing tool I can think of,” says Fisher. “You’ve got your research component, writing tools, creation tools. You’ve got a way to get your voice out there.”
Today, educators at Lewis are using iPad and Mac with confidence. They explore their curiosity and find continued inspiration in their classrooms. As a result, Lewis Elementary School has seen increased enrolment, attendance and student engagement — and serves as an inspiration for other schools in the district.
