Madison City Schools

Tommy Paone, Director of Technology for MCS, addressing the new 1:1 Initiative Task Force developing plans for use of technology in instruction.

ing an atmosphere where our 1:1 expands the opportunity for our students’ educational experience will make us better,” said Schools Superintendent Dr. Ed Nichols. “Developing a highly interactive curriculum will prepare our students for career skills, address different learning styles, and transform learning in today’s global environment. I am thankful we live in a community that values education and allows us to provide our students these necessary resources to meet our district mission.”

Some takeaways from the first instructional Taskforce session: • Technology allows educators and students to transform teaching and learning and to develop crucial skills for communicating, creating and interacting with each other in a global society. Although technology is not a panacea for all instructional challenges, it equips students with tools that have not existed in the past. • Technology allows students to transition from being simply consumers of information and media to being producers as well. Attaining digital and computational literacy strengthens life skills such as problem solving, thinking critically, and collaborating in teams. Since technology is at the center of almost every aspect of life, the digitally literate person is more likely to push through challenges with confidence.

A question mulled by the task force is how to know when the use of technology is amplifying or transforming traditional practice, instead of just replacing it.

Task force members agreed technology in teaching must enhance student skills in communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and creativity. The collaboration element is essential because students must learn to work together, discussing and handling disagreements, to work toward a goal.

Madison City Schools over the past year has acquired 12,500 Chromebooks for distribution to students. Supply chain issues slowed its ability to distribute them before the start of school but MCS technical staff pressed through to complete the rollout in early December.

Tommy Paone, Director of Technology for Madison City Schools, said the devices come equipped with a case and a four-year warranty. “We expect that at the end of the warranty period, they will need to be replaced so we are preparing a budget for replacements. As a district, we realize that we have a growing student population and we will continue to purchase devices as our needs continue to increase.” Mr. Paone said the district purchased software for teachers to monitor classroom activities to ensure that students stay on task. “This software also allows us the ability to filter web content for these devices on and offcampus. Our technology and safety teams are working to provide our students with a safe and secure experience while using the school-issued Chromebooks.”