Project Lead Salvador Zapien for the 1:1 Initiative said that a teacher survey found that studnt access to appropriate technology is an important part of today’s learning environment.

Funding for the devices came from home owners and businesses in Los Alamos through House Bill 33, a state referendum designed to furnish schools with equipment. The referendum was passed by Los Alamos County voters in January of 2016. We extend a big thank you to the community of Los Alamos.

The devices will be used for homework, research, writing assignments, presentations, and to access the supplementary online materials included with textbooks. Having every student on the same device lets teachers manage usage in the classroom and set standard learning expectations.

This spring, the district conducted a 1:1 pilot with the Topper freshmen class. Feedback from students, teachers, and parents was considered and used to make modifications for next school year. The biggest goal of the program is to increase student engagement in the classroom.

“During the first year, we’ll monitor the usage of our online materials, use surveys to assess whether or not the devices are meeting the needs of our students and staff and offer staff more professional development,” Zapien said.

To ensure students maximize the benefits of having access to the devices, staff will receive training in August. Twenty-two teachers will attend a conference with the International Society for Technology in Education to collect concrete examples and best practices for taking advantage of technology in the classroom. These 22 teachers will lead professional development sessions for their peers and act as the “Go To” person at their sites for pedagogical questions revolving around the 1:1 initiative.

A few parents have already asked questions. Some want to know why students can’t bring their own device to school. Others want to know about device monitoring. The district has implemented a monitoring system called GoGuardian.

Students will receive their devices at Fall Registration Aug. 8-9 at Los Alamos High School and Aug. 9-10 at Los Alamos Middle School. Information sessions will be held for parents and students to have an opportunity to ask questions and learn more about the initiative.

Parents and students are invited to the 1:1 Initiative Public Information Sessions (all sessions are 6-7 p.m.):

June
• 19 at Los Alamos Middle School
• 22 at Los Alamos Middle School

July
• 6 at Los Alamos High School – Speech Theater
• 10 and 13 at LAMS – Library
• 17 and 20 at LAHS – Speech Theater
• 24 and 27 at LAMS – Library
• 31 LAHS – Speech Theater

August
• 3 at LAHS – Speech Theater