District finds the money to buy all of its high schoolers iPads

MONON, Ind. (WLFI) - Even with less funding coming from the state, a White County school district pulls money together to buy every high schooler an iPad.

North White business teacher Jeff Shuler has his students use technology for nearly all of their work. For some students, like Nicoll Cain, that can be a challenge.

"I'm not big, big on technology," Cain explained.

North White School Corporation is wanting to change that. It bought every high schooler an iPad, hoping to get students accustomed to new ways of learning.

"More project-based learning, more one-on-one, more individualizing with students," said superintendent Nick Eccles.

But, technology is pricey. The iPads cost the district $600. Multiply that by the 240 high schoolers and that's more than $144,000 wrapped up in iPads for a district that is losing state funding due to less enrollment the past three years.

"We were able to sell one of our buildings," Eccles said. "We also had an auction and that is where the money to purchase these for our high school kids."

"I have my Algebra II folder and Speech team folder," Cain said, pointing to her iPad.

Seniors were given iPads this week and many said they are already making the most of the new technology in the classroom.

"We downloaded some apps yesterday for government so we can stay updated on stuff for him. We got this thing called My Congress," said Senior Jacob Baird.

The iPads are even reaching outside the classroom.

"I have two other sisters in high school. They will also get one. It makes things a lot easier," Cain said. "We have one computer at home. We all can't use it at the same time. With the iPads, we can all be on our individual one. We can all use the internet at the same time."

If grades drop or students misbehave, the district has control over the new technology.

"We can lock the iPads down so the only apps they can have on there is those they need at school," Eccles said.

While most students are comfortable at the keyboard, Cain said she starting to warm up to the iPad and its new technology.

"Now that I have it, I love it. I'm addicted to it," she said.

Underclassmen will get the chance to become addicted to their iPads when the devices are handed out next week. The only cost to parents is the $25 iPad insurance, but that is optional. If the device breaks and there is no insurance, parents pay out of pocket to replace the iPad.