School district hopes to adapt with new technology - News-Press Now

Year to year, technology changes how students and teachers access and dole out information in the classroom.

Textbooks no longer occupy the majority of backpacks, sometimes having been replaced by iPads and laptops. In many ways, such technology has the opportunity to educate students in rather unique ways, said Dr. Doug Van Zyl, superintendent with the St. Joseph School District.

“Technology really is a resource,” he explained. “It’s something that’s utilized by our staff and students to continue to enhance their learning and education and provide some great resources for them that just aren’t in the covers of a book.”

However, much like special effects originally used to enhance films, is there a point where the technology takes attention away from other aspects of the learning process? Currently, Van Zyl said the St. Joseph School District is using various devices to complement each child’s learning experiences instead of outright relying on technology.

He explains that he never wants an iPad to be a glorified textbook. It should serve another purpose that allows the student to interact with the material in a different way.

“Basically the process in most districts is that you have to find what’s compatible on your system,” Van Zyl said. “With technology, things change on a regular basis. Is this a passing fad or something that will stand the test of time? What’s the main purpose of the device? Will it enhance our education? … Our goal is to make sure it truly impacts learning.”

Van Zyl, who graduated from college in 1991, remembers the black computer screens with green text that teachers and some students used while he was in school. Now, with the amount of devices students can have on them at any given time — from Apple watches to cellphones — teachers must be extra vigilant.

It’s just one of the reasons why the district’s technology handbook outlines various rules for students to follow regarding school-provided devices and equipment. Things like making sure their provided electronic device is fully charged and stored in a safe place away from younger children and pets make up the list of guidelines outlined in the school district’s technology handbook.

“Really, our policy speaks to devices,” Van Zyl said. “It doesn’t spell out specific devices, but there’s an acceptable user policy for us as a district. It spells out for the kids, parents and teachers how devices can be used and what can be accessed. We do have the ability within our district and within our servers to be able to block certain websites or deny access to certain things. But if a student has a cellphone and wants to use their cellular data, then they’re able to go around our systems pretty easily. Then it’s really about supervision and making sure students are doing what they’re supposed to.”

He explains that keeping teachers educated on the technology and properly discussing new devices is key to making sure everything is used properly by each student. As students may have access to their own phones, Van Zyl said he is aware that some may use their own data for activities not related to school.

“And when we see it, we need to address it,” he said.

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