Kindergarteners show benefits of classroom iPads

IRONWOOD — Kindergarteners in the Gogebic-Ontonagon Intermediate School District have enjoyed a new age tool for learning this school year.

Students presented their skills on iPads to the GOISD at the Elk and Hound in Ironwood on Thursday.

Area kindergarteners and teachers demonstrated how the devices are used in the classroom to representatives of school districts in Ironwood, Bessemer, Wakefield-Marenisco, Ontonagon and Ewen-Trout Creek, and board members from Gogebic Community College.

“This isn’t your typical board meeting,” said Bruce Mayle, superintendent of the GOISD. “This is a celebration.”

The GOISD purchased the iPads for every kindergartener in the six area school districts to benefit learning through technology. Applications on the devices have helped students in math, reading, science and writing.

“I have been very impressed with the students when they are using the iPads,” Mayle said.

Many of the applications are free, with thousands to choose from. According to Mayle, it could be overwhelming to teachers about what app to do next.

According to E-TC teacher Jacky Besonen, iPads help keep students focused.

“If you have a lot of wiggly seats in your classroom, the moment you pull out those iPads, they settle down and are ready to work,” she said.

Mayle and the GOISD board presented each student with a gift card to Walmart, and one student, Alli Bobula, of Ontonagon, received an iPad mini.

“We just wanted to thank the students for coming here tonight, and working so hard,” Mayle said. “I want to thank the GOISD board for being gracious and generous in supporting this. These iPads bring another dimension to the classroom, and things have worked out great.”