Personal Learning Program Review

Although digital learning devices have been present in education for some time, it is clear that students of all levels can gain from their incorporation. Given the rapid advancements in technology, students must possess the ability and expertise to proficiently navigate their future.

 

Since its inception in 2009, the focus of Lincolnwood’s One-to-One Personal Learning Program was designed to provide tools and resources for today’s learners and requires that technology be seamlessly integrated throughout the educational program. In 2010, the District’s research showed that the best tool to achieve this was to provide student experiences through an Apple iPad. The iPad has provided personalized, mobile, and individual use of educational tools to empower and enhance learning experiences by providing interactive and engaging educational materials. Additionally, it allows for personalized learning and collaboration among students and teachers to prepare them for high school, college, and the workplace.

 

The technology team has been examining data related to the implementation and development of our One-to-One Personal Learning Program at SD74. We were able to chart the number of students who have participated in this program throughout its various stages.

 

The original version of the One-to-One Personal Learning Program was designed around the instruction and curriculum for 6th, 7th, and 8th graders.

 

YEAR	IPADS	IPAD COSTS	IPAD CASE	WARRANTY	TOTAL	FLEET COST	1:1 Grades
2011	500	$479.00	$40.00	$0.00	$519.00	$259,500.00	S 678 SP
2012	150	$479.00	$35.00	$0.00	$514.00	$77,100.00	S 678 SP
2013	170	$379.00	$35.00	$0.00	$414.00	$70,380.00	S 678 SP
2014	260	$379.00	$35.00	$79.00	$493.00	$128,180.00	S 678 SP
2015	340	$379.00	$35.00	$79.00	$493.00	$167,620.00	S 678 SP
2016	470	$379.00	$35.00	$79.00	$493.00	$231,710.00	S 678 SP
2017	400	$325.00	$35.00	$79.00	$439.00	$175,600.00	S 5 678 SP
2018	300	$294.00	$35.00	$79.00	$408.00	$122,400.00	S 5 678 SP
2019	240	$294.00	$35.00	$79.00	$408.00	$97,920.00	S 5 678 SP
2020	280	$294.00	$35.00	$79.00	$408.00	$114,240.00	S 5 678 SP
2021	480	$294.00	$35.00	$79.00	$408.00	$195,840.00	S 345 678 SP
2022	260	$294.00	$120.00	$49.00	$463.00	$120,380.00	S PK12 345 678 SP
2023	270	$284.00	$110.00	$49.00	$443.00	$119,610.00	S PK12 345 678 SP

 

In 2011, there was an initial purchase of 500 iPads that were disseminated to the staff members who were part of the program as well as to grade-level students in Lincoln Hall. The District also purchased spares in case of breakage or a shortage.

 

In 2012, the number of iPads purchased was significantly lower. During the years of lower volume purchasing, the District only purchased approximately 150 iPads to be used by incoming 6th grade students and additional staff members. This became the common practice for the next number of years.

 

In 2015, though the One-to-One Personal Learning Program was still targeted at the middle school, other grades were included in the usage of the iPads. This equipment came from resources that had been handed down from the upper grades. Many of these iPads were delivered in the form of computers on wheels (COWS). During this time, SD74 had both iPad COWS and laptop COWS available for student use in all grades from kindergarten through 8th grade.

 

In 2017, the iPad program was moved down to 5th grade. This version of the One-to-One Personal Learning Program was similar in design, but the only students who had the option to purchase iPads were in middle school. Any iPads that were not purchased were reused and recycled into the COWS, which were being used across the District.

 

In 2019-2021, during the pandemic, SD74, like every other district in the country, purchased many One-to-One devices to distribute to students for both in-person and remote learning scenarios, as well as divide up the fleet of laptops to send home with students. 

 

In 2022, SD74 reviewed the current inventory of iPads and laptops and restructured the way they were distributed throughout the District. This discussion allowed the District to provide ready access to iPad technology at all grades. Teachers and students have the tools available when necessary. Through advancements in technology and peripherals, the District was able to change its typical yearly ordering model, reduce the number of laptops that were being used for student learning, and focus on providing the opportunity for all students to use a device. Through this practice, the integration of technological resources in the classroom has greatly increased.

 

 

The number of iPads purchased each year is dictated by a number of factors including the number of grades that are participating, the number of new enrollments, the number of devices that need to be replaced each year, the numbers that are needed for a rental fleet, and those that were at end of life. 

 

The following grade shows data to see the changes in prices of the equipment, cases and warranties that are all part of this program. Cost and Return on Investment are essential factors to consider in any decision. Through this analysis, we are able to see how prices for each component have fluctuated through the years.

 

In 2022, the team started researching the overall number of equipment that was available for students and staff members to use. Rather than replace over 150 laptops, we decided to change our focus and purchase more iPad resources. With the addition of the new rugged case, complete with keyboard and trackpad, there are very few tasks that modern iPads cannot accomplish. These peripherals, which cost about $100, made financial sense and saved the District thousands of dollars in funds by not replacing laptops that were at end of life. These units were sold off to companies that specialize in recycling and the District was able to use the funds to help offset future purchases.

YEAR	LAPTOPS	LAPTOP COSTS	WARRANTY	FLEET COST
2011	100	$1,263.00	$149.00	$126,449.00
2012	75	$1,263.00	$149.00	$94,874.00
2013	50	$1,263.00	$149.00	$63,299.00
2014	240	$1,098.00	$149.00	$263,669.00
2015	170	$1,098.00	$149.00	$186,809.00
2016	120	$1,098.00	$149.00	$131,909.00
2017	100	$1,098.00	$149.00	$109,949.00
2018	50	$1,098.00	$149.00	$55,049.00
2019	150	$1,098.00	$149.00	$164,849.00
2020	50	$899.00	$149.00	$45,099.00
2021	50	$879.00	$139.00	$44,089.00
2022	0	$0.00	$0.00	$0.00
2023	0	$0.00	$0.00	$0.00

 

Through small changes in hardware choices and purchasing strategies, the implementation of devices in schools has greatly increased student reach, providing students with opportunities to access and use technology at all grade levels. Overall, we are very well protected should we ever have to distribute our classroom equipment out to students for remote learning experiences.

 

District 74 was an early adopter of the iPad as an educational tool and over the last decade, we have grown to offer the ability to use high tech tools and curriculum resources to students of all ages. Through the combined efforts of teachers, coaches, administration, and a rigorous curriculum, the objective of this program helps to bridge the digital divide and ensures that all students have access to EdTech tools.