One-to-One Technology
K-8 One-to-One iPad Program at Our Lady of Grace School
Program Overview
Our Lady of Grace School (OLG) implements a one-to-one iPad program to enhance student learning while prioritizing faith-based education and traditional teaching methods. Each student receives a school-issued iPad to supplement curriculum delivery, fostering engagement, personalized learning, and digital literacy. Technology is used thoughtfully, ensuring it supports, rather than replaces, core instruction rooted in OLG’s mission of academic excellence and spiritual growth.
Our Lady of Grace School (OLG) implements a one-to-one iPad program to enhance student learning while prioritizing faith-based education and traditional teaching methods. Each student receives a school-issued iPad to supplement curriculum delivery, fostering engagement, personalized learning, and digital literacy. Technology is used thoughtfully, ensuring it supports, rather than replaces, core instruction rooted in OLG’s mission of academic excellence and spiritual growth.
Key Features
Curriculum Integration
iPads support OLG’s curriculum, aligned with Common Core and Archdiocesan standards. For example, in K-2, students use apps like Starfall for phonics and Raz-Kids for building reading fluency and comprehension, paired with hands-on activities. In grades 3-5, iPads facilitate research for religion projects and the study of the California missions through Minecraft, while grades 6-8 use tools like Keynote and Google Slides for presentations on Catholic social teachings.
Teachers integrate iPads for specific tasks (e.g., Kahoot for interactive lessons or IXL and Mathletics for math practice), ensuring technology enhances lessons like group discussions and projects.
Screen time is limited to 20-30% of class time, preserving focus on prayer, writing, and collaborative learning.
Device Management
iPads are school-issued, managed via JAMF with content filters and restrictions to ensure safe, focused use. Non-educational apps are blocked from download.
iPads are taken home for homework (e.g., accessing digital textbooks and Google Classroom) with parental controls through JAMF Safe Internet.
OLG’s IT team handles maintenance, and students and parents sign acceptable use policies reflecting Catholic values of responsibility.
Teacher Training
Teachers regularly attend workshops and in-servicing to integrate iPads effectively, focusing on tools that support OLG’s faith-based curriculum. Training emphasizes pedagogy, ensuring iPads complement hands-on activities like creating physical models for science or writing reflections for religion.
Digital Citizenship
A Common Sense Media-based curriculum teaches students online safety, ethical device use, and discernment of digital content, aligning with OLG’s values of integrity and respect.
Lessons (grades 3-8) cover topics like cyberbullying and evaluating sources, fostering responsible digital stewards.
Parental Engagement
Parents learn iPad policies and how to support home use, reinforcing OLG’s community values, each year at annual Back to School parent meetings.
Conclusion
OLG’s K-8 one-to-one iPad program enhances education by supplementing traditional instruction with technology, aligning with the school’s mission to nurture academic, spiritual, and moral growth. By balancing iPad use with hands-on learning and Catholic values, OLG prepares students for a tech-driven world while grounding them in faith and community.
OLG’s K-8 one-to-one iPad program enhances education by supplementing traditional instruction with technology, aligning with the school’s mission to nurture academic, spiritual, and moral growth. By balancing iPad use with hands-on learning and Catholic values, OLG prepares students for a tech-driven world while grounding them in faith and community.