Truman Middle School has been recognized as an Apple Distinguished School for 2013 to 2015. Truman is being recognized for its innovative use of iPads in classrooms and a ceremony is scheduled for 3 p.m. Thursday.  In 2012, Truman began its 1:1 iPad implementation, issuing an iPad to each student.

The Apple Distinguished School designation is reserved for programs that meet the criteria for innovation, leadership, and educational excellence, and demonstrate a clear vision of exemplary learning environments.

“Being selected as an Apple Distinguished School highlights our success at getting our students comfortable using technology to solve problems and engage the students in learning,” said Truman Principal Sandy Steggall. “We are proud to showcase how we have integrated technology into our daily teaching and learning to help prepare students for the 21st-Century.”

Students use the iPads daily in the classroom. They use them to solve problems, work on projects and interact easily with teachers, including using the cloud to share documents. “I think it helps our kids to take charge of their own learning,” said Assistant Principal Mike Dial. “The kids hold the knowledge; it’s just a matter of teaching them how to go find it.”

Teachers use a variety of mobile apps in classrooms. For example, teachers use an app to give quizzes at the beginning of class to immediately assess students’ understanding. Another app allows students to walk through the process of a math problem, so that a teacher can see where they are getting hung up.

Having individual iPads allows students to quickly and easily create multimedia projects. For instance, instead of book reports, they can now create book “trailers,” short videos that try to entice other students to get interested in the book.

“I think our kids are better prepared because of this,” said Dial. “Employers want kids that can have a problem and figure out ten different ways to solve the problem or create a presentation. It’s teaching them the skills that they can use anything to meet the objectives.”