With school buildings closed for the rest of the school year, the Upper Adams School District (UASD) is identifying ways to deliver online instruction to students.
But before a curriculum can be offered, appropriate technology must be in place.
District superintendent Wesley Doll said there were not currently enough computer devices for all students in kindergarten through third grade, so the district has been using paper packets for these students.
Doll said the district had ordered computer tablets for these children now rather than waiting to make a scheduled purchase next year.
“Tablets are less expensive than laptops and they are better aligned with how students in K-3 would interact and utilize them as a tool for instruction and communication between the home and school,” said Doll.
“We found the timing for the purchase of the iPads was excellent and it is less than we planned to budget for 2020-2021 to refresh existing computers and leases,” said Doll.
Doll said plans were in place to provide a device for each fourth through eighth grade student and that all students in grades 9-12 already had a laptop device assigned to them for home use.
“Another challenge is that we don’t have internet connectivity throughout the Upper Adams School District,” said Doll. “Some families still have no access to the Internet, even if they could afford to purchase it.”
Doll said the district had ordered a number of hotspot devices which connect to cell towers to help provide a solution to connect some families.
Doll said the WIFI signal had been amplified at the middle and high school campus so individuals could drive to the school and pick up a signal from inside their cars.
Doll said the district was seeking potential funding opportunities to offset the immediate technology-related needs.
“At this time, it is an immediate cost of doing business, but any funding can assist with closing the deficits of future budgets,” said Doll.
“We have set up a district phone line dedicated to take calls specifically related to technology issues,” said Doll. “These calls are monitored and distributed to people within the district administrative team to identify potential solutions for families.”
Charles (Chuck) Stangor is Gettysburg Connection's Owner, Publisher, and Editor in Chief. I would like to hear from you. Please contact me at cstangor@gettysburgconnection.org.