Students form a line as they enter the Library to recieve their iPads.

Students in Tyler County are gearing up for the school year in a new way. Tyler County Schools recently announced that all students, Kindergarten through Senior, will receiving an iPad to take home this academic year.

The announcement comes as part of a new Steaming into the Future 1:1 iPad Initiative. The program was developed after years of research by the school district on how to equip students with the tools they need to best learn in a home environment.

“In Tyler County, we make it a priority to invest in our most valuable resource our children,” Shane Highley, Superintendent of Tyler County said. “This program has been years in the making, and we’re thrilled to see it finally come to fruition.”

The Steaming into the Future Initiative is designed to adapt the learning environment to the evolving needs of students today. This will allow students to bring textbooks home and give them the ability to check out library books on the iPad using the Sora App.

“In today’s day and age, an iPad is the modern equivalent to a textbook,” Mr. Highley said. “This new technology isn’t going away, which is why we are leading the charge to advance student learning through increased access to technology.”

As part of the program, instructors across the school system completed training and became Apple certified to both administer and assist students. Teachers will now be able to guide students through class materials and monitor their progress throughout the year all using the Schoolwork App. Students will now be able to turn in their assignments directly to their teacher, and the teacher will receive the assignments in real-time.

In addition to iPads, the initiative paves the way for other advanced technology mediums.

All elementary students will be able use a Logitech Crayon that will allow them to draw directly on the device. Middle and high school students will have similar access and functionalities through the use of Apple Pencils. All classrooms will be equipped with Apple TVs, which will allow students to display their work in front of the entire class through one touch on their iPad.

“By introducing this new technology to our students, we’re also directly expanding how ideas are shared and making collaboration among both teachers and peers even more seamless,” Kristen Cunningham Director of Instructional Technology said.

All students actively enrolled in the Tyler County School district will qualify for an iPad at no cost. To borrow the device, students must uphold the district’s policy for behavior, attendance and proper telecommunications.