The Mid-Prairie School District will be able to use technology more effectively after receiving a grant recently from the Washington County Riverboat Foundation. The school was awarded $40,236 at the fall grant presentation towards a project to put more iPads in the hands of elementary students. Superintendent Mark Schneider said the money will be used to purchase 100 iPads, with 40 each going to Kalona Elementary and Wellman Elementary, and 20 going to Washington Township Elementary. The new tablets will replace several that no longer work, while also increasing the number they have at the schools. Schneider said with the new iPads on the way, they’re at a 2:1 distribution at the elementary schools, and moving closer to 1:1.

In order to properly utilize the iPads, Schneider said the district employs two learning design coaches who help teachers make learning more effective for students by using technology. He added, “We don’t believe in just using technology for technology’s sake. But if it can more personalize learning for individual students, then that’s where we see the big benefit.” Schneider was appreciative of the grant, and feels the support of the WCRF has been invaluable to the district.