Model Laboratory School FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 8/22/19 At Eastern Kentucky University 859-622-3766 model.eku.edu

Model Lab School Launches 1:1 iPad Initiative A World-Class Education with World-Class Technology

Today, students at Model Laboratory School received new iPads that allow them to create, design, and code. The new iPad initiative is designed to enable students to develop creative work in authentic, real-world settings. “We’re emphasizing creating, designing, and coding skills heavily in our world-class education,” said Superintendent John Williamson. “And we’re introducing this initiative in order to provide the opportunities for students to be successful innovators.” The 1:1 iPad initiative will replace the school’s former 1:1 Chromebook program. Students are thrilled to begin using the new devices. Easton Timbrook, a seventh grader, stated, “I’m excited because I think the iPads have a lot more features. I can draw and sketch on the iPad with a bunch of different apps. Plus, I think they’re more portable, and the speaker quality is better, too.” Apple technology is becoming increasingly more common in classrooms across the nation in part because many professionally creative industries use Apple technology. “We care deeply about education because we love creativity and curiosity, and we know that our products can help bring out the creative genius in every kid,” said Apple CEO Tim Cook in a recent keynote to high school students. Model likewise seeks to foster students’ creative genius throughout its K - 12 programs with the new initiative. Not only will Model students have access to iOS apps such as Pages, Clips, Numbers, Keynote, Garage Band, and iMovie to create, edit, and produce audio clips, videos, and more, they will also still retain access to more traditional tools such as Microsoft Office and Google Drive. The school will continue to maintain the use of physical textbooks. “Technology is not a replacement for traditional learning. Research has shown that the use of printed textbooks as opposed to virtual ones is critical for students’ academic success,” said Director of Curriculum, Assessment and Professional Learning Dr. Christopher Budano. The new technology complements Model’s world-class education where students are participating in new classes such as Filmmaking and Broadcasting, AP Computer Science Principles, as well as Media & Information Literacy. In these courses as well as Model’s other

offerings, students are being challenged to craft relevant media products such as websites, podcasts, and even apps. Model’s 1:1 iPad initiative represents another opportunity where students are developing the transferrable skills necessary for success in the 21st century.