2011 iPad Trainer Application

As previously announced, West Des Moines Schools is starting a pilot program to explore the usage of iPads in the classroom.   The first round, or Wave1 will consist of one trainer being selected per school.  Directors in Teaching & Learning Services will be responsible for selecting the trainers by Sept 13th.

Later this fall, an additional opportunity will be available for teachers to join wave 2- which will also provide you with 3 iPads – with out the requirement of being a trainer /teaching a course to others.

The on-line application for iPad trainers is located at….
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/YLWFDPD

Details about the iPad Trainer application…..

* Applications are due by Sept 11th
* Teaching & Learning Services will select (1) one trainer per school by Sep 13th
* Each trainer will receive 3 iPads and training. Training starts on Sept 26th and 27th
* Each trainer will be responsible for teaching a future course for other teachers who receive iPads.

Trainers must…
1) have a teacher laptop or personal laptop available
2) attend 2 days of training in Sept and a half day during Oct
3) provide building level assistance related to iPads
4) agree to teach a course for other staff members

Trainers will receive…
1) 3 iPads for their classrooms
2) Training related to setting up, managing, backing up and restoring iPads
3) Training related to classroom usage (although trainers should be reminded that the purpose of the project is to allow you to explore/test out applications and classroom integration ideas.
4) Utilize classroom, building, or parent group funding for any applications (apps) costs that are needed. However, most of the initial training will focus on utilizing any/all free apps that are available.

What’s the district plan related to iPads?

Q1.  Schools/departments are welcome to use their own money to purchase iPads, itouches, etc, correct?
Yes. 

Q2.  Do we place the orders through the technology department? Do we contact technology department for pricing information?
Orders are placed directly to Apple, either through their website or the local Apple store.  Since there are no longer any educational discounts available on iPads, please contact Apple directly for pricing and ordering information.

Q3.  What is the district plan for iPads?  Will the district be purchasing and deploying iPads?
The district will start to pilot/test iPads through out the district this fall.    The program will look similar to the teacher laptop program with the first wave consisting of trainers who will be responsible for conducting courses for other teachers who take the course.

Here’s some basic information about the program:

Wave 1)  Trainers
* Teachers will apply on-line.
* Online application will be available after Labor Day
* Trainers will receive training in how to setup iPads, manage iTunes accounts related to classroom usage, backup/restore iPads, etc. 
* Each trainer receives 3 iPads for their classroom.
* Each trainer receives 1 credit hour towards teacher certificate renewnal.
* Trainers are expected to teach at least one 15 course for other teachers as well as be available to assist others in their building with iPad questions and issues. 
* Teaching & Learning Services will be responsible for selecting one trainer from each school, from the pool of on-line applications submitted.

Wave 2) Additional classrooms
* Following wave 1 for trainers, another online application form will be available for teachers who want to apply to be in the 15 hour course, which is taught by one of the trainers.  
* Teaching & Learning Services will be responsible for selecting the participants.  
* Each classroom selected will receive 3 iPads, be required to attend the 15 hour course, and will receive 1 credit towards license renewal.