iPads Come to Midland Elementary School

The teachers at Poway’s Midland Elementary have a new addition to their classes―30 brand-new iPads courtesy of the Midland Educational Foundation and donations from countless parents who have supported them throughout the years.

MEF president and 10-year Poway resident Mark McDonough says the idea for the iPads was an evolution of sorts, as the foundation recognized a need for technology in addition to the basics, like reams of paper and markers.

“The truth is that’s how students are learning to function,” said McDonough of the Apple device, which has become a staple in many households since the iPhone was first introduced in 2006. “In just six short years, you’ve got a new generation of students that are used to this technology.”

Facilitated by Midland’s Chelsea Moore, a third grade teacher and the technology liaison, the teachers are now going through training and figuring out what apps will help them use their iPads most effectively.

McDonough, who read to his son’s third grade class last year, says the iPads will also help lessen the disruption of stopping a story to look up a word for students, instead making it all available with the touch of a finger.

“In any worthwhile endeavor there’s continuing education. I think it’s the same for teaching, and coming up with new ways to connect with students,” McDonough said. “There definitely is a learning curve, but the coolest thing about that is the excitement the teachers have.”

According to its website, the MEF is volunteer-run non-profit designed to raise funds for the implementation of various educational programs, in addition to financially supplementing the school in all areas of studies. For more information, visit midlandeducationalfoundation.org or their Facebook page.