Aiken County Public Schools is pleased to announce its District-wide 1:1 technology initiative, “Learning Virtually Everywhere” or simply, LVE. The initiative, which began recently with initial device distributions at Ridge Spring-Monetta High School, Wagener-Salley High School, and Silver Bluff High School, will eventually place technology devices with all ACPSD students from Kindergarten through Grade 12.
For Aiken County Public Schools’ Superintendent King Laurence, the initiative is more important than ever given the technology needs of students and families brought to the forefront by the ongoing pandemic. The support of the Aiken County Board of Education was also invaluable.
“We are thrilled the rollout of technology devices we’ve had planned for is finally underway,” stated Superintendent Laurence. “These devices will make remote learning much more effective while also removing anxiety and stress for our families. We are so fortunate to have a Board that supports innovation to enhance educational opportunities for our students.”
Through the hard work of the school district’s Instructional Technology Department, new devices will be distributed to all high school students before the start of the Winter Break. Devices currently in use at high schools are being repurposed for use at the middle school level and at higher grades at the elementary level. Device distributions will continue at Aiken High and South Aiken High the week of November 30, 2020, to December 4, 2020. Students at Midland Valley High and North Augusta High will receive devices the week of December 7, 2020, to December 11, 2020.
On Tuesday, April 21, 2020, the Aiken County Board of Education approved a visionary digital one-to-one learning initiative designed to transform teaching and learning inside and outside of the classroom. The plan included equipping students in grades 5K -12 with a laptop device to enhance teaching and learning and to prepare students with 21st Century skills needed to be successful in college and careers while providing students and teachers the opportunity to extend teaching and learning beyond the traditional classroom.
“It is essential that our students are proficient in communicating and collaborating with others, critical thinking, and creativity,” commented Aiken County Public Schools’ Chief Officer of Instruction, Jeanie Glover. “Placing technology devices in the hands of our students provides them with a powerful educational tool that not only raises engagement and excitement for learning, but also provides students access to the vast global network of information available online.”
Planning for the initiative began over the summer months with the work of the school district’s 1:1 Technology Committee, comprised of principals, teachers, and District leaders. The committee worked on marketing and creation of an ACPSD Personalized, Digital Learning Initiative Handbook, which is being distributed to students and families.
Aiken County Public Schools’ Director of Curriculum Support, Micki Dove, says the primary objective of the initiative is further support of the school district’s mission, to cultivate future-ready students by providing them with rigorous, personalized learning opportunities.
“Through the Learning Virtually Everywhere Initiative and distribution of one-to-one technology devices, we are continuing to focus our efforts on providing a more personalized learning experience to ensure that instruction addresses higher order thinking, mastery and self-paced learning while also focusing on critical skills like research, writing, communication and content,” stated Dove.
During any technology distribution, online safety is a primary concern. That is why all web activity and browsing on District devices used by students passes through school-district security filters to which blocks inappropriate content. Only teacher-recommended, district-approved applications, websites, and programs are accessible on student devices. Specific instructions for the care of school district devices are included in the ACPSD Personalized, Digital Learning Initiative Handbook.
Personalized, digital learning in Aiken County also expands classroom instruction through digital experiences guided and supported by teachers. District students benefit from premier instruction, which is achieved by blending face-to-face, classroom-based learning with digital extension opportunities via one device for every student to ensure equitable access. It fosters student choice, creativity, collaboration, and connectivity to pave the way for future-ready global citizens.
In order to protect the District’s substantial investment in 1:1 technology an annual Technology Fee of $50 will be assessed to each student’s account to cover accidental damages. Students designated as Pupils in Poverty will have the fee waived. For the 2020-2021 school year, the $50.00 fee will be prorated to $30.00 due to the late distribution of devices. The technology fee will not cover deliberate damage to a device or issues due to neglect. If a student’s technology fee is paid, one repair per year is covered. Students will be charged for any additional repairs.
Once a technology device is issued, parents, guardians and students should immediately conduct a thorough review of the ACPSD Personalized, Digital Learning Initiative Handbook and return signed copies of the Technology Fee page and Student Pledge Page to their home school.
LINK TO DISTRICT PRESS RELEASE: PR 2020 DISTRICT LVE INITIATIVE