TLDR:
The USD 383 Manhattan-Ogden School Board has approved the purchase of new iPads for classrooms despite opposition from one board member. The purchase was approved with a 5-1 vote, with board member Katie Allen dissenting. Allen cited studies that found no improvement in reading or writing standards with the addition of technology in classrooms, as well as potential data breach concerns. Fellow board member Greg Hoyt agreed that further discussion is needed on the matter but emphasized the importance of technology in student success. Board member Christine Weixelman supported the measure, believing that district educators should have the authority to decide on the use of technology in the classroom.
In addition to the iPads, the board unanimously approved the purchase of a 4 by 8 CNC plasma table for the district’s Career and Technical Education Program, providing students an introduction to welding.
The USD 383 Manhattan-Ogden School Board has approved the purchase of new iPads for classrooms, despite concerns raised by one board member. Katie Allen expressed opposition to the purchase, pointing to studies that showed the addition of technology in the classroom did not lead to improved reading or writing standards among students. She also cited the recent data breach at Kansas State University as a potential risk of introducing more technology. However, the purchase was ultimately approved with a 5-1 vote, with Allen dissenting.
Greg Hoyt, a board member and former Manhattan High School principal, acknowledged the need for further discussion on the use of technology in the classroom. However, he emphasized the importance of technology as a tool for student success, even with the high price tag of over nine hundred thousand dollars for the iPads. Christine Weixelman, another board member, supported the measure, believing that district educators should have the authority to make decisions about technology use in the classroom.
The board also unanimously approved the purchase of a 4 by 8 CNC plasma table for the district’s Career and Technical Education Program. This table will provide students with an introduction to welding and enhance their skills in the field.