Lewisville ISD implements 1:X program

Lewisville ISD recently began implementing a new program throughout the district that, once completed, will put technology directly into students' hands.

LISD's 1:X blended learning program first rolled out with three pilot schools: Killian Middle School (KMS), Lewisville High School (LHS) and Downing Middle School (DMS). The program includes putting five MacBook Airs in each classroom, a MacBook Pro for every teacher and administrator and an iPad for each student to use at school and at home.

In just the first three schools, 4,000 devices were distributed among teachers, classrooms and students. The iPads are assigned to each student, who keeps it throughout the summer and onto the next school year.

"We're really excited about where we're going with this project," said Jerram Froese, director of educational technology. "We began discussions about technology in the district when we saw that doing computer refreshes were no longer the best model for education. In the past, we always swapped out old machines for new machines. In doing that, students were not as much a part of the learning process as they can be."

The district selected one campus from the east, central and west zones to launch the program. Campuses were selected based on several criteria: instructional technology readiness, infrastructure, administration and need.

"We are changing the way we do business with our students," said Dr. Stephen F. Waddell, LISD superintendent. "This initiative will give our students an edge and empower them to be prepared to think critically, problem solve and design in the 21st century."

The district made the move from a 1:1 model to the 1:X model in order to ensure that students have the right devices to maximize learning. In the 1:1 model, one device is used across the board, but Froese said the district felt it wasn't the right path to follow.

"We're working to build an environment that gives students the right device in front of them. In addition to the district-provided devices, students can continue to bring in their own tablet or laptop," Froese said. "We are also providing higher powered device in the classrooms."

Funding for the program comes from 2008 bond money. So far, the district has spent $6.5 million to implement the program in the first three schools and purchase the devices for the next phase. LISD is in the process of implementing a second phase of 1:X at Donald, Bluebonnet, Peters Colony and Lewisville elementary schools and Forestwood Middle School to start the 2014-15 school year. The district's goal is to have the 1:X program encompass all LISD campuses within three years.

"Teacher devices are going out right now in those schools, and we'll be bringing the classroom devices in the spring. Students will receive their iPads in the fall," Froese said. "The hardest thing we face with this program is changing instruction in the classroom, but there's also a lot of logistical things behind the scenes. We visited schools around the nation to learn everything we could, and we'll learn lessons as we go through the process."

Froese said the district would have different challenges when approaching the elementary schools. He said there will additional security measures for those students including the possibility of younger students leaving their devices at the school over the weekend.

The LISD 1:X program offers two payment options for families. Payment option one is a $40 annual fee for a replacement benefit program. Payment option two requires a $40 deposit fee that provides no additional coverage for accidental loss or damage. Froese said the majority of families are opting for the protection plan.

"When doing this program, we take into account a loss and theft rate. We must not be surprised when that happens, but build the idea into our thoughts of the program," Froese said. "Our target number is around 8 percent for a loss/theft rate, but we're hoping for a lower number."

Froese said feedback from the program has been positive.

"There's been a lot of excitement about the program. Students feel like we're opening doors, and they are jumping in and grabbing hold. We're seeing that students are latching onto the devices and easily learning how to use them," Froese said. "Within two weeks of full implementation of the program at the first three campuses, it was woven all the way through. We're seeing instruction change, seeing teachers ask which way students want to go forward with learning and we're moving beyond old boundaries."

According to the district, students are pleased with the new program.

"I plan on using my iPad to create projects to make better presentations," said Jacob Fountaine, DMS eighth-grader. "We are so happy, thankful and glad that we were able to be a part of this awesome program."

"I think 1:X is a great idea, because we are in a technological world," said Touaboy Drlynd, LHS junior. "It is helping us stay up to date with the 21st century."

Froese said the goal of the program is to empower teachers and students to be drivers and designers and to allow students to start creating their own solutions."

Parents may opt in and out of the program. As a substitute for the district-issued device, in-class devices, books and other materials will be available for students.

"Every student will have access to technology within the classroom and on the campus whether they participate in the program or not," Froese said.

LISD filters block inappropriate websites on or off the district network, which is a federal requirement of the Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA).

For information visit 1toX.lisd.net.

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