Future teachers equipped with iPads at Southeast

Southeast Missouri State University freshman education majors picked up iPad Air devices on Friday as part of the College of Education's new EDvolution program, aimed at preparing future teachers for technology in the classroom.

The freshmen were the first batch of students to get their iPad Airs, with sophomores, juniors and seniors to follow.

"It's a good program. Think about it: These are the people who are going to be teaching your children and grandchildren, and you want them to come in and be able to use a device these kids have grown up on," said Martha Henckell, director of user services for Southeast's Information Technology department.

"... This will make them comfortable before they get into the classroom. Change is hard, but we have to hit it head-on. It'll really put us on stronger footing with the students that these kids will be teaching. I think it's been pretty well-received so far," Henckell added.

Diana Rogers-Adkinson, dean of the College of Education, said students are excited about EDvolution. She said the college's school district partners have been "very pleased to see us moving in this direction."

Friday's traffic came in fits and starts, with more students arriving in the morning. The lull helped the IT staff get used to the pickup procedure.

"Monday we look for it to get a lot stronger," Henckell said.

Savannah Norville, Jayde Farmer, Emily Wilkinson and Michaela Redohl were some of the students who obtained their iPads before 10 a.m.

The students came from high schools that provided laptops or gave them the option to use personal devices, but didn't provide items such as iPads.

They agreed it was good Southeast was offering the iPad rentals or the option to buy their own.

"I think it's a great program, especially since technology is becoming more prominent in school these days," said Norville, who is from Jackson, Tennessee.

Farmer, of Duquoin, Illinois, said it's good to know how to use them now so it's not a new experience when she begins teaching.

"In the classroom, technology is advancing. If we don't know how to use them now, we're going to be behind," she said.

Michaela Redohl of St. Louis said the one downside is having to worry about breaking the device.

Rogers-Adkinson said in an email the devices cost $200 a semester, which includes AppleCare, a cover and a service to "push apps" directly to students. Repair issues also are handled, she said.

Students can opt out and buy their own iPad Air 32gb, Rogers-Adkinson said.

Henckell said students are told there is a company that provides robbery, burglary and theft insurance.

An online guide is available on the IT Web page to help students with getting started to troubleshooting, she said.

rcampbell@semissourian.com

388-3639

Pickup times

* Seniors can get their iPad Airs from 8:30 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday.

* Juniors can get devices from 8:30 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Thursday.

* Sophomores can receive their devices from 8:30 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Friday.