iPad implementation successful despite a few glitches
The first year of iPad technology for the Northfield School District has come and gone. Director of Administrative Services, Matt Hillman said, as with anything new, they had a few glitches. Overall he said he would characterize it as a successful first year. He says they learned a lot as things change so rapidly with technology. That’s one of the reasons they leased the iPads rather than buying them. They chose the iPad 2 already two years ago for the teachers to start getting used to and since then they’ve seen 3 new versions. Fortunately, the iPad 2′s will be compatible with changes coming this Fall. Distraction for the students was something they monitored. Newly hired Director of Technology Services, Kim Briske said there have always been distractions. The key is making learning applicable – the iPad brings it to life. It’s also important to teach kids responsible use. They pointed out that adults have that same issue. Hillman said he’d rather the kids learn the lesson in high school than risk losing a job or paying for college that doesn’t work out as they’d hoped. Hillman added that one of the big things they focused on was training for the teachers which they will continue to do. Technology is a part of the tool for teaching but instruction from them is the most important piece. Hillman said they have anywhere for 1 to 200 teachers that will take the training and oftentimes, they aren’t paid to be there.
Mill Towns Trail kiosk signage will explain the impact of the mills
Dundas is putting together the signage for the Mill Towns Trail trailhead kiosk. City Administrator John McCarthy says they plan on attracting a lot of folks to the area. He said it’s a lot of interesting history with a rich representation of the area and the impact of the Mills. McCarthy said a lot of local people made tremendous contributions of their knowledge to the information for the signs.
Northfield WORKS graduates their 1st class
Northfield WORKS, the CAC’s community job partnership program, announced their first graduated class of program participants! Graduates recently completed an intensive 30-hour job readiness training. With their new skills and knowledge, Executive Director Jim Blaha, says they plan to apply for jobs in the fields of healthcare, manufacturing and business. Northfield WORKS is now working to pair each graduate with an appropriate mentor who will meet with the client on a regular basis to offer support and advice. If you’re interested in serving as a mentor or have questions contact the CAC at 664-3580. There will be a mentor training session on Wednesday, June 25, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at the CAC in room 101.
The first Northfield Fire Department Joint Powers Association (JPA) board meeting will take place on Wednesday morning at 7:30AM at the Northfield Safety Center on W. 5th Street.
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The post Today’s news update – iPad implementation successful despite a few glitches; Mill Towns Trail kiosk signage will explain the impact of the mills; Northfield WORKS graduates their 1st class appeared first on KYMN Radio - Northfield, MN.