WAVERLY --- At Waverly-Shell Rock's Washington Irving Elementary School, students are crossing off items from next year's school supply lists and downloading applications instead.
The new middle school under construction will merge technology with critical thinking and fifth- and sixth-grade students and faculty with the junior high's seventh- and eighth-grades.
Teachers at the new W-SR Middle School received Apple iPad 2s three weeks ago. Students entering the school are trying out the miniature computers and will each receive their own Aug. 18.
In collaboration with the new school, a one-to-one student learning initiative is in the works, based on the concept that schools will provide some type of anywhere, anytime learning device.
"It's an exciting time. What we're doing is not about technology. It's about fundamentally changing the way we do business. ... We are excited about the changes ahead," said Bridgette Wagoner, director of educational services for W-SR Schools.
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White boards, planners and textbooks are now accessible on the iPad 2. Thousands of educational applications are a fingertip away including Smartnote, Paper Desk and Whiteboard.
Students will no longer need to carry calculators, pencils, papers, headphones --- or even books.
"And the learning curve for these kids is amazing," said sixth-grade teacher Leisa Bailey. "They desire to be productive and accurate and want to share what they've learned."
Dan Schuh, Melanie Muller and Emily Perrott, all sixth-grade students, demonstrated their knowledge of several educational applications.
"She just handed me the program and I just went," said 12-year-old Dan Schuh.
Schuh has tested out both iPads 1 and 2, and prefers the newer version.
"It's a lot easier to send, scroll and edit," he said. "It's hard at first, but you get used to it really quickly."
All students first used an iPad in February.
"You have to be flexible with this type of technology," Bailey said. "It's a win-win situation. They're proud of what they've done. It's a very productive use of time."
Bailey notes the iPads provide instant communication, time efficiency and a level playing field for all students.
"Plus, we can communicate with the parents so easily," she said.
All applications provided to the students will be administered by faculty and only for educational purposes.
Students will also be able to check out books online through the Waverly Public Library.
"I don't see them on the iPads all day long. I see this as just one other tool for them," Bailey said.
Shelby Soeder, a teacher in the district for more than 23 years, is also testing out her iPad with students.
"They love it. They catch on so quickly," she said.
The new design is 33 percent thinner and up to 15 percent lighter than the iPad 1.
More information on the iPad 2 can be found at http://www.apple.com/ipad/features/.
"I think they'll be even better than computers. And a lot more portable," Perrott said.
