by Adam Shear
WOODWAY - Several Central Texas schools districts are adding iPads to their classrooms this year, but a new software program Midway ISD is using with the tablets might help eliminate the barrier between home and school.
Beginning Wednesday, Midway High School and Middle School will phase in a software, known as Virtual Desktop Infrastructure or VDI, that will allow some students to access their schoolwork from just about any place with internet access.
"The possibilities are endless. I mean really it's an amazing concept and you don't quite get everything that can happen," said Traci Marlin, Midway ISD. "It gets really exciting when you realize what all you'll be able
Those schools will get roughly 60 iPads each to test the software within the district. Those devices will be used within the schools until the district creates a plan that will let students take the tablets home with them.
Midway ISD eventually hopes that students will all be able to use the software from their own homes. This will give students the opportunity to work on things they started in the classroom and finish them at home on any device that has access to the internet.
"It doesn't matter if the student has an android device or if they have an iPhone or and iPad or some other tablet or notebook [personal computer]," said Adam Feind, Midway ISD Technology. "From any device [students] can now access [their school] desktop. It's pretty cool."
While just two Midway schools will use software this year, the district eventually hopes in the near future they will be able to provide iPads to take home to use the software when they need to. The school also says that if students can take home their iPads, that the district may no longer need to use standard textbooks.
For the few parents who have shown some concern about their students still learning the basics, such as hand writing and arts and crafts, the district says students will still get their fill of regular curriculum.
"They will still be able to use textbooks in the classroom when that's still appropriate," said Marlin. "They can also use iPads and the interactive games and apps, if that's what's the best appropriate material. It allows the teacher to choose what the best way of instruction will be."
The district was able to fund the pilot VDI program using money from their general fund. In order for the district to eventually fund the purchase of iPads for every student it is possible that the district may have to raise property taxes.
