As a student in the inaugural cohort of Midland University’s Three to Teach program, Melissa Chavez is grateful for the resources being provided in her road to becoming a full-time educator.
One of those resources is an iPad and Apple Pencil provided for all students participating in the program. “The iPad has made learning more accessible, flexible, and engaging,” Chavez said. “It’s been a truly valuable resource in helping me progress through my first year of the program.”
In its continuing efforts to address a nationwide shortage of teachers, Midland University recently instituted this new initiative. The Three to Teach program is designed for paraeducators with few to no college credits. By the end of the 3-year, 100% online program, participants will earn a bachelor’s degree in either Elementary Education K-8, Secondary Education in the area of Special Education 7-12. Those pursuing their degree in Elementary Education will earn an additional teaching endorsement in one of the following areas: Special Education Generalist K-8, Early Childhood Education, or English as a Second Language. Those pursuing their degree in Secondary Education will earn a 7-12 Special Education Generalist teaching endorsement, enabling them to teach in secondary special education settings.
Nancy Christensen, Dean for the Walker School of Education, said the iPads are just one way students are given the opportunity to succeed in the program. “Anytime you offer a brand new pathway, and it’s 100% online, you have to consider student engagement and connection,” she said. “That communication is so important, and the iPads are just another way of assisting with that.”
“These students are continuing to work as paras while they are completing this program, so receiving this technology, and already having the apps available, has been such a benefit to them.”
Through Midland 101, a summer course led by Dr. Johanna Barnes, professor and Teacher Career Ladder Coordinator, students were brought up to speed on all of the functions of the iPad and its multifaceted usage.
“They were very confident in being able to figure many things out,” Barnes said. “One of the first things I noticed was that many of them use Notability. They’ve also been able to utilize it for slides, as well as accessing their assignments.”
Other uses for students include accessing Canvas, reviewing lectures, submitting assignments, organizing materials, and keeping track of dates.
Chavez says having this type of technology at her disposal has allowed her to stay on top of assignments and feel engaged with her classes. “Having the iPad allows me to stay organized and connected at all times, especially since I balance work as a paraprofessional with college courses,” she said. “The iPad helps me complete readings, participate in discussions, and communicate efficiently with instructors. It’s also been great for watching educational videos and accessing interactive materials that support my learning style. It has also made it much easier to study and work on lessons during breaks, or when I am away from home.”
Christensen said iPad usage for these students is two-fold: it not only helps them with their coursework but also sets them up for future success as educators in an ever-evolving field. “They are learning that this is a core tool to navigate and use, not only as a learner themselves, but it’s teaching them how to utilize technology when they engage with students as a teacher,” she said. “It’s multi-layered in that they can learn, instruct, and facilitate, as well as using it to connect with parents.
“It’s really helped with the learning curve.”
