The Madison County Business League congratulates Dr. Ronnie McGehee and Madison County Schools! Thank you for your vision and leadership!
Dr. McGehee notes, “The time is here, the time is now. The pressure and perseverancehas paid off. Seeing this project come together for our students has been awe inspiring.”
After several years of research, testing multiple devices in the classroom, evaluating how our teachers use technology, consulting with other schools who have implemented 1:1 Initiatives, and keeping fiscal responsibility at the forefront, Madison County Schools (MCS) is proud to announce that we are embarking on a 1:M Digital Initiative for the 2014 – 2015 school year. This initiative, led by Superintendent Dr. Ronnie McGehee with the support of the Madison County School Board, aims to enhance student learning by creating a personalized, student centered learning environment. Each student in grades 9-12 will receive a laptop (MacBook Air) to use in school and at home.
Our motto is “Madison County Schools: Mark of Excellence!” We are strongly committed to offering a challenging education, and that commitment is very evident in the programs and opportunities available to our children. Our goal is not only to help each child reach his or her fullest potential, but also for each child to excel. Dr. Ronnie McGehee notes, “Students will truly be afforded daily opportunities to create, collaborate and communicate. We are preparing our students locally to compete globally.”
MCS strives to develop students who are critical thinkers, creative, can identify and solve problems, have strong communication skills and are technologically savvy. We believe this is the key to developing lifelong learners and fostering 21st century skills. Simply being able to use technology isno longer enough. Today’s students need to be able to use technology to analyze, learn and explore. Digital age skills are vital for preparing students to work, live and contribute to the social and civic fabric of their communities.
Madison County Schools has always been focused on student learning and assessment; however the technical platform provides opportunities historically unheard of. Gavin Guynes, MCS IT Director, reported that his team enthusiastically embraced the charge to research 1:1 programs nationally and develop a strategic plan for implementation. “An early investment preparing for 1:M included a partnership with the learning management system (LMS), CANVAS. This served as an important building block for our 1: M Digital Initiative because an LMS provides a centralized, consistent virtual learning space through which parents, students, and teachers can work.” Through CANVAS, educational resources are posted and teachers can give timely and informative feedback to students. For example, a student can write a paper, turn it in on CANVAS, and then receive written and/or verbal feedback from the teacher online. Online quizzes and tests can be created for instant feedback. Teachers can record their lessons so that students can review if they are absent or just need to refresh their memory.
For more information, visit www.madison-schools.com/1M