Idaho school district to provide tablets in digital upgrade

NAMPA, Idaho – An Idaho school district is handing out tablets to its students, hoping teachers can incorporate the devices into their day-to-day lessons.

The Idaho Press-Tribune reports that six Nampa schools area a part of the first phase of the initiative meant to digitally upgrade the district. Elementary school students will be given iPads and high schoolers will use a Windows-based tablet.

Teachers are being trained through Northwest Nazarene University’s Doceo Center for Innovative Instruction to use tablets in the classroom.

Phase one of the digital upgrade is expected to cost $4 million after buying the devices, making technological upgrades and hiring new staff members. It will be paid for through Nampa’s technology fund.

District officials visited schools in Oregon, Washington, Utah and Colorado to see how they use devices in the classroom.

AP-WF-02-22-16 1451GMT