
Case Study


School District 1:1 iPad Rollout
School District
1:1 iPad Rollout
The SOUTH FAYETTE SCHOOL DISTRICT has been a pioneer at integrating technology
with classroom education. The district prides itself on its cutting-edge approach to
classroom technology. Through the years, they’ve successfully implemented some bold
and innovative education initiatives. Much of their success can be attributed to their
attention to detail from start to finish. Everything from proper research, planning, and
preparation to finding the right tech partners to bring it all together has helped ensure
maximum results.
SFSD priorities presented to Digital Fix:
- Help plan a 1:1 initiative, whereby every student at SFSD would be issued a school
iPad for classroom and homework use. - Make decisions regarding Apple equipment and ideal iPad case selection for
protection, while not impacting ease of use or classroom use. - Network Considerations
- Apple IDs, Apple VPP, and App selection
- MDM integration
- Faculty Proficiency Evaluation on the iPad
- Roll out logistics to families
How Digital Fix Consulting Responded:
- Planning for the South Fayette 1:1 initiative began before Digital Fix Consulting
entered the picture. Early in their planning process, the district realized an endeavor
this size would require a partner proficient with Apple devices. One that could
consult on deployment logistics and provide group training. Digital Fix was called in
for the assist. We helped the district plan and prepare for the rollout; offering our
input and expertise while steering them away from common mistakes. - Digital Fix was involved in ten planning sessions. These meetings gave us a chance to
consult the administration on some key decisions they’d have to make prior to
deploying iPads into classrooms and student homes. Several of the planning sessions
involved technical brainstorming with the SFSD IT staff to resolve Network WiFi
Access Points, MDM enrollment and monitoring through Jamf, and Apple ID logistics
for each device. - Successful tech integration doesn’t happen if teachers aren’t comfortable using these
devices in the classroom. Digital Fix Consultants held three Professional Development
sessions with South Fayette faculty. The first session was a group training that served
as a basic introduction to the device. This group was comprised of 1st and 2nd grade
teachers. - The second and third Professional Development sessions involved the same group
and consisted of iPad training followed by a staff proficiency evaluation. These
sessions covered everything from the most basic skills (powering devices off/on) to
more complex tasks (Air Drop/Air Play). Groups were later split to give more time
and attention to those needing individual support and training. - Logistics play an important role when planning a 1:1 initiative. Over the course of
this roll out, there were 500 iPads deployed to 1st and 2nd graders as well as the 22
iPads for South Fayette faculty members. Digital Fix worked with South Fayette to
structure a 14 session rollout over a three-week period. - In addition, Digital Fix and South Fayette deveoped the “90-Minute iPad Parent
Playground”, which gave any parent uncomfortable with technology an opportunity
to spend time with experts to become more comfortable interacting with the iPad.
Digital Fix led a classroom-style training to all parents and their child through basic
iPad functionality, good charging practices, maintenance, care, and cleaning, and a
tips and tricks section to get the most out of their iPads. - The playground was designed to get the parents immediately comfortable with the
devices, and address any concerns parents had. Most ultimately learned a great
deal, including for their own personal mobile devices.
Email Testimonial from Dr. Jennifer Elise Iriti – SFSD School Board Member:
All-
just came home from the iPad roll out session for Mia’s class. Wow! It was so well
thought-out, organized, and smooth.only word to describe it is “impressive.” I’ve never
seen a roll out of a major initiative in another district done so well- from logistics, to
hardware/software, to aesthetics, information, instruction for parents and for kids! The
families around me just kept saying things like, “This is first class” and “They thought of
everything.” Most impressive was the very laser sharp focus that was communicated to the
parents that this initiative is a way to transform learning and support student global
citizenship (not just play or have glitzy devices). Kudos to everyone who’s had a hand in
this……tremendous work!
Thank you-
Jen