Taylor Elementary School of Abilene will receive iPads for five kindergarten classes this week thanks in part to the ACU Department of Education.

Jenn Rogers, instructor of education, said the concept of the “21st century learner” is the inspiration for putting iPads in the hands of 5-year-olds.

ACU students studying early childhood development directly interact with the Taylor Elementary students and the new technology provided. Student teachers will show the kids how to use the iPads to create school projects. The opportunity allows ACU students in the Department of Teacher Education to experience teaching in the field and learn the new technology.

While the students of ACU gain experience from the distribution of iPads, the teachers and students of Taylor Elementary also benefit.

“It’s relevant to them. ” Rogers said. “It’s a part of their culture, and we have to capitalize on what their learning styles are.”

Jody Reese, a kindergarten teacher at Taylor Elementary, said she is surprised with how well her students have understood and used technology. The students and teachers have been able to work with iTouches and MacBooks at times during the past year and plan to continue integrating technology with the iPads.

Each of the five kindergarten classes will receive four iPads. The students will use them to make videos and work together on projects. Often, the kindergarteners will understand how the programs work better than the teachers, Reese said.

“I expect the kids to be thrilled.” Reese said. “They love technology.”

To prepare the teachers of Taylor Elementary ACU hosted Learning Institute sessions this summer. The teachers had to at least catch up to the level of their young students in order to take full advantage of the available technology. ACU continues to give support and answers any questions the teachers may have throughout the school year.

“ACU is not just dropping off and leaving,” Reese said. “They are still supporting us. It’s pretty amazing.”

More information of ACU’s education department can be found at www.acu.edu/academics/cehs/programs/teachereducation/index.html. Information about technology in the classroom is available at http://www.powerontexas.com/?page_id=584.