AMARILLO, TX -- It's just another day at North Heights for teacher Mark Williams. As an alternative school, the students are encouraged to try new and different ways of learning. Including the newest tech tools and gadgets like the iPads for each students in his class.
"We've had iPads for a couple months and I find is they do all their projects, remediation, prop work, writing, reading...it forces them to take traditional learned materials and enhance it with the iPad," said Williams.
These students are part of the digital generation, which gives them a step up in an electronic classroom. They grew up using computers and are part of the online phenomenon. And like every generation before them advances offer aid in their education, like a device that puts everything in the palm of their hands.
"If we use it to our advantage to teach them with technology for learning, it's a win-win for everybody."
Students like Eric Wiley say it's a new way to learn. They're prepping for college classes on the same device they're studying elements or virtually dissecting a frog.
"We have iTunes University and we can go in. I'm taking psychology classes that come from Yale and it really helps us a lot," said Wiley.
Williams concurs, "It feels like playing even though they're doing real education rigorous work."
And while there's always a temptation to go play online these students know they have to be responsible.
"Not only is it a privilege, it's a responsibility and I think it makes it easier to learn," adds Wiley. "It makes it easier to learn instead of the pen and paper textbooks."
For Williams the iPad makes learning a two way street.
"Everyday these kids teach me something new about technology."
