Engaged Learning Initiative to provide iPads, Nooks to Hoover students

Hoover school officials recently announced the “Engaged Learning Initiative,” a technology pilot program scheduled to launch this school year to provide students and teachers with digital learning devices.

Beginning in September, Nooks will be distributed to students in select elementary and middle school classrooms; iPads will go to seniors at both Hoover and Spain Park high schools.

The project is an expansion of a small pilot project that took place during the 2011- 2012 school year at Gwin and Green Valley elementary schools. The devices will be

property of Hoover City Schools and will be assigned to students. If all goes well, plans call for the initiative to eventually provide each student in grades 3-12 a Nook or iPad by the 2013-2014 school year.

Designed to enrich the learning experience for students, the Enhanced Learning Initiative will allow students to use web-based research and applications to problem solve, do homework and carry out general study in and out of the classroom. The devices will further individualize and differentiate instruction, allowing students to learn at their own paces and in different ways.