#BacktoSchoolNYC Lessons from An #NYCSchoolsTech Educator: Onboarding for A Successful 1:1 Implementation

Ever wonder what it takes to successfully prepare for back to school in a building where there is a 1:1 iPad implementation? Lliana Villegas opened the doors to PS 96 in Manhattan to show exactly how this works at her school.  The school is a part of the Verizon Innovative Learning program which works in partnership with Digital Promise to provide all middle school students with iPads that can connect to internet at school via the internet and away from school via a data plan.

This means distributing, maintaining, and ensuring effective instructional use of devices for all students. Ms. Villegas helps set the stage for success with a well-organized process which she has refined in year two of the program.

Here’s how it works.

Onboarding starts the week before students report to school. There is a day for grade 6, 7, and 8.  Each grade focuses on the specifics needed for those students i.e. for grade 6 there is an orientation; for grade 8 there is a focus on high school applications.  For those who are unable to go through the process, there is a make up opportunity.

Here are the flyers parents received:

Onboarding is a four-step, two-hour process. Here is the overview:

Ms. Villegas uses Trello to outline what will happen during each stage of the onboarding process. There is a station for each step.  

Station 1/Step 1: Check in!

Here is what happens at this station.

Here's what parents and their children experience.

Parents enter the building and are welcomed at a greeting table where they get checked in and pick up materials.

Ms. Villegas explains the process.

Station 2 / Step 2: Review forms with Ms. Villegas

Here is what happens at this station.

Here's what parents and their children experience.

Ms. Villegas brings parents through a review of the contracts, forms, and information connected to the program.

Ms. Villegas explains how they are using research to inform their work.

Station 3/ Step 3: Pick up iPads:

Here is what happens at this station.

Here's what parents and their children experience.

Students pick up their iPads.

This student shows the groovy case that lets you securely hold your iPad and also converts to a stand when using it at your desk.

Station 4/ Step 4:

Here is what happens at this station.

Here's what parents and their children experience.

Google Classroom Experience / Meet Teachers

Ms. Villegas explains how Google Classroom works.

This clear and organized method will help ensure that back to school at PS 96 will with kick off to a smooth start. Students are set with their learning tools in hand and ready to begin a successful school year.