The Midland Independent School District (Midland ISD) has announced that for the 2023-2024 school year, students will have access to personal technological devices. The August 23rd announcement indicated that these devices would be uniquely assigned to each student, entirely free of charge.
"As learning increasingly happens in a digital environment, curricula have moved to devices such as iPads and Chromebooks," said Fatima Muñiz, Executive Director of Technology, according to a news release from Midland ISD. "Because of this, it’s critical that students have access to a device without the hassle of checking one in and out. It’s theirs to take home and will follow them for many years as they advance grade levels."
According to the news release, the 2023–2024 school year will feature the availability of a “digital learning device” for every student. This means that each student will be given a device, such as a Chromebook, to take home and use completely “free of charge.” The release states that although the school district announced across-the-board digital learning access in 2021, the difference is that now the district is a “1:1 technology district.” This means that there is a device for every student, rather than a system of checking out devices.
The release states that computer skills and general interaction with technology are very important, especially in terms of preparation for “state-mandated testing”, which is usually taken using a computer. The release explains that the integration of technology in the classroom begins early on, with iPads being used in kindergarten and first grade and Chromebooks beginning in second grade.
The release reports that these devices will be managed by the school district via “GoGuardian,” which will be able to track activity and ensure a safe environment.
Midland ISD is a school district in Midland, Texas. According to the organization's website, the district comprises close to 28,000 students and have been around for over a century. The website states that Midland ISD is dedicated to providing opportunities and offering support to the students within the district.