Edmund W. Miles Middle School students now have increased access to technology as a learning tool, as the district launched its 1:1 Chromebook initiative.

Students in grades 7-9 and their parents were invited to an informational meeting on Feb. 26. Superintendent Dr. Mary T. Kelly discussed the educational advantages of the Chromebooks, which students will use in school and at home. They will have around-the-clock access to their assignments through Google Classroom. It also increases opportunities to collaborate with classmates, communicate with teachers and become responsible digital citizens.

Dr. Kelly explained that research shows that providing members of this tech-savvy generation with their own devices has a positive effect on academic outcomes because of the corresponding increase in student engagement and research-based best practices in teaching and learning. She added that it also prepares them for the technology-based learning environments at the college level.

“We are preparing our students for success in a world that is dynamic and ever changing,” she said. “The research demonstrates that 1:1 initiatives transform teaching and learning by fostering students’ ownership of their learning, and by providing opportunities for active learning, problem-solving, critical thinking, digital literacy and citizenship, and collaboration with their teachers and peers.

Ninth-grade social studies teacher Jack Zider and his Advanced Placement Human Geography students demonstrated educational tools such a Quizlet, an interactive platform for content review. Mr. Zider said that he and his fellow teachers are excited about the possibilities for enriched lessons now that all students have their own devices.

Students received their Acer Chromebooks, which come equipped with the G-Suite for Education including Google Docs, Sheets and Slides. They were also given protective cases, chargers and ear buds.

In January, all first- through sixth-grade classrooms at Northwest and Park Avenue elementary schools were outfitted with Chromebook carts with enough devices for every child. Middle school students were the first to receive take-home Chromebooks. Next year, the 1:1 initiative will be expanded to the high school. It is being funded through a $125,000 grant from State Sen. John Brooks and money from Amityville’s share of the Smart Schools Bond Act.