2 Hancock Co. Elementary Schools Get iPads For Every 4th-Grader

Textbooks are on their way to becoming a thing of the past at two Hancock County elementary schools. The students are now using iPads for much of their schoolwork.

The $100,000 pilot program is under way at Weirton Heights and Allen T. Allison elementary schools. At both schools, every fourth-grader gets his or her own iPad to use at school.

"They're tired of the paper. This is exciting. It's got color. It brings it to life," said Weirton Heights Principal Frank Cary.

Students are already reading and doing math on their iPads, and they could soon be turning in their assignments online.

"Each child is going to receive an e-mail address. They will be able to e-mail their papers to their teacher," Carey said.

This is also not likely the end of the program. In fact, it will probably only expand, said Hancock County Title 1 Director Betty McGillen.

"That's the way of the future. It's e-books," McGillen said.

Now, teachers and administrators are focused on getting the most out of the iPads.

"What we need to do now is teach the children how to use the knowledge that's there, and that's got to start young," Carey said.

Not everything is set up yet, but when it is, the students will have wireless in every classroom, they'll use the iPads as part of their daily work, and they'll be able to download apps.

The pilot program was paid for with the help of federal grant money. Officials said the program could soon be expanding into other schools and other grade levels.

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