The Mobile Learning Initiative (MLI) began in 2008 in elementary classrooms across D205 with the introduction of classroom laptops to support the Reading Street literacy program. Over 600 laptops were deployed in carts of four or five in every classroom from kindergarten through grade 5.

In 2011-2012 iPads and iPods began making inroads in the District primarily through the generosity of the District 205 Foundation Thiems Grant program, PTA donations, and private benefactors. At the time, approximately half of the District's almost 700 iPads and iPods were used in elementary schools where teachers and students began exploring ways to enhance learning through interactive touch technologies.

In 2012-2013 the original 600 laptops were replaced with over 900 new laptops, increasing student access by 50%. Additionally, D205 began a Google Apps for Education pilot with one device per student, or 1:1, in a few classes at York High School. One student reported, “The Chromebook helped me learn ... it helped me stay more focused, and I felt more independent while working.”

The Google and Chromebook pilot was expanded to our three middle schools in 2013-2014. One middle school teacher revealed that “(The MLI pilot) helped me to rethink my instructional approach (and) diversify my own classroom and thinking. This is the technological world that our students live in … I truly believe this is the world in which they should be educated.” The following year, additional Chromebooks were deployed and, Instructional Technology Coaches were hired in the middle schools and at York to provide teachers with high-quality professional development and just-in-time coaching on how to intersect good pedagogy with technology to achieve learning targets.

2015-2016 was the first time in Elmhurst 205 where each student in grades 6 through 12 had access to a computer in every class (1:1 computing). York students began purchasing their Chromebook and take it home with them daily while middle school students accessed 1:1 Chromebooks on carts. In the elementary schools, Google Apps for Education was introduced and each school received a cart of Chromebooks. Professional learning opportunities for our teachers were offered in the Spring of 2015, during the summer, and throughout the 2015-2016 school year. Students at York obtained tech support for their Chromebooks from student peers in a new Technology Services Internship (TSI) class. TSI students learn real-life skills such as customer service, computer trouble-shooting and repair, and procedure development and documentation.

The 2016-2017 school year maintained the 1:1 Chromebook implementation in grades 6-12 and expanded Chromebooks in the elementary level. In Grade 5 a Chromebook was provided for each student (1:1) and in grade 4 one Chromebook was provided for every 2 students (2:1). Additional Instructional Coaches were hired to provide teachers in all schools with instructional support, including effective use of technology to support the district's student achievement objectives. Professional learning opportunities for teachers were offered throughout the summer and school year.

2017-2018 saw Chromebooks be deployed to every student in grades 3 and 4, joining grade 5 in a full 1:1 Chromebook implementation. The Technology Services Internship (TSI) class at York, which provides student Chromebook support, expanded from three periods to four periods per day. Professional learning opportunities for teachers were offered throughout the summer and school year. In addition, Chromebooks were also added to grade 2 and iPads are introduced in grades K (2:1) and 1(1:1) in 2018-2019.

As a response to the circumstances of COVID, all D205 students began taking devices home in 2019-2020 to support virtual learning and in 2020 Kindergarten students moved from 2:1 to 1:1 with iPad devices. The district envisions this practice will remain for all students moving forward in 2021 and beyond. Additional work has been completed to identify devices more capable of handing the variety of formats implemented this past year to further support student learning.

Looking forward, the district is exploring new structures as we look to move students to a true 1:1 program. This includes using data collected over the years to identify new devices and structural shifts in the purchase of new technologies. Data is inclusive of district trends, student and parent feedback, and student and teacher experiences.

A special mention goes to our entire Technology Department for this rollout and the countless educators involved in these professional development efforts. In acknowledgement of their hard work, our Technology Department earned the THOSE WHO EXCEL award in 2021 for their work as a Service Team!

When considering frameworks for effective technology integration, several structures are utilized:

1. Technology Integration Matrix (TIM) - TIM incorporates five interdependent characteristics of meaningful learning environments: active, collaborative, constructive, authentic, and goal-directed. These characteristics are associated with five levels of technology integration: entry, adoption, adaptation, infusion, and transformation.

2. P21 - Partnership for 21st Century Learning - P21 has identified five critical support systems to ensure all students receive the kinds of learning experiences that build 21st century competency: 21st Century Standards, Assessments of 21st Century Skills, 21st Century Curriculum and Instruction, 21st Century Professional Development, and 21st Century Learning Environments

3. Rigor/Relevance Framework - An action ­oriented continuum that describes putting knowledge to use—gives teachers and administrators a way to develop both instruction and assessment while providing students with a way a way to project learning goals.

When planning for Instructional Technology, the following standards are considered:

1. American Association of School Librarians (AASL) Framework for Learners - Shared foundations and key commitments.

2. Common Core Standards - Easy access to ELA and Math standards, along with supporting information and resources.

3. Computer Science Teachers Association (CSTA) Standards - K-12 CS standards focused on Algorithms and Programming, Computing Systems, Data & Analysis, Impacts of Computing, and Networks and the Internet.

4. ISTE for Educators - Helping students become empowered learners. These standards deepen practice, promote collaboration with peers, challenge individuals to rethink traditional approaches and prepare students to drive their own learning.

5. ISTE for Students - The ISTE Standards for Students are designed to empower student voice and ensure learning is a student-driven process.