Devon Forest Elementary School receives $50,000 Google Community Grant for 1:1 Digital Learning Initiative

GOOSE CREEK, SC – Cristie Mitchum has always had a passion for technology. As principal of Devon Forest Elementary, she has observed firsthand the positive impact technology has played in education.  Over the years, Mitchum’s intention has been to stay on the forefront of technology by providing teachers and students with the latest gadgets to support instruction such as SMARTboards, Elmos, iPads, Clickers, Chromebooks, and much more.  Mitchum’s goal is to provide her staff and students with equitable 21st century tools and resources to ensure more educational experiences and opportunities for success.  “Technology is vital to the success of students in today’s society due to the ever-changing nature of today’s job market demands. We are training our students for jobs that do not exist yet.  Through technology and best teaching practices, we can prepare our students with skills necessary to embrace the jobs of today and tomorrow,” stated Eliza Jourdain, lead kindergarten teacher at DFE.

Devon Forest Elementary (DFE) is a pre-k to fifth grade Title I elementary school located in Goose Creek, South Carolina, with a diverse population of over 950 students.  To increase student achievement, Mitchum felt that a 1:1 digital learning initiative would help meet the needs of every student.  Jourdain and Erika Wyatt, Technology Instructional Coach at DFE, met with Google representatives who expressed interest in helping Berkeley County School District (BCSD) students excel through technology.

Wyatt and Jourdain collaborated together to write a technology grant with support from Mitchum and Diane Driggers, BCSD Executive Director of Technology.   The grant, Getting on the Tech Track, was submitted to the Google Community Grant Team in June. DFE was awarded the $50,000 grant in August which provided funding for netbooks for students and professional development for teachers.  “Thanks to Google’s generosity and support from Title I funding, our students are 1:1 with Chromebooks in grades third through fifth. We are so excited about the new teaching tools and strategies these devices will bring to our classrooms,” stated Mitchum.    With approximately 860 mobile devices, students now have expanded opportunities to participate in collaborative, innovative learning.  The school’s goal is to eventually push down this 1:1 initiative to students in pre-k through second grade.  

On-going professional development opportunities on how to infuse digital devices through a blended learning model are provided for teachers.  A “Digital Playground” has been created to give teachers and students hands-on experiences exploring technology.  According to Wyatt, “It is amazing to witness our classrooms being transformed into collaborative learner-centered environments by using a mix of technology and teacher-led instruction.  A blended learning model makes anywhere and anytime learning a reality for our students. Through technology, we are taking learning to the next level at DFE!”

BCSD Executive Director of Technology, Diane Driggers believes the 1:1 digital learning initiative will open up new learning possibilities for students.  Driggers commented, “It is exciting to watch the technology resources being used by our students and teachers.  This is a testament to the wonderful results that are possible when schools, businesses and communities come together to enrich young lives.”  DFE Principal Cristie Mitchum looks forward to paving the way for positive change in Berkeley County School District.  Mitchum stated, “We would love for Devon Forest to be a showcase school of what 1:1 technology truly should look like in an elementary school setting.”