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Mineola presents technology survey, plans phased keyboard rollout and AI guidance for classrooms
Summary
Dr. Smith told the board that a March staff survey and focus groups found limited daily iPad use in early grades and teacher interest in keyboards for older students; the district plans to phase keyboards in 2026–27 for grades 5–9 and 2027–28 for grades 3–4 and will continue guidance on AI and parental resources.
Dr. Smith presented results from a district technology survey and related focus groups at the Mineola Union Free School District board meeting on May 19, outlining current device use, planned device‑management changes and professional learning tied to artificial intelligence and accessibility.
According to the presentation, 136 staff responses and follow‑up focus groups showed that 95% of PreK–4 teachers reported students used iPads less than 60 minutes a day; in middle and high schools, 74% of staff reported students were on devices for less than or equal to half of a class period. On subject‑specific use, teachers reported iPad use for note taking and writing was low; more use was reported for reading and math. Dr. Smith said district teachers use EdTech tools such as Lexia, MClass, EZCBM, Matific, Reflex, Mathspace and others to provide data that informs instruction.
The presentation reported 61.8% of responding teachers in grades 5–12 said students would benefit from a keyboard on their iPad. Dr. Smith outlined a phased rollout: keyboards will be phased in for grades 5–9 in the 2026–27 school year and for grades 3–4 in 2027–28; libraries will continue to provide keyboard access and the district will repurpose collected devices to support the rollout. The district also plans to change its iPad replacement cycle so issued devices in ninth grade are on a four‑year cycle to improve longevity.
On equity and access, Dr. Smith said the district provides hotspots through a cooperative arrangement with BOCES and Optimum and that building CITs and principals identify families who need home internet access. District parental resources published on the website include screen‑time directions and instructions for Jamf mobile device management and Linewize filters; Dr. Smith said district staff can assist families who need help setting controls.
Dr. Smith addressed AI and instructional design: the district’s approach, he said, is to teach students to use AI thoughtfully—"be smart, stay safe, make it your own"—and to focus on assignments that promote learning rather than having AI do the work. The presentation included examples of teacher professional learning (Apple Professional Learning focused on accessibility, accessibility features built into Apple devices, and pilot uses of NotebookLM within the teacher Google environment) and described infrastructure upgrades (network switches, firewall updates, battery backups and camera replacements) to support computer‑based testing and classroom technology.
Board members praised the emphasis on equitable uses of technology and asked follow‑up questions about parental supports and the practicalities of issuing keyboards. Dr. Smith said individual students in need can request keyboards through counselors or teachers and that purchases will require assistant superintendent approval as part of budget processes. The board asked the administration to share the presentation with families; members also requested continued focus on balancing in‑school instructional use with healthy screen‑time habits at home.
The presentation concluded with a district video highlighting student work and the goal that technology be used to create and deepen learning, not merely to consume content.
