Technology Transforms Learning Across Shawano Schools

SHAWANO, WI- A shift toward digital learning is making a big impact in Shawano schools, as students and teachers embrace new tools that are reshaping instruction and boosting engagement.

At the middle school level, podcasting has taken center stage in grades 4-8. Students in the News Nest, the middle school’s announcement room, are now using Apple’s GarageBand app to create professional-quality podcasts complete with music, sound effects, and polished scripts written in Apple Pages. Students also explored the Voice Memo app as part of their digital learning experience.

Jim Weber, a senior specialist with Apple Professional Learning—affectionately known as “Apple Jim” by district staff—guided students and teachers in enhancing their digital productions.

Middle School English Language Arts teacher Anne Beck said the experience had a major impact on her seventh-grade students.

“The project encouraged students to work together while creating digital content, mirroring professional workplace practices,” Beck said. “It developed critical problem-solving skills, provided real-world digital communication experience, and created opportunities for self-assessment and revision.” She also praised the project for boosting student engagement through collaboration and creativity.

At the high school, Weber worked with teachers during a professional development session, offering training on the capabilities of the Safari browser, using iPad cameras to create PDF files, and exploring the features of Apple’s Numbers spreadsheet app.

New Technology at Primary and Elementary Schools Enhances Learning

Meanwhile, a separate technology upgrade at Hillcrest Primary and Olga Brener Elementary Schools has also transformed classrooms. This year, the district replaced outdated equipment with interactive flat panels, installing 33 Newline Boards at Hillcrest and 30 at Olga Brener.

The panels were first piloted last spring and fully installed over the summer, with staff trained ahead of the school year.

Kindergarten teacher Heather Wiese said the panels have “greatly enhanced” her classroom environment. Instead of being restricted to one spot, students can now sit anywhere and still clearly see the interactive display. The panels encourage both independent and collaborative learning, allowing students to engage more actively in their education.

“I am able to step back and watch them take on the role of teacher, helping each other grow and learn,” Wiese said. “Students are more invested when they take ownership of their learning, and the interactive flat panels have made that more accessible for all students.”

The Newline Boards also come equipped with built-in features like timers and overlay tools, allowing teachers to interact directly with any content displayed on the screen. Wiese added that having all her resources in one place, without switching between devices, has streamlined her teaching.

Even her students noticed the change. At the beginning of the year, one student asked why she wasn’t at her computer as much anymore. Wiese told the student that teaching them was her top priority. Later, that same student remarked, “I know you really care about our learning because you’re never at your computer.”

While technology may be the tool, Shawano educators believe the true lesson is about connection—bringing students together, sparking creativity, and making learning more engaging, meaningful, and fun.