River Eves Students Indulge in Mobile Learning

Thanks to Amanda Hayes of the River Eves Elementary School PTA for this information and photos:

Nancy Drew mysteries, Geronimo Stilton adventures, easy-reader stories, and an iPad minis are just a few of the treasures in the Mobile Media Center that Hannah Hnytka brings to classrooms to give students unlimited access to books at River Eves Elementary.  

Mrs. Hnytka, the New Media and Educational Technology Instructor, brought the idea of the mobile center to the school as part of her vision to inspire students to be lifelong learners and readers.  

River Eves students use the iPad mini—one of 108 iPads and iPad minis supplied by the River Eves Education Foundation (REEF)—to remotely connect with the media center’s software to instantly track the availability of books.  

Students scan a QR code (Quick Response Code) with the iPad mini to easily locate books—just one of the many ways the integration of technology with the academic experience is making today’s students digital learners.  

A quick visit to check out the books is the last step.

The Mobile Media Center helps students and teachers, alike. “The mobile center is a convenience when time is too tight for students to come to the media center and teachers are focused on delivering lessons or exams,” said Mrs. Hnytka. “I noticed it is harder for students to come to the media center during standardized test times and when a holiday break is nearing.  I thought ‘Why not bring the center to them?’” 

Hnytka uses the iPad to start a conversation with students about reading and the media center. 

By meeting with two to three students at a time in the hallway, she can provide individualized attention to even the shyest student and introduce classic titles and lesser-known books, search local availability of books by title or author on the iPad mini, and accept books for return.  

“The best part is making sure everyone has a new book to read while they are out of school for the holidays,” says Hnytka. “Though I am also happy to say I’ve seen a rise in the circulation of Nancy Drew mysteries as a result of introducing it to a new generation!”

Principal Neil Pinnock is very pleased with the results as well.  “Reading is integral to our goal of preparing every student for college and a career. The warmth and knowledge Mrs. Hnytka brings to our school, coupled with our use of technology, is making a difference.”

Prior to joining River Eves, Hannah Hnytka taught 3rd grade in Alabama, after earning her Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education and a master’s degree in Library Media.