Along the remote southeastern border near Arkansas sets an atypical small town called Howe, Oklahoma. With a population just shy of 800 people, and a median income level straddling the poverty level, you might think technology would be an afterthought.
But for the 600+ students in the Howe Public Schools District, technology is a core
part of their daily lives.
Technology to amplify and engage
As a small school district, Howe has purposely focused on technology to amplify and enhance educational opportunities for students. Their strategy has been led, in part, by Dr. Lance Ford who serves dual roles in the district. First as teacher, second as a Cisco education technology advocate. Along with staff, faculty, students, and supporters throughout the community, he has evidenced first-hand how a small school district can provide big insights into applying technologies that can shape the future of education.
Swift and seamless transition
Thanks to innovative technologies like Cisco Webex, a typical day in Howe Public Schools moves seamlessly from virtual classrooms that stretch across the sprawling district to individual on-demand experiences that let students learn at their own pace. Howe's ability to transition rapidly with the needs of users is pushing this small school district to the forefront of hybrid learning. Yet the process has had its challenges and required a long-term approach on several fronts.
