Start of Something 'Neo': New device rollout for FCS staff

FLORENCE, Ala. — It's out with the old and in with the "Neo" as the Florence City Schools Technology Department introduced new devices to teachers in June for the upcoming school year.

The Florence City Board of Education approved the purchase of MacBook Neo devices to replace the current Chromebooks for teachers.

FCS Technology Director Adam Edwards said teachers will be able to use the MacBook Neo to integrate seamlessly with existing classroom technology.

"If they have things like their wireless Epson projectors, their ViewBoards, their BrightLinks—they're going to be able to continue to use, and since we're providing them an Apple TV in every classroom, they'll be able to wirelessly mirror their screen up there," Edwards said.

Edwards said teachers will also have access to an app store that will allow them to download and install necessary programs that previously required administrator permissions on Windows machines.

Edwards said he knows there can be hesitancy when using a new device, especially for those accustomed to different technology or operating systems, but recalled his own experiences when joining FCS.

"I had never touched a Mac before I came to this district, and that included an iPhone too," Edwards said. "It took me two weeks to be fully comfortable to the point that I would not want to go back to a daily driver Windows machine ever again, and that was from 14 years ago. If you haven't tried a Mac, probably in the last five to six years, it's very user-friendly."

To help with that transition, the FCS technology team held a two-week MacBook rollout at the FCS Central Office so teachers could receive their devices and basic training on using them, allowing for greater comfort once the school year begins. The district also approved $5,000 of in-person professional development with an Apple representative to assist in the transition.

The MacBook Neo also serves as a cost-saving measure for the district. Edwards said that the new devices, which have touch-ID and 512 gigabytes of storage, cost less per unit than a Windows device with similar specifications, saving the district more than $200,000.

June 17 is the last day of the rollout, but teachers who are unable to attend can schedule an appointment with the technology department via ParentSquare. There will also be an Apple Professional Learning opportunity on June 23 and 24 for teachers who would like to help lead the transition at their school sites; registration for the sessions can also be found in ParentSquare.

By Jeremy Jackson