This year, Timberland added some new additions to the school: Apple TV’s. 

With this new technology, THS students and teachers had the opportunity to learn and engage better in the classrooms. Teachers were trained on this new equipment during late November of 2024, according to assistant principal Emily Hoehn.

This year, over 120 Apple TVs and monitors on carts were installed, according to information technology specialist Peter Nielsen. The process, while generally well received, has not been without some hiccups. 

“The main problem that teachers are having with the new Apple TVs is Airplaying from the device,” Nielson said.

In addition to airplaying to the Apple TV from a MacBook or iPad, it is also possible to do so with a Dell through the TV, instead of the Apple TV device.

 “The Apple TVs are awesome. I like that we’re staying up to date with technology. I think that’s really important for our students and our staff, because technology is forever our future,” assistant principal Kaitlyn Kleinschmidt said.

There is definitely a learning curve that comes with the TVs, which can be frustrating for a lot of people. But once everyone jumps over that curve it will be better,  Hoehn said.

“Teachers can walk around the classroom with their iPads and their pencils, which I think is great, because movement across the classroom is really good for student participation,” Kleinschmidt said.

According to Math teacher Jennifer Livergood, the TVs are expected to have a lifespan of five years. In order to purchase a new TV, teachers have to go through the the technology department; the purchases were funded through taxes.