Appling County School System – Case Study
Implementing Independent Learning and Individualized Instruction with FirstWork
Background
Appling County School System sought solutions to improve independent student engagement and reduce the time spent preparing instructional materials for special education classrooms. Educators were managing challenges related to student independence with technology and the demands of differentiated instruction.
Increasing Access to Learning Materials
FirstWork provided educators with immediate access to a vast library of built-in instructional materials.
“This helps alleviate the need to create materials which can be extremely time-consuming.”
Teachers reported that activity setup time was drastically reduced, and the platform enabled them to respond to student needs more efficiently without the burden of creating or sourcing new materials.
Supporting Independent Learning Stations
FirstWork was implemented as an independent iPad station in classrooms. Educators would initiate the program and allow students to complete work sessions with minimal intervention.
“The process of the program—work first and then app access—is very motivating to the learners and encourages them to stay on task.”
This approach worked effectively for most learners, particularly those who had already acquired foundational skills. For students requiring more support, the setup still allowed staff to scaffold use while reinforcing independence.
Promoting Independent Use of Technology
The platform allowed students to practice mastered skills in a way that felt familiar and non-threatening, promoting independence over time.
“We have seen a huge improvement in the independent use of technology. Growth has also been seen in the students’ ability to work quicker on activities.”
The structure helped reduce overwhelm and build confidence in students who previously needed constant adult support.
Educator Satisfaction and Scalability
Teachers across the district reported a strong sense of support from the FirstWork team and a desire to expand usage.
“Appling County cannot say enough positive things about our experience with FirstWork. We are in the process of implementing the use of it in other settings within the school system.”
