Acacia College

Principal of Acacia College.

Charging trolley for laptop outside of classroom. Pupils have free access when need arises and return laptop to charging trolley after use.
Teacher takes video of pupils reading and gives instant feedback.
Pre-school pupils using existing applications for learning.

Acacia College is a new school. Within a time span of 15 months, the school has implemented iPod Touch to One iPad to one class, to a class set of iPads, to 1-1 iPad trial for year 7 classes and now extended the trial to 1-1 for year 5 to year 8 classes.

The school has large size classrooms, open concept, extremely colourful and decorated with pupils' work. There are a few laptop trolleys outside of the classrooms, pupils are free to use the laptop when need arises, and to return back to the trolley to be charged when they have finished.

Their Platform: 1-1 use of iPads in their lessons. The school conducted a talk for parents and pupils on ownership of the iPads and responsibilities involved. Pupils then set up the device with the help and guidance of ICT manager. During the lessons, pupils have their iPad with them. The use of iPad, papers & pencils simultaneously is very common. Pupils have 100% access on the internet within school. There is no restriction to the sites they visit. This school has eLearning portal where teachers upload the worksheets and notes for their pupils. Pupils then access the site to download the materials, opens it in GoodReader for viewing & Pages for working.

Printing facilities: Pupils have access to the printers in school. However, most assignment are handed in soft copy. Teachers sometimes use video to give instant feedback to pupils.

The principal mentioned that they decided to reduce the use of textbooks in the next academic year, and to put in iPad as one of the item to puchase.

Measurement of success factors: The school surveyed the teachers and pupils. The teachers observed that the engagement and motivation level of the pupils have increased. The teachers mentioned that their connection and communication with pupils have also increased.

Professional Development with staff: The school has weekly PD session, using mainly Show-n-Tell and can be on any topic. School has a sharing culture.

More information on the school is available at: http://www.acaciacollege.com.au/