Their platform:
1-1 implementation for over 300 pupils.
1-1 for each teacher.
Pupils will bring their iPad home and they can personalise it for their learning. The school want greater support from parents thus encouraging pupils to share their work with their parents. Teachers also use voice memos for communications with parents (short announcements).
Sync-ing issues: All pupils have iTunes account for free apps. The school is fully wired via wifi. Infrastructure support is massive. ICT manager always has 10 -12 extra iPads in case of faulty device. If a pupil dropped his iPad, it can be exchanged and then re-backup. All their iPads are insured. Funding: The school has $300,000 each year on purchasing applications.
Common Applications:
Story Kit
Keynote
Popplet - for time table planning, mind-mapping and discussion
Jungle Time
First Word
Prologue-to-go
iPond
Functional Skills System
Pupils are found to be more engaged in their learning.
Individual lockers with charging wire in their lockers.
Role of iPad Coach:
Dawn does research on appropriate applications. She works alongside teachers in the area of Professional Development, planning of lessons, implementation in classes and evaluations. She will also lead tutorials and iPad shared sessions with iPad representatives from each departments. She is the liason person for collaboration with other schools and provision of feedback to Apple.
The Principal of this school is Mr Colin Schot. He believes that technology is the gateway to success. He left us with a question: Has iPad made a difference to the learning of pupils in your classroom?
