There is no doubt that learning is central to thinking at ESSA Academy. A visit is based on talk of pedagogy and enhancing student life (iPad and Pedagogy). However, there are many lessons to be learned about the implementation of new technology in a school and ESSA, in particular Abdul Chohan, are very happy to help.
CONSIDERATIONS
- Technology must not be a barrier to learning – if the technology doesn’t work for staff and students then it won’t work to enhance learning.
- If technology works then its use must not be hampered by minority issues. The fact that the devices may get damaged or lost should not be a reason to ignore them.
- The ‘moral imperative’ to provide suitable education includes preparing students for the world we live in. Digital literacy and safety must be embraced in school.
- Teachers should be prepared to learn with the students and the devices. A ‘democratic and collaborative learning environment is key to successful implementation’.
These general considerations are supported by the practical nuances of new technology. There will always be problems associated with change but this should not distract from the main aim of ‘allowing learning to happen’.
PRACTICAL LESSONS
- The ‘ecosystem’ must compliment users needs. Apple are currently the market leaders with iPodtouch, iPad and Macbook. With these devices and cloud integration, ease of use can overcome scepticism.
- The MacBook allows for creation of content, iPads are used in the classroom as ‘conversational technology’.
- Dropbox is the most effective way to share resources. Current spend, under six pounds per month for each department, represents tremendous savings on photocopying of resources. There is only one working photocopier in the ESSA academy building.
- Students value the new working environment. Sharing resources and receiving assessment materials via the device is a desirable methodology.
- iBooks Author is not just a way of creating textbooks. It allows for pedagogical language and course administration to be linked to enhance student learning.
- Current classroom dimensions should be challenged to provide the foremost learning conditions for students.
True, ESSA Academy was presented with a blank canvas to make the transition to their learning model. However, the process began before the new building and is underpinned by the philosophy ‘All Will Succeed’. There are many barriers to the implementation of technology but there are solutions.
Overcoming barriers must be worth it?
ESSA Academy GCSE Results
A* – C
2009 – 22%
2011 – 56%
TWS
May 22, 2012 at 3:54 pm
If technology works then its use must not be hampered by minority issues. The fact that the devices may get damaged or lost should not be a reason to ignore them.
We are not sure what is meant here by “…minority issues” within the context of “…damaged or lost…”
Pls. clarify.
syded
May 22, 2012 at 7:07 pm
No problem. Inevitably there will be breakage or loss but this is not the major issue – that is learning. I have heard so many conversations about what if they break it or someone steals it? The point is a decision on whether an iPad should be used should not be based on what might go wrong.
Hope that helps.
lowtechteacher
May 28, 2012 at 1:03 am
Reblogged this on lowtechteacher.
John Doyle
June 27, 2012 at 8:14 am
In many schools, there is what I refer to as a “deploy and defend” approach to IT – let’s get it out there and keep it going/safe. Much less effort goes into making the technology support effective teaching and learning – which is why so many whiteboards, VLE’s, staff laptops, school websites etc are not being used to their full potential.
Much as I like Apple (I’m using an iPad to enter this) and think there’s a lot to excite and engage using their hardware and software, I’m not too sure about picking a single vendor solution.
+1 for the flipped classroom. Even more reason why education should be vendor neutral as students working outside of school will be using a wide range of technology to access Internet based resources.
syded
July 31, 2012 at 11:44 am
Thanks for commenting and I agree. We have chosen cross platform workflow apps for that very reason. Hopefully the other manufacturers will catch up.
Nick gordon
March 3, 2013 at 1:34 pm
Looking at your results that is a great improvement. Do you attribute that solely to the introduction of iPads? Has there been any other influence/variable to consider? I am in a similar position as a HOD and want to bid for iPads for staff, your improvements are a great selling point.
Daniel Edwards
March 3, 2013 at 1:49 pm
Thanks Nick. I think it is very difficult to attribute anything in education to one factor. That said the iPad feels right for us and certainly doesn’t hinder learning and therefore (cost aside) it was the right move.