Posted on August 16th, 2011 by
Tricia O'Keeffe
The mobile learning device WestMAC has chosen to utilise over the next 3 to 4 years is the Apple iPad.
The iPad is fast becoming accepted as a 21st century learning tool among educators and our own Mobile Technologies Pilot program conducted in Term 4 last year saw very positive reactions to the iPad from both students and teachers.
In addition to the pilot, throughout Semester 1 we have closely monitored the usage of these devices by Year 12 students. We have identified the following exciting and promising outcomes to date:
- The iPad provides instant access to the internet, giving our students immediate access to information when and where they need it. This has enabled teachers to take advantage of ‘instant teachable moments’, by way of engaging with students on topics of interest and accessing information instantly while the teacher has the attention and interest of the student in a learning moment.
- The iPad has allowed students to have instant access to their textbooks that they’ve loaded onto their iPad. They no longer need to carry around many heavy textbooks in their school bag.
- The ability for students to annotate, or make notes on the electronic copy of their textbooks on their iPad.
- There is a rapidly increasing number of educational applications (Apps) available that are engaging students in their studies more effectively by making learning fun and interesting.
We have also identified an important opportunity to guide and teach students about multi-tasking and self-management of their time. While our current Year 12 students acknowledge that the iPad can be a distraction, they also agree that it has added greatly to their ability to undertake instant research and be utilised as an organisational tool.
In preparing our students for a life after WestMAC, we believe we have an opportunity to assist our students in developing self-management practices and strategies to ensure they remain focused on required tasks, and learn to manage themselves. We believe that guiding this learning will prepare our students for life after WestMAC where they will have the ability to continue their learning journey as they commence tertiary study or enter the workforce.
Our current students’ experience will ultimately influence the direction that WestMAC and other schools take as the use of personal mobile learning devices rapidly expands. In line with this, the following initiatives are planned for 2012 and 2013.
- All Year 11 and Year 12 students in 2012 and 2013 will be offered the opportunity to receive an iPad for their personal and educational use. The iPad will remain the property of WestMAC but will be loaned to the student in the same way that textbooks are currently issued for student use. These students will receive an iPad during Term 4 of this year, in readiness for 2012.
- All students in Years 7, 8, 9 and 10 will have the opportunity to use iPads in their classrooms at WestMAC under a shared resource model (sets available for use at school).
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