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| 1:1 in the 4th & Final Quarter |
As the final Chromebook is delivered to the Elementary School, I would like to take this opportunity to reflect on our 1:1 implementation plan and roll-out.
Learning to love, loving to learn through kindness and gratitude runs through Seisen International School and on behalf of the elementary students and staff I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to the Ms. Rogers (Head of School), Dr. Mulligan (ES Principal) and Mr. Jansen (IT coordinator) for making this possible.
The effective integration of ICT enhances the learner’s opportunity to connect globally and to explore different perspectives in order to understand evolving cultural and social norms. (IBO, 2011)
After a successful pilot scheme with our grade three students back in November, we decided to proceed with our elementary school initiative. It was clear from staff and student feedback that Chromebooks were having an impact in the classroom. No more having to reserve and check-out devices - the Chromebooks were accessible and on-hand when staff and students wanted them to be. It was becoming clear that in doing so we were integrating technology and empowering students along the way.
From November to February, based on feedback and in-line with our roll out plan, we placed Chromebooks into grades four and five. By this time, it was noted that the MacBooks were being used less for Google Apps for Education and more for Garageband and iMovie - this was great, staff and students were making choices between hardware and software.
ICT includes a variety of approaches to help connect learners within both the local and global community in order to empower learning. Learners’ awareness, use and appreciation of different ICT knowledge, skills and platforms should be developed. Furthermore, students should be encouraged to recognize that competency in ICT is a valuable life skill. (IBO, 2011)
The academic year ended with grade four being 1:1 and we were all but complete. We would have to wait until after the summer vacation. In the meantime, our grade six Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) programme had successfully launched to parents, with two parent information meetings. Could we dare to believe that, come September, we might actually we 1:1 in grades three through six?!
Back-to-school and the final batch of Chromebooks were on order and with a confirmed shipping date the dream of being 1:1 was slowly becoming reality. Meanwhile, in grade six, Ms. Naini, Mr O'shea, Mr Hughes and of course grade six students' were getting underway with BYOD. This year we are making the switch to an online platform for student portfolios. We look forward to keeping you up-to-date with proceedings, so stay tuned! Follow grade-level blogs by email and never miss an update!
