At Seatoun school we believe that technology is progressively introduced over the students’ time at school. Students build their knowledge until they have the skills needed to choose when and which technology to use.

Teachers are supported to work through the online Apple Teacher program and are also given regular access to PD provided by Apple, other PD providers and our staff.

At the Year 1 and 2 levels, students are first introduced to iPads and MacBooks. Learning is supported by technology and is used to reinforce what is being learnt in the classroom.  Learners would only use a device for less than 5% of their day.  All devices are owned by the school.

Here are some examples:
Using online readers for independent reading practice.
Maths games to reinforce a key concept

Introductory coding with osmo

At Year 3 and 4, they are introduced to having their own profiles on shared devices (mainy iPads and some Macbook Airs). Students also begin to use Google Classroom to receive and submit their work. Their learning begins to be augmented by the technology and they use apps as a means of increased interaction.  We aim for no more than 20% of their learning to be augmented by technology.

Here are some examples:
Using green screen and animation as a motivator to write by re-telling a fairytale.
Introducing coding using Bee-Bots – Using maths and coding skills to solve a problem – can you code the Pro-Bot to draw a square?

Student video review of their favourite book – movie file

In Year 5 and 6, students begin our B.Y.O.D program. The use of technology becomes a bigger part of their learning as they take responsibility for their own devices. As with the previous year, they continue to build their knowledge of Google Classroom and apps to support their learning.

Here are some examples:

Use Doceri to share a mathematical concept
Using ProBots to reinforce mathematical concepts through coding
Making their own videos to share learning

In Year 7 and 8,  students are expected to take responsibility for choosing how they will use the technology to augment, support or modify their learning. They are using technology in all aspects of their learning, including art through photos or images, iMovie, mindfulness with apps for calming and GarageBand to create original music to support their learning.

Here are some examples:

Use Doceri to share a mathematical concept
Using Sphero’s to reinforce mathematical concepts and code Sphero’s to code
Making their own videos to share learning

What’s next? As a school, Seatoun has a collective interest in maintaining the high standard that we have set over the past few years. To do this, we have identified the importance of keeping our teachers trained and confident in the use of the latest technology and apps. We have had a number of our staff leave to promotions leading eLearning in their new school.

In addition to regular training from Apple and other sources, we have several teachers who are actively curating a portfolio and gathering evidence to apply for the Apple Distinguished Educator program when it becomes available again.

In our senior school, we have identified the importance of an increased focus on digital citizenship, as the students become accustomed to their devices and spend more time online. We focus on supporting parents learn about this as well.  We will be looking to Apple for ways in which they can help support and protect our students.

We will continue to both host visiting educators and support other NZ schools with the development of their eLearning programmes. We will continue to share our experience and knowledge with groups outside education.  One example of this is a NZ district health board who made contact wanting to understand how we have implemented the shared iPad programme.

Using maths and coding skills to solve a problem – can you code the Pro-Bot to draw a square?