Craighead's compulsory iPad programme, 2015

Craighead Diocesan School (photo: Brian High)

So, after the 2013 trial and one year consolodation, Craighead Diocesan School is going with compulsory ownership of iPads at Year 10.  Now, before anyone gets upset about cost, these are available new from the Apple Store for $450, which amounts to $110 a year for each of the four years of use they'll use it - less than $20 per subject per year.

Now the serious "fun" begins.  Last year's trial team need to convince our colleagues that iPads, when used carefully and thoughtfully, can actually become a seriously useful learning and teaching tool. Teachers are going to have to devote a majority chunk of their PD in the second half of 2014 and through 2015 to learn how to make effective use of these devices.

We will be training teachers to measure the effect of any trials they undertake, how to store and distribute resources (Google Drive and iTunes U), how to communicate with classes (iMessage and Facebook probably), how to provide junior tutoring from senior students (small group iMessage), allow students to record notes, video clips, etc on their devices in one place (Book Creator) and how to manage time and questioning that increases so much when students have access to their teachers so much more easily.

In the 2013 trial the big discoveries were a significant increase in collaboration and communication (face to face as well!) between the students; the students knowing exactly where they were in their learning and where everyone else is - so that they know who to talk to in order to reach their "next stage of learning" and are more engaged in their learning journey; and a more developed ability to use a wide variety of applications to achieve a goal.

The school now has the infrastructure to deal with this next stage in educational technology and learning.  100Mbps (upload and download) over a free Network For Learning fibre connection, as well as 22 Ruckus wireless APs providing Internet coverage throughout the campus and Boarding Facilities.

What a perfect time for the Ministry working group to release a report on Future-focused Learning...

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