by Kim Lelek, PYP EdTech Coach -

In November 2013, CIS piloted what is known as the One to World iPad programme with three Grade 4 classes at both Lakeside and Tanjong Katong. As a school, we wanted to investigate the effective use of personal iPads as an educational tool for teachers and learners in the classroom. The pilot was a huge success! Starting in August 2014, all Grade 4 students at CIS brought their own iPads to school and that was when the real “magic” started to happen. As teachers and students became familiar with the iPad and related educational apps, the potential of the new learning tool unfolded. Teachers noticed that the students were independently using the iPad to extend their learning. Classroom lessons moved away from: “Today we will be using the the app Explain Everything to…” to: “Please choose a method to demonstrate what you have learnt.”

The technology provides students with a useful and valuable tool to demonstrate their thinking. They are able to connect and collaborate with peers in their class, and with other students globally. According to Mrs. Heatwole, a grade 4 teacher at TK, students automatically use their iPads to search word meanings, take photos of important information, research answers to questions, take notes, and much more. Students use video, audio, pictures and text to complete their reflections in a very illustrative manner - rather than relying purely on memory. The transformation, or modification of, the learning experience is evident during Book Clubs, also known as literature circles. During this time, students use a variety of apps (i.e. Edmodo, pic collage, Explain Everything, iMovie, dictionary, popplet) to creatively share knowledge, collaborate on projects and take their book discussions to a deeper level of understanding.

The iPads have become invaluable in capturing objective assessments of skill development. With the ability to take pictures and record themselves, student assessment is documented at each step along the learning roadway. Even in PE (Physical Education) classes, students use Book Creator on their iPads to create a portfolio of their physical progress and learning in each unit. Students are able to show their physical skill development and understanding of concepts through a combination of photographs, videos, drawn diagrammes, written and voice recording reflections. The iPads offer real time access to student learning, their work, and their thinking through Google Drive.

Collaboration and the streamlining of an effective workflow allow the teachers to provide feedback to students more frequently and efficiently. Emailing and adding comments to student's work is seamless with the use of Google Drive and other google products, allowing students to see the teacher’s feedback right away. Lastly, according to some of the teachers, the One to World programme allows for more learning time than previous technological resources such as computers on wheels and computer labs mainly because the transitions for logging into programmes or powering on and off a device has been greatly minimised. As the devices belong to the students, they stay logged into their own accounts and can instantly save and send their work as needed.

Making every minute count in a busy teaching day is always a challenge. The use of the iPads as a learning tool has helped teachers enhance instructional teaching time through instant feedback, student collaboration and communication. Not only do iPads increase teaching time, they also provide our students with an opportunity to make valuable connections with their learning, and develop important skills such as independence, responsibility and creativity.

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