Now nearing the end of three terms of Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) the recent P&F forum on Technology in the Newington Classroom was an opportunity to report back to parents some real examples of the types of learning experiences teachers are developing with their classes and to hear parents’ frank views about their son’s use of technology.

Head of ICT, Mr Myles Carrick began the forum by painting a learning landscape of dramatic change in the last fifteen years. He contextualised Newington’s position by outlining the adoption of 1:1 computers at the beginning of the year and what technology was now enabling our boys to do with such ready access.

ICT Facilitator, Mr Rolfe Kolbe, who has worked alongside Newington staff, then introduced some savvy teacher practitioners who had taken up the personal challenge to engage with new technologies to better equip themselves to teach in a classroom full of boys with laptops and ipads. Some senior boys were also present at the forum to share their perspective on the issue, having experienced both the before and after effects of BYOD.

English teacher, Mr Will Van Asperen, one of the many teachers at the forum gave some examples of how he created learning content using iPads – the chosen device for Years 5-8. He gave some reassurance to parents that while iPads were used in his classes he also checked handwriting in hardcopy workbooks – an example of blended learning whereby both traditional and modern tools of learning were used to better engage students in a changing classroom.

Mr James Norman in Design Technology then spoke to the audience about how teachers track student engagement as well as analyse completion of tasks online.

Meanwhile Ms Helen Bremner from Languages demonstrated webtools used in her classes that allowed the boys, literally, to do the talking by practising verbal tasks using an online program. Ms Bremner showed the effectiveness and usability of this tool through a short film.

Ms Kate Shepard from English discussed how our online learning environment , Canvas, assisted in the electronic submission of assignments, online journals as well as discussion on online forums. In particular, she pointed out the advantage in the latter for students who were a little more reticent to leap into class discussion.

Several other staff members showcased the use of BYOD in their classrooms before a panel led by Ms Julia Shea, Head of Teaching and Learning was set to give parents the opportunity to express their opinions or concerns. Some issues parents brought up regarded completion of homework tasks, the practicalities of computer maintenance and reliability, distractibility and supervision when using laptops and ipads as well as the consistency of technology use across year groups and departments. The Newington ICT Blog is one of the best places to find more information about Technology in the Newington Classroom.

The P&F forums are a chance for parents to hear opinions on and grapple with challenges in parenting – and to know that other parents share the same experiences. The next P&F forum is on 16 September when Paul Dillon and Susie Burrell will present current evidence on drug and alcohol usage amongst young people.

‘iCal’ it now!