The future of digital learning at Bishop Gore

As this is the last blog post of the year, it is quite timely to review our progress in terms of digital technology. A summary of the developments so far are as follows:

Year 13 pupils all have access to their own iPad, with plans being discussed to extend this provision to our year 12 pupils as well.

Over 200 iPads are available for use by years 7 and 8 pupils.

Plans are being drawn up for other year groups to have access to iPads, with the aim of us being a 1:1 school with all pupils having their own device for use at home and at school.

A new Mac Music and Art studio has been set up containing a number of iMacs, music keyboards and so on.

We have started to replace interactive whiteboards with LCD televisions.

All of the initiatives above are very exciting and x their introduction into the classroom environment has created a very positive feeling BUT the key issue now is to ensure that the new technology has an impact on learning. To do this we must ensure that:

Pupils and staff have the skills required to identify when accessing digital technology will impact positively on learning, in much the same way as carrying a pencil case and deciding when to use it and what to use.

Following on from the last point, pupils and staff need access to the technology when they need it and not have to queue/book.

Pupils and staff need to be aware of the apps that are available that will impact on learning. Often these are ‘generic’ and not subject specific in that they can be used across most disciplines.

The digital technology needs to be used as a bridge between school and home. Parents and carers need to be involved in learning and this provides us with an excellent opportunity to do so.

Learning and teaching has to change in order to exploit the best elements of digital technology. Pupils, parents and carers can now access learning in a way we never imagined to be possible and the way in which we, as teachers, plan learning activities has to change fundamentally in order to facilitate this.

Finally, to be successful, digital technology needs to be combined with the other teaching and learning strategies that have been developed over the years.

We are at a crucial stage of our development in terms of the use of digital technology. The future is extremely exciting and we must ensure that Bishop Gore is not left behind.

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