In December the Wallace High School Preparatory Department rolled out their very own iPad 1-1 Programme and this week, around sixty parents of children in Primary five, six and seven assembled to hear how the iPad would be integrated into learning in the Wallace Preparatory Department.
Mrs Latham, Head of Department and along with Miss Tannahill, ICT coordinator presented a comprehensive rationale for the use of the iPad within the primary sector.
Mrs Latham explained the background and research base within Wallace. She outlined the connections made with schools in other parts of the world who already had one-to-one deployment in their Preparatory Departments.
Mrs Latham stated “Based on their recommendations and building on the success of the iPad at Key Stage Three in Wallace, the Board of Governors felt that the children in the Preparatory Department would benefit academically from a similar programme”.
The move towards one-to-one deployment was reinforced by parental demand and rooted in the School Development Plan. The evening allowed parents to see how the iPad could be used in all six learning areas.
The Primary Seven children assisted Mrs Latham in describing a number of iWork apps that would be used in the classroom by video link. Mrs Latham gave each parent a list of recommended apps to enhance learning both at home and in the classroom. The list was compiled in consultation with staff and pupils.
Miss Tannahill, took parents through the ICT accreditation scheme. Examples of how the five E’s (Explore, Express, Exhibit, Evaluate and Exchange) could be covered were given. Miss Tannahill, explained that the use of the iPad will prepare both teachers and pupils for the introduction of statutory assessment in 2013.
Mrs Latham concluded the evening focusing on the area of E- safety. She explained how E- safety is an integral part of the Using ICT in the Preparatory Department. She advised parents to talk to their children about keeping safe online at home using the CEOP Think You Know Website.
Further Parent iPad workshops are planned for February and March to allow parents to reinforce learning at home.
Last modified: January 14, 2012
