The Sunday Mail
At Littlerock International School, we believe in meeting our learners where they are – in personal technology use. Many schools in Zimbabwe are behind the curve on technology adoption vs. most learners’ own level of technological knowledge. We have made a conscious decision to invest in modern technology to bridge that gap with their highly interactive interface, mimicking the touch technology they are already using on their phones, tablets and televisions at home.
As a matter of fact, technology is entwined in almost every part of our lives. It affects how we shop, socialise, connect, play and most importantly learn. To ensure that our learners are true global citizens, the School has invested in Interactive Boards (i-Boards) technology.
The i-Board technology is relatively new in developing countries and is widely used in the first world schools e.g in the United Kingdom. Our learners right from ECD, junior and senior primary, forms 1 up to 6 get exposed to this innovative and state of the art technology.
As shown in the pictures above, our i-Board technology suit instruction of all subjects taught including mathematics, geography, science, business studies, English literature etc
Both learners and teachers are enjoying the technological paradigm shift and learning has become an exciting experience at LIS.
Unlike in a traditional classroom where it’s all about chalk and duster, our teachers can use a finger to draw or write on the LED board or use their hand as a mouse to move objects on the board.
At the press of a button, our teachers can save or share with their students’ notes or any other work direct from the i-Board, the same way one would on his / her computer.
Our teachers enjoy using modern teaching tools and techniques and reach diversity in learning styles. This approach prepares our learners for the real world environment – which is tech savvy. Some of the daily experiences enjoyed by our learners and teachers include:
Digital storytelling / reading books online
Brainstorming / teacher or student “think out-louds”
Ability to use interactive websites as a whole class
Teach many editing skills (brings up students typed work or photocopied work to edit)
Teach computer skills and give internet navigation directions
Use highlighting tool to help students study and highlight important information
Insert tables, graphs, charts, and save records on the i-Board itself
Incorporate graphs for special education students
Use of different colours to elaborate or explain difficult concepts for easy understanding
Easy access and or downloading of current information during a lesson.
Enhanced Learning Experience
Our teachers and learners find this technology amazing. It has enhanced both the way our teachers teach and the way our learners learn.
Our learners enjoy an enriched learning experience by projecting visual elements.
The i-Boards make differentiated learning much easier and the teachers are able to accommodate different learning styles. Visual learners are able to observe the i-Board, while tactile learners can learn by touching the i-Board. The touchscreen option allows our teachers to run programs with the tap of their finger and this makes it not only easy to navigate for the teacher, but for the students as well.
Our learner’s learning experience was greatly enhanced and they can view diagrams, charts, videos and more, right on the huge screen in front of them. Their learning comes to life, and they find it more fun to learn than before.
Easy to Interact
One of the greatest advantages of i-Boards is that they are interactive. Research has repeatedly demonstrated that learners learn best when they are fully engaged, and hands-on learning is one of the best ways to do that. Our learners have an appreciation of the functionality of the i-Board technology. For example, they can use their finger and write directly on LED i-Boards.
Access to Online Resources
Our learners enjoy easy access to online resources. They can view any website or video through a computer application during a lesson. Our teachers have access to different knowledgeable databases which helps them to reinforce their lessons. Our learners easily access a wide range of resources to help them complete a project or conduct any research.
Environmentally Friendly
As an international school we subscribe to “GO GREEN” notion and through use of smart technology in our classrooms, we significantly cut down on unnecessary use of paper, chalk dust etc.
We have limited need to photocopy and print a class set of papers. Through this technology, we have demonstrated our commitment to keeping a clean environment and to eliminate the tonnes and tonnes of wasted paper and ink that are dumped each year and contribute to pollution.
Technology Integration
In a matter of minutes, our teachers can attach their computers, video cameras, digital cameras, microscopes and any other gadgets that they can think of to help aid in instruction.
Proven Success Rates
Studies have shown that using smart technology in the classroom has proven success rates. It raises test scores, improves student learning, enhances literacy, boosts attentiveness, and increases comprehension, to name a few. This easy-to-learn technology ensures that both our teachers and their students are developing the 21st century skills that they need in order to succeed in today’s world.
Our learners with some forms of disabilities now enjoy their learning experience. Our latest touch displays allow all learners – including those with disabilities – to become more engaged with the curriculum being taught.
They feel more connected. Learners who are typically reserved tend to become more involved. Use of different colours when writing or making presentations and illustrations help our teachers when making complex explanations and our learners can learn concepts quicker.
LIS interactive boards technology was sourced from the United Kingdom and is supported by a local company called i-Board Africa (Private) Limited – Zimbabwe. Through our strategic partnership with i-Board Africa (Private) Limited – Zimbabwe; product warranty and support are fully guaranteed.
Feedback: 0717676997, 0717676998
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