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Integrating Technology
a whole school development plan for teachers and Speaking prior to the launch of Panasonic’s have been chosen for their pioneering approach to
support staff, with opportunities for ongoing ‘Classroom of the Future’, a complete technology the use of mobile technologies as part of the
training and assessment. People always need ICT solution designed to improve both audible and Mobile Learning Network (MoLeNET), with the first
training and there is always a professional visual communication in a secure classroom MoLeNET Academy opening at Northampton
development and performance management need environment, Brennan Peyton, General Manager, College last month.
in the workforce as a result.” The re-education of Imaging Department, Panasonic System Network Jill Attewell, Technology for Learning Manager
the education sector in the use of ICT is a challenge, Company Europe (PSNE) said: “The education at LSN commented: “Our research has
but it is one that both new and established teachers sector is by its very nature interactive, and these documented that mobile learning technologies can
are rising to with phenomenal results. new digital technologies will improve the significantly help teaching professionals and
At BETT we saw a number of virtual learning experience of teachers and students alike.” Being institutions enhance the delivery of learning,
environments, including Panasonic’s aptly named able to count the number of raised hands in a class making it more accessible, personalised and
‘Classroom of the Future’, designed to improve and offer the appropriate encouragement to engaging, all of which ultimately leads to better
performance management and student students will enhance learning throughout the class outcomes for learners.”
engagement. Bearing in mind we are recovering and deliver more fun, engaging and rewarding Bridgwater College aimed to engage NVQ
students and help them capture evidence of their
Effective technology integration is achieved when
skills outside of timetabled sessions. Students were
issued with Sony PSP handheld games machines
the use of technology is routine and transparent
fitted with cameras and pre-loaded with learning
materials, including instructional videos and
PowerPoint presentations. Students were
from what is widely regarded as the worst lessons. Gesture recognition technology really has challenged to access the materials and produce a
recession since the 1930’s, these sorts of products to be seen to be believed.” Peyton predicts that video of them carrying out specific skills such as
must improve teaching and learning or Industry remote learning at all levels will increase over the soldering a pipe joint, which was transferred to
wouldn’t spend money developing them further. coming years, with Panasonic thus demonstrating each student’s online portfolio using the PSP’s
The TDA agrees: “One of the key factors in moving its new HD Visual Communication System, wireless connection. The programme resulted in
ICT development away from being a series of designed to improve distance learning far beyond increased student motivation and engagement,
projects to an evolving and more integrated way of what is said to be possible with current technology. helping turn around performance for a number of
working was, in a number of instances, the learners at risk of dropping out.
development of a virtual learning environment The benefit of Mobile Technologies Hastings College used MP4 technology, namely
(VLE) which could be used by trainees and mentors A recent survey by The National Literary Trust the iPod Touch and wireless networks, to aid
and dispersed across schools. VLE’s not only found that of 3,001 children aged nine to 16, 24% learning. The technology enabled the learners, who
became a crunch point between those developing had their own blog; 82% sent text messages at otherwise had little or no access to technology, to
ICT for teacher trainees and those responsible for least once a month; while 73% used instant access media rich content and learn at a time and
the overall ICT strategy for their institution, but also messaging services to chat online with friends. place that suited them. The project made it easier
provided an alternative ICT infrastructure that “Does it damage literacy? Our research results are for students to access information in a more
supported and enhanced other developments,” it conclusive - the more forms of communications engaging and interesting way, helping to improve
insists. children use the stronger their core literary skills,” attendance and retention.
said Jonathan Douglas, director of the National Online resource Edutopia sums it up well:
So how important is ICT to the curriculum? Literary Trust in an interview with the BBC. “Effective technology integration is achieved when
LG undertook a survey on the show floor at BETT John Coe, general secretary of the National the use of technology is routine and transparent
in which it was revealed that 81% of key decision Association for Primary Education (NAPE) added: and when technology supports curricular goals. As
makers in education believe it ‘essential’ for “Young people aged nine and upwards are texting an added benefit, with technology tools and a
schools, colleges and universities to implement like crazy - inside and outside the classroom. It is a project learning approach, students are more likely
innovative ICT solutions. 60% strongly agreed with form of reading and writing. It might not be to stay engaged and on task, reducing behavioural
the view that “schools and colleges that fail to conventional but they are communicating so it is a problems in the classroom.”
implement such solutions risk being left behind.” general gain.” He told how the Association was While no technology is ever intended to remove
Every single respondent agreed that ‘cost-effective looking into ways in which this passion for texting the need for highly qualified teachers, it can
ICT solutions are an essential teaching aid in might be incorporated into teaching methods - provide a boost to professional development and
today’s educational environment. Despite some of another example of how culturally relevant aid in the learning process. Whether Shakespeare is
the challenges faced by the TDA, for those that technologies could be used as motivational tools in brought to life with devices like the GCSEPod,
attended BETT, making the case for integrating ICT the classroom. Media Studies with editing software, or Geography
into the curriculum is rather like preaching to the In secondary education mobile technologies made more fun in a virtual learning environment -
converted. LG products on display at BETT included have already had an impact, with the LSN and the the possibilities for brightening up a subject,
monitors, network displays, educational projectors, Learning Skills Council creating eight cutting-edge assessing its impact and developing a child’s
digital signage solutions, networked storage and Academies to support mobile learning throughout learning further are endless with such a vast range
educational security projects. England. The eight colleges hosting the Academies of products now available.
March 2010 www.education-today.co.uk
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