The world has changed dramatically in the last two decades. the internet, and ultra fast broadband have greatly reduced the time and effort required to access information. The role of the teacher and the nature of classroom activity has had to change also. At Shirley Intermediate School we have kept at the forefront of the rollout of higher capability in classrooms.
As part of the Greater Christchurch Schools Network (GCSN) initiative since 2009 Shirley Intermediate School was one of the first schools in Canterbury to connect to ultrafast broadband. The effect of this in the classrooms has been substantial bandwidth, and wireless access to the internet. We now have over eighty computers in our 300 pupil school. This includes pods of laptops, two computer suites and multiple computers in every classroom. We also have internet connected data projectors in every classroom and interactive whiteboards in two rooms. We have introduced hand held devices (i-pods and i-pads) into two classrooms.
But it’s not about the hardware… indeed, having access to the internet is only the beginning. The most important thing is that teachers and children make use of the internet to improve teaching and learning. Our staff were part of a three year professional development programme aimed at helping teachers embrace modern ICT (information and communication technologies) to enhance the teaching and learning process. This has seen the internet and our hardware used to increasingly good effect in classrooms and school-wide.
In 2010 some of our children took part in global learning projects interacting in real time with children from around the world learning. You can click these links to see our involvement in such things as using wiki to share earthquake experiences, investigate climate change or take part in activities focused upon improving financial literacy.
The challenge continues as teachers seek to make the best use of the amazing learning tools which are at our disposal.
Conputers In Homes – SIS is involved in this programme which aims to get internet connected computers into homes which do not have computers. For full guidelines and details, check the CIH website here.