Podcast transcript
One of the latest technological advances hits the classroom: Kedron State High School tests the Apple iPad
Steve Lang, Head eLearning, Kedron State High School: ‘The last 18 months of my position as HOD eLearning at Kedron has been a really interesting and exciting journey not just for myself but, for the whole school and the staff.
‘We’ve moved our digital pedagogy a great deal by doing a number of things. These include, drop-in sessions that I’ve been running for staff to give them some examples of how they can integrate and embed ICT into the classroom, as well as school-based masters programs.
‘iPads seemed a natural progression to give more opportunities to both staff and students to be engaged with digital pedagogy in the classroom.’
What do you hope students will achieve in the iPad trial?
Steve Lang: ‘A very big part of this for us is going to be taking the boys in practical subjects, or subjects where they may not be so ofey or so high-achieving in theoretical aspects of the class. It will also enable us to see how technology such as the iPad can be used to engage them further and to improve their results.’
How will the iPad help you as a teacher?
Rohan Hardy, music teacher, Kedron State High School: ‘With an iPad here at Kedron I hope to achieve a new dimension to learning with my students. In the music department, it’s certainly something that offers another dimension aside from the practical and theoretical elements of music teaching. It also gives students another dimension to be able to learn new skills outside of what they’re used to.’
‘From a portability side of things I’m finding that using an iPad that I can instantly bring up with students, if I’ve got it on me everywhere.
‘I had a case in class yesterday where a student had a question regarding music theory and I could bring up the virtual piano to be able to demonstrate some of the ideas and concepts. Away from instruments and away and anything I regularly have in the classroom.
‘So it’s fantastic, I can see a lot of perspective with it.’
What iPad applications do you believe will be useful in your school?
Steve Lang: ‘It’s going to part of the ongoing journey. So there’s going to be collaboration between us all to say ‘hey I’ve found this great application’ whether it be for maths or for English. It’s difficult to say ‘early doors’ and what will work.
‘Good Reader is a great example of how we can use PDFs in the classroom, use those instead of having a handouts.
‘iBooks – using the trial project to download eBooks for students to use. There is also a great maths program that we were discussing earlier where you can give a particular number of lines and working out symmetry and chopping shapes up.
‘I think the applications are endless. Then how we look at those as a group to say ‘these work’ and ‘these don’t’ to share and collaborate amongst ourselves at school.’
Do you have any recommendations for other schools keen to trial the iPad?
Rohan Hardy: ‘To schools wishing to take on a trial like this I think it’s something that will really push people’s boundaries, push educational boundaries and certainly on a pedagogical-level really challenge teachers and students.
‘I think it’s a worthwhile resource. As I do with every single piece of ICT that’s introduced into a school. I think it’s all valuable and students get a lot out of it.’