iLearning Programme - A Consultation

The idea of the iLearning Programme was launched to students on 5th February 2010. Parents/carers were invited to complete a questionnaire and respond to the proposals. At the time of writing the school is considering the reponses. The school had planned for further face to face consulations with parents/carers to take place after school in the evening in late April or early May.

NEWS - You may be aware that the launch of the iPad in the UK had been delayed due to unprecedented demand for the device in the USA.

Although the launch for Ipads in the UK has been set for Friday 28th May, recent announcements by Apple UK indicate that if an ipad has not been pre-ordered prior to this date, customers would need to wait until June before ipads become freely available.

As a result of this delay we have not been able to properly test ipad devices on our school network to ensure that students are able to access their learning resources in lessons in the way we intend.

View Letter to Parents re: Delay

Only after these events will the school decide whether the iLearning Programme will go ahead for January 2011.

iLearning Programme - The Background

The ilearning Programme is a new and innovative development for learning at Davison. The school has enjoyed 11 years as a Technology College and during that time, resources in the school have been channelled into developing a cable network with a fixed number of PCs for staff and student use alike. Over the same period the school population has grown from 870 to 1100 resulting in pressure on the number of rooms that can be used as ICT dedicated facilities.

At Davison, we have been considering the benefits of every child having their own laptop/netbook/tablet PC to support them in their learning for a number of years. There is little doubt that in terms at raising attainment, providing students with a mobile device is the single biggest step that can be taken in that direction. All of the evidence from the schools that we have visited suggests that this is the case and this is supported by BECTA the lead technology and education body in the UK.

BECTA Report Jan 2010 - Raising Standards Discover how technology helps schools, colleges and skills providers improve their performance.

BECTA Report Jan 2010 - Inspiring Learners Discover how technology can isnpire learners to achieve more.

ilearning and ipads - Frequently Asked Questions

What are the benefits of students of participating in the iLearning Programme?

Students will be able to:

• develop independent learning skills
• access the school's learning resources anytime and from anywhere
• communicate with teachers and get support whenever they need it most
• share and collaborate with other students
• plan, create, present and review projects using a range of digital tools
• develop ICT capability in preparation for the world of work
• store work online where it can be backed up safely and automatically
• Students can use the device to learn at a pace that suits them