Returning to education on the physical campus, we were committed to integrating Edtech tools into the curriculum to develop students’ digital, research and collaboration skills and encourage the use of different tech tools beneficial in this digital age. This birthed the Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) programme, piloted with Form 3 students who enjoyed the innovative approach of studying via technology.
Their renewed interest in school work and deeper engagement with lessons testified to this. In a typical geography lesson on Volcanoes, they used Nearpod to explore a volcanic mountain, took a virtual field trip to Pompeii in Italy to visit Mt. Vesuvius and expand their knowledge of its eruption. Their observations and queries reflected their immersion in the task and enabled them to evaluate the impact and opportunities the event presented for the Italian economy. Students watched videos, researched, and collaborated to compare the volcanic mountain with others in Iceland. Their compelling Poster design using Google slides and Photoshop as well as their essays in Google Docs created a convincing campaign piece encouraging tourism to the volcano.
This incredibly engaging experience, spanning an hour’s lesson, not only consolidated information about the volcano but also provided students with an invaluable set of skills. Learning can indeed be experienced in varied, exciting ways.