Background
Located 20km east of Melbourne, Australia, Vermont Primary School is a K–6 school, that focuses on student development.
They encourage independence, self esteem, cooperative work and creativity. At the core of the school’s mission lies a commitment to improve teaching and learning through the integration of information and communication technology (ICT) in the classroom.
Teachers and administrators at the school wanted to integrate (ICT) into the classroom and interactive technology formed a major step in that process. Preparatory and e-learning teacher, Helen Trewavas, says they were looking for the best interactive whiteboard on the market. After seeing the features and capabilities of the 2Touch Interactive Board at a professional development day, they knew they had found what they were looking for.
Vermont Primary introduced their first 2Touch interactive boards 12 months ago. They found that the first interactive set up was so successful and they now have 2Touch Interactive Whiteboards setup in every classroom in the school, ensuring every teacher and student has access to the interactive technology.
Since the introduction of the boards, the school has embarked upon an ongoing training program for teachers and students, to improve their understanding and implementation of the integrated technology.
“The introduction of interactive whiteboards into the classroom has improved student engagement and enthusiasm for learning. 100% of students are motivated” says prep teacher & ICT champion, Miss Helen Trewavas. “Being able to demonstrate and discuss on the interactive whiteboard has definitely helped to improve students understanding of learning outcomes.”
The Challenge
To improve teaching and learning through the successful integration of Interactive Whiteboards in the classroom.
The solution
2Touch interactive whiteboards
The Result
Students are actively involved in the classroom. The 2Touch interactive whiteboard have proven to be an empowering and beneficial technology. Lesson plans are evolving to include the interactive whiteboard in every lesson and every subject area, from presentations and writing skills to mathematics, science and interactive games. “It is even used in practical science lessons, The IWB is used during the introduction, we film the experiment on a mini-camera and then use the board to review the video and discuss the results.” said Miss Trewavas.
One of the biggest impacts of 2Touch interactive whiteboards has been on pedagogy. Putting this new tool in what is essentially an old environment, has allowed the teachers to explore new and exciting ways of involving and interacting with the class, with endless possibilities available. As the teachers realise the versatility, they are using the boards for whole class teaching, group and one-on one learning activities. “Students use the interactive boards to create videos and animations, browse websites, graphing, storytelling, play games and participate in activities.” said Helen Trewavas.
As with taking on any new technology products there was some concern with respect to the amount of work that may be required to learn and create new lessons for the interactive board. However, this concern was quickly alleviated as teachers recognised the simplicity of the software, and how easy it is to create lessons before and during lessons.
Key to this success is the weekly training sessions offered in-house by the teachers in the school, boosting confidence, providing collaboration and sharing their lesson plans, ideas and activities. Teachers enjoy using Workbook , PowerPoint and various other software programs and resources installed on their computers to involve and engage the students. The real breakthrough has occurred with the realisation of the countless opportunities available from the integration and use of this technology in the classroom.
Helen Trewavas says she uses various content from local and web based resources on a daily basis to help explain concepts to students in ways they can relate to the real world. “I love the 2Touch board” says Trewavas, “I have used other boards, but 2Touch is the best one so far!”
Teachers at Vermont Primary school are committed to providing the best learning experience possible for all of their students through providing a multiple pronged approach to teaching and learning based upon an ancient Confucious philosophy of ‘Tell, Show and Involve.’
The integration of the 2Touch Interactive Whiteboard has created an environment where that philosophy can truly come to life. Read how Penrith Christian School on the outskirts of Sydney use this technology. To find out how this technology can help your school visit the 2Touch website or phone 1800 246 808.
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