Earlier this month, the children of Russell Scott Primary School in Denton, near Manchester, took part in their first Online Field Trip. We noticed they were using an incredible classroom, set up with an impressive array of technology. We wanted to know more, so caught up with teacher Stephanie Hallam.
What technology do you have in the classroom?
We have three projectors to display iPad screens on the wall as large images. There are also two widescreen televisions, with Apple TV, which allow easy interaction with all iPad applications. The whole room becomes moving images and projections.
Do the children get hands-on with the kit?
The children all have access to iPads and can easily connect these to the screens to share their work or ideas. Skype and Google + hangouts also work really well with this. Some of the children regularly Skype other schools and read to each other, which helps to improve their reading skills and engage them with home reading, knowing they will be reading out loud to other children. At Russell Scott we also take computer programming very seriously and the children have plenty of opportunities to take part in programming activities.
How have things changed at your school?
Since having the new technology, the children’s engagement has definitely increased. Children adopt the new technology easily and really enjoy using it. The children are so used to using technology at home and in their social lives that most can come in and 'teach the teachers' tricks with apps and computers. Through blogging, the children are improving their work and using more sophisticated language.
You used your technology classroom to get involved with our Remarkable Rice Online Field Trip – how was it?
Talking to people in two different countries through the Google + hangout was simply amazing. The children couldn't stop talking about it. They came to school that morning believing rice came from machines in Tesco, then – by lunch – saw with their own eyes where it actually comes from, and how it is made! The children learned so much and it provoked lots of discussion. It was a great opportunity to use our new technology room, with images projected around the walls for easy visibility and sound – so all of the children were engaged and could see exactly where that rice was coming from!
If you'd like your class to be involved in a future Online Field Trip, let us know by dropping a line to team@eathappyproject.com.
Talking to people in two different countries through the Google + hangout was amazing. The children couldn't stop talking about it!
