This week we had an action-packed time thanks to the Principal, Jane Rowlands and Staff at Floreat Primary! Our Jeremy Wood started off by reminding us how the ties with Floreat Park Primary School (FPPS) had evolved, and then Deputy Principal Matthew Wright set the scene about how learning is now enhanced in schools by technology. In giving a brief history of education over the centuries, Matthew told how the role of the teacher has changed dramatically to what it is now – it’s showing students how to find information. The use of technology in schools is not about ‘hands on, brain off’; or watching videos; or a reward for something; or playing games. What it IS about is ‘hands on, brains on’; creativity; collaboration; problem solving; and communicating. Jemima Salisbury then explained how a literary programme enhances learning, and she used a “live” example from her class. Similarly, Mikayla Snow told us all about the reading activities for year 3 students, and again used examples from her class. Owen Linehan followed with an explanation about reading, and how some students can read but not write. Technology can now help such students to effectively publish a book within a couple of months of starting. All present were then treated to mini-lessons so that we could experience what actually happens in class. Fascinating stuff! The two major education challenges right now are the lack of writing skills (the basics are still taught), and affordability – the parents in many schools simply can’t afford the technology.
