Grade 4 students learning math via an interactive learning platform
HONG KONG, 25 MAY 2009 – The Australian International School Hong Kong (AISHK) has launched a technology programme allowing primary school students to learn in an interactive multimedia environment.
Named ‘Classmate PCs’ (personal computers), the laptops are rugged, lightweight, wi-fi-enabled, and are powered by the Intel Atom processor with a convertible design.
Developed by the US-chipmaker Intel, the learning devices have water-resistant keyboards and are shock-resistant if dropped. In addition to the 50 donated Classmate PCs donated to AISHK last week, the school is now equipped with 100 Classmate PCs, and is planning to expand the programme to allow more students to benefit from the interactive and collaborative learning model.
To facilitate campus-wide learning, AISHK has also built a campus-wide wireless connection infrastructure with the help of PCCW, a Hong Kong-based telecommunications solutions provider.
Interactive learning platform
With the Classmate PCs programme launched seven weeks ago, all laptops are installed with the Intel-developed ‘skoool’ interactive learning and teaching technology programme, which is a Web-based interactive education application.
The Classmate PCs are initially provided to more than 70 students from Year Four, who are expected to benefit from the daily use of the PCs, helping them embrace technology at an early age, and to aid both students and teachers in studying and teaching.
The school plans on introducing the programme to other grade levels so that they will eventually be used by all students from Year Two to Seven.
The ‘skoool’ content for AISHK was developed originally for schools in Australia, based on their state curriculum. Joseph Hegarty, founder of the skoool programme and general manager of Intel Performance Learning Solutions, said: “The role of information communications technologies (ICT) in supporting the development of 21st century skills is well-documented. Self-motivated, individualised, group and collaborative learning processes, supported by ICT, will contribute significantly to the preparation of a more flexible modern workforce.”
From this platform, students can find text, visual, audio, and video resources to help understand academic concepts. Students and teachers can use this application to collaborate within class, school and community. The application is also integrated with a Learning Management System for teachers to track students’ learning progress.
“We have been trying out the use of the Classmate PCs in various subjects and the results have been tremendous. The range of software tools and accessibility to information allows us to integrate them into English, Maths and Science lessons,” said David Shirley, assistant principal – primary, Australian International School Hong Kong.
“We noticed as soon as we started using them, that every student was totally engaged in their work, exploring the capabilities and the information offered. It was quite special,” Shirley said.
