Technology at RWA
Technology is an integral part of education at Raffles World Academy (RWA). Digital technologies provide unique potential to transform our students’ learning experience by helping them in collaborative learning environments.
Our school’s approach towards technology is that we see it as a tool that supports the learning process. As a school, we believe in developing skills like handwriting and bookwork, just as we believe in developing key 21st century skills such as communication and collaboration, critical thinking, and creativity.
At RWA students have access to a wide range of school-provided technology including computer labs, iPad, and laptop trolleys. In addition to this we have a 1:1 (iPad to student) and Bring Your Own Device schemes from Grade 2-12 in our school, where students can bring their own technology to school to support their learning.
BYOD scheme
We run our Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) scheme from Grades 2 – 12 at RWA. With many of our students owning their own devices and using these for their personal use, we have recognised the need to encourage students to utilise technology in a seamless fashion for their education. The BYOD approach helps to support our drive towards developing learning environments for our students which will develop the skills they need to be successful to live and work in the 21st century.
In our BYOD classes, as in all classrooms, we view technology as a tool in the classroom which can enhance and much more effectively personalise the learning experience.
For more information, please refer to Frequently Asked Questions below:
| WHY WAS AN IPAD CHOSEN FOR THESE CLASSES? |
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| A range of research was conducted prior to rolling out the BYOD programme in G2-12. The iPad has been used across the world with remarkable success in educational settings. The reasons for this include the long battery life, instant power on, flat profile, multimedia capabilities, ease of reading and annotating text, touch screen and robust app developer community. In deciding upon the specific device to use for this programme, a comparison was made between different platforms, with it being found that out of all the apps on the draft app list, only 30-40% of the apps available in the Apple App Store were available on other platforms. |
| WHAT APPLICATIONS (APPS) DOES MY CHILD NEED TO HAVE ON THEIR IPAD FOR SCHOOL? |
| A full list of required apps will be provided to parents after the summer break. Each app will have a link included which will take you directly to the app store for easy downloading. Most apps are free of charge, with only a handful priced between 4dhs and 40dhs (in total the cost of the apps will not exceed 300dhs). |
| WHICH IPAD SHOULD I PURCHASE? |
| The minimum specifications for the device required will be provided to all parents before the summer break along with the stationery list. |
| HOW WILL THE IPAD BE USED IN THE CLASSROOM ENVIRONMENT? |
| In our 1:1 class, as in all classrooms, we view technology as a tool in the classroom which can enhance and much more effectively personalise the learning experience. Technology at RWA is not seen as something which replaces all previous approaches. We still believe in developing key skills such as handwriting and bookwork, just as we believe in developing 21st century skills such as communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and creativity. |
| HOW MUCH ARE THE IPADS USED IN CLASS? |
| It is difficult to give a specific amount of time, as each class is slightly different. However, it should be noted that when planning their lessons, teachers consider issues such as managing screen time, ensuring their students are not on devices for too long consecutively (or in one day). As an ‘on average figure’, the iPads may be used between 2 – 4 lessons in a day. However, it is important to note that in these lessons, the students will not be on their device all of the time (i.e. much of the work may involve them working on a book and using the iPad to get information, share their work with classmates, etc.). |
| WON'T THE IPAD ALLOW THE STUDENTS TO BE ON THE INTERNET TO BROWSE SITES THEY SHOULD NOT BE ON? |
| While on the RWA campus, the iPads will be protected behind our firewall, with the filter system that will keep students from accessing inappropriate or blocked web sites. We do not recommend purchasing the 3G/4G enabled iPads as you will be enabling your child to have connectivity via a cell phone plan, which will allow them to bypass the campus network, firewall and web site filters. If your child brings a 3G/4G enabled iPad to school, we will require that this be turned off and that only the WIFI is used while on campus. |
| WHAT PRECAUTIONS SHOULD I TAKE AGAINST MY CHILD LOSING THEIR IPAD OR IN THE EVENT IT GOES MISSING? |
| RWA strongly recommends that the built-in device tracking is activated so you can track the unit through your iCloud account. Also, students will require a protective case (this should be something which can be easily identified). While at school devices are stored safely in a locked classroom (when there is no teacher in the room) and students are not allowed to take their device out with them at break times. |
| WHAT TRAINING AND TECHNOLOGY SUPPORT WILL MY CHILD AND THEIR TEACHER RECEIVE? |
| Classroom teachers will receive ongoing training and support from the Head of Digital Learning in ensuring the devices are being used effectively to enhance teaching and learning in the classroom. Also, where necessary, the teachers (and students) will be supported by the RWA IT staff. The students will receive ongoing support and training from their teacher to ensure they fully use their device in the classroom. |
| WHAT RULES SHOULD BE SET AT HOME FOR THEIR IPAD USE? |
| As with any rules, clear and patient communication between you and your child towards setting boundaries and maintaining good study skills are always recommended. The iPad will not change your communication but will offer the opportunity of a new discussion towards responsibility and growth. RWA encourages parents to remain up to date on current device technology and to utilise parental control options on their child's iPad to lock certain functions, if necessary. While we are looking to utilise the potential of technology to enhance our classrooms at the school, we also believe in, and support, healthy attitudes towards the use of technology by our students. |
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