Dave Barry, Head of IT and a practising ICT teacher, offered Panasonic representatives a guided tour of the school to find out just how much difference the technology had made. First stop was the English Department, where an attentively seated class of 30 students were listening to Ted Jacobs, Head of English. A Panasonic interactive whiteboard was brightly displaying free text that he was jotting down with a pen and as he pulled up an image of the subject and asked a question, hands shot up all around with the classic fully engaged response of highly motivated students.
Liz Bush, the school’s Head of Science had used the technology to set up ‘The Crickhowell Periodic Table Challenge’, which combines an interactive memory game with revision study of the periodic table elements. “Everyone at the school loves it and it’s become a school wide challenge.
With the Panasonic, I can plug in my net book, use sound through the built-in speakers and even access E-Chalk resources for Key Stage 4 education. I would definitely recommend other schools seeking a better whiteboard solution to check out this one”.
Without getting too immersed in the technical details of the boards Crickhowell had specified, Panasonic asked Head teacher Jackie Parker about the touch sensitivity of the screen: “It’s very familiar for everyone, they are 100% easy to use and that’s why we took them on board… It’s also a good way to help stretch the imagination and practical ability of everyone to embrace the new technology” she said. “Speed and flexibility is all important in IWB and through this, very positive dynamics are created between teacher and pupils and the fact that up to three can use them at the same time encourages a team atmosphere. Durability is also a massively important issue, because they are more rugged they create more confidence. They are fit for purpose.”
Talking about the budget required for bringing the new technology to the school, Jackie explained: “The cost aspect of installation was reduced as we were replacing existing whiteboards and the Panaboards also have integrated speakers. We did a lot of testing and visited the Panasonic Newport facility to discuss our needs in depth and it struck us how keenly they listened.” The project partner that completed the installation was UK technology solution provider, Danem UK Ltd, who specialise in interactive white boards and projection.
When asked about the next steps the school is planning in integrating the latest ICT for education, Jackie said: “We’re currently installing wireless connectivity throughout the school so the Sixth Form can use their laptops and this will mean that their learning opportunities are not restricted to fixed computer resources. This wireless installation also represents an opportunity to stream content right to the Panaboards in the classroom.”
Education Today caught up with Head of IT, Dave Barry to find out more…
What did technology in schools look like 5 years ago?
The spread of technology in schools five years ago was sporadic at best. Some schools had invested in new computer hardware and software whereas others had concentrated their budgets in other areas. Staff training was also an issue with block training organised when funding was available, but limited hardware such as PCs and Interactive Whiteboards in the classroom to back it up. There was also limited use of ICT across the curriculum in some schools, primarily because of the lack of funding for hardware and relevant subject software.
What does it look like now?
Today ICT has moved forward considerably. Technological innovation has brought new devices such as interactive whiteboards, interactive tables and tablet PCs to the classroom. Software has advanced considerably to allow students to access their work from anywhere in the world, bringing the dream of being able to learn at any time and in any place a lot closer. Advances in Internet speeds have also helped, but unfortunately we still lag behind some of our European partners for broadband speeds. Fibre Optic networks in schools have opened up the possibilities of schools saving money on their phone exchange systems by routing calls internally through their computer network and making virtual networks in schools a reality.
The greatest innovations, however, have been in the way that students’ use the ICT systems. Virtually every student has a mobile phone or device that allows them access to the Internet, listen to music, email and to take pictures and movies. This allows the students’ to work collaboratively on projects within the classroom and beyond. USB pen drive access and devices such as mp3 players have revolutionised the way that students can access their work, allowing them to easily transfer and store files. In the classroom teaching has become much more innovative with Interactive Whiteboards, voting systems and wireless slates allowing the students to take part in a lesson like never before.
Teachers today have had to become far more flexible in their style of teaching to allow the students to explore these new areas, we are learning together with the students how far the advances in technology can take us as an aid to learning and I look forward to any new development in the technology and how it opens up the students’ access to education.
How did you support staff with the introduction of the Panasonic UB-T880 interactive whiteboards?
We asked Panasonic to train our staff initially and we have also provided further support to staff through our own training.
Has technology fundamentally changed the way that teachers teach?
Absolutely, lessons are far more relevant and informative with up to date information from the Internet, interactive software, movies and activities planned around the use of the technology. Teachers now have an extremely wide range of resources at their fingertips that can bring their lessons to life, providing the opportunity to engage the students in learning in a way that was just not possible previously.
What has been the impact on engagement, attainment and behaviour?
The students are far more engaged; interaction with the technology reduces the students’ tendency to allow their minds to wander, improving their behaviour within the classroom. As they are also learning through this interactivity, we are confident that this is having a positive impact upon attainment.
What would you say to schools considering the Panasonic UB-T880 - is it money well spent?
We live in exciting times for teaching and learning and being prudent and yet innovative with the money that the school receives is essential to providing a quality education that is the foundation for life for the students. The Panasonic UB-T880 is a superior product that provides value for money, reliability and ease of use in an Interactive Whiteboard market that has a number of other suppliers. I would certainly recommend this product.
