As the result of a unique partnership between Ullens and global education technology company Promethean, the school has become the first in Nepal to use interactive whiteboard (IWB) technology in its classrooms, with an outstanding effect on the pupils’ learning and development.
Promethean supplied IWBs for classrooms, as well as technology-based learning tools, including programmes and resources through its interactive web portal, Promethean Planet. Teachers at Ullens use ActivClassroom, ActivBoard and ActivPen to enhance lessons, as well as readily available flipcharts and lesson plans across numerous subjects and levels.
Jim Wynn, chief education officer at Promethean, said: “Promethean has worked closely with Ullens to provide access to the tools to educate pupils beyond the borders of Nepal, bringing places and issues around the globe to life within the classroom and reinforcing international values. The results have been exemplary and demonstrate the value of the technology when used in conjunction with a learning environment cohesive to its key values.”
Increasing inclusion and active learning
The consistent feedback from teachers at Ullens has been that the technology is an effective interactive vehicle when used in collaboration with other teaching methods. The IWB colours stimulate attention and interest from the students, which enables them to absorb facts more easily. This is particularly useful:
• When attempting subjects that would ordinarily be more difficult or perceived by some students as less interesting, for example, multiplication in mathematics for primary aged children.
• In situations where there is a lot of information to absorb and children may lose interest if there is a long piece of text, for example, history and geography teachers may use a video and interactive maps to communicate the information.
• If the subject is difficult for the children to visualise, such as learning about a different culture.
Teachers in geography and mathematics reported that students are more attentive, focused and enthusiastic for longer periods of time when using the boards and there is more of a two-way communication in the classroom, allowing them to delve deeper into subjects. In addition, teachers advised that pupils are fascinated by the IWB technology and eager to participate using the ActivPens, so children who may ordinarily be too shy to answer questions in class or who show little interest in learning are motivated to engage with the lesson, boosting their absorption of information. Using IWBs also creates an inclusive atmosphere in the classroom, allowing students from different backgrounds to interact together and contribute their thoughts and opinions.
