Kids tap into hi-tech teaching tools
E-learning is becoming increasingly common in local schools. And Renaissance College in Ma On Shan is taking it further by introducing the iPad to its Year One students.
They get to learn and play with the gadget for two 20-minute sessions each week.
The school's Year One Co-ordinator, Mandy Hodgson, said they were taking advantage of the large variety of apps available on the iPad to assist learning and to let the children have some fun.
For example, with one easy-to-use app, they could produce their own animations, choosing different characters and animals and using a beach as the backdrop.
They could also learn vocabulary with a word bingo app and listen to stories through a talking picture book app.
Hodgson said the teachers had to be careful about the materials they chose, and the length of time they let the students use the gadget. Also, there was no access to the internet in case children came across unsuitable content.
Head of Learning Technologies Ania Zielinska said the school was not trying to replace pencils and books with hi-tech gadgets, but was using the iPad as a learning tool and helping students to become familiar with technology as part of life.
