Sunday, April 21, 2013

Technology- The next steps

Over the last five years Stanley Avenue has been experimenting with a range of emerging technologies to investigate whether they enhance teaching and learning opportunities for our teachers and students.  This has seen the use of IWB's, interactive projectors, netbooks, mobile phones and recently the use of Ipod Touches and I Pads.  With all these innovations the school's LMS-  Ultranet has been the hub where students reflect on their learning and share thinking they are proud of. 

Has the price of Ipads (both full and mini) coupled with the functionality of Google Drive and a wide range of apps changed the landscape?  Recently I have been experimenting with a range of apps that used with Google Drive lead to exciting opportunites for our teachers and students. 

In term two we are experimenting with Ipads and some apps coupled with Google Drive to see if they are game changers.  Watch this Space!

Saturday, April 20, 2013

School Values in Action

Respect and Support Others-  As a school value this has always been a focus at Stanley Avenue School.  During term one this year there have been many planned actions organised by school leaders modelling these values. 

It has been fantastic to see students organising lunchtime activities, supporting members of the community in ventures and making a difference in and out of Te Aroha.  An example of this is room 9's effort to 'Save the World in 5 minutes' as part of their term theme 'Our Voice is Powerful'.  This saw students collecting old cellphones for Starship Hospital, toys for the Salvation Army and promoting the conservation of power at Stanley Ave.