Why Integrate ICTs Into the Classroom?
Tin Can Bay P-10 State School is situated in a seaside town in South East Queensland which has a low socioeconomic status. There are two foundation year (prep) rooms consisting of up to 30 children in each including several children with additional needs. Integration of ICTs into the prep curriculum has become more evident due to the school receiving an ICT grant 18 months ago.
The prep rooms benefitted in receiving:
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1 interactive whiteboard
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12 iPads
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2 computers
The computers are primarily utilised through the children participating in a literacy program called Reading Eggs which motivates exploration and learning in a fun and interactive way. Reading Eggs comprises of individual one on one lessons that allow children to progress through each level at their own pace. This is implemented 3 times a week.
The iPads have been an exceptional tool for a child in the prep class who has autism spectrum disorder and has very limited verbal communication skills. She relies on her iPad to communicate with teachers and fellow peers.
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Within the primary school section of Tin Can Bay P-10, each class is allocated 1 hour a week in the computer room with a qualified ICT teacher to learn age appropriate computer skills. In regards to the prep classes, they learn typing skills (keyboard awareness), drag and drop (using the computer mouse) and computer navigation skills.
FOUNDATION YEAR AT TIN CAN BAY P-10
A little bit about the town of Tin Can Bay - for your own viewing pleasure.​