Ark Super NetPod for Rotorua Intermediate digital classroom
(November 2004)
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Corey, Nikau, and Joel doing research and planning for a
tramping unit, using recycled computers in a 'Super NetPod' from
The Ark. |
In term three last year, Rotorua Intermediate made one of its 20
classrooms 'digital' on a trial basis. The experiment has succeeded and
will be extended next year to three more classrooms.
While most classrooms have only one computer, the
digital classroom has 10 – one for every three students. The networked
suite is an expanded version of The Ark's popular six-PC 'Super Netpod'.
The controlling computer is a Pentium III 450 machine with XP Pro, while
other computers are Pentium II 350s. The all-up cost for the recycled
IBM computers, including 17-inch screens, was $7,000.
Work is balanced among face-to-face teaching, books,
and computers. "The computers are just here as a tool to enhance their
learning," says class teacher Kimberlie Cording.
Results so far have been impressive. "It's working
really well for us – we've seen improved motivation and one area where
we've had great results is in reading. It's been nothing unusual to see
a two to four-year jump in reading age within a year."
Most of the software used in the classroom is
Microsoft, from the suite covered by the Ministry of Education's school
licence agreement. As well as using standard Office applications, they
are designing websites with Front Page, making videos, working with
digital photos and even using the Windows Sound Recorder to create a
radio station that plays through Media Player.
Internet research through a Jetstream connection is
an important part of teaching in the digital classroom. Students do
WebQuests through
English
Online and they make regular use of the
LEARNZ online
learning site. Internet 'nasties' have yet to rear their ugly head in
the classroom and no special filtering has been needed. However, the
school server has applications that can block access if needed.
To a large extent, Internet safety is assured by the
way searching is carried out. "We're very specific about what we want in
our searching," says Kimberlie. "We're more into advanced searches than
general searches and I tend to direct students to web pages I want them
to see, whether pre-determined through a WebQuest or stuff I've already
sorted out at home.
"There's also a rule that if students find something
inappropriate, they turn the screen off and get me. I would clear the
area and get the web address blocked. But I've never had to do it."
The computers are "more than capable" of running the
Microsoft applications, says Kimberlie. One exception is video editing,
but the students use her laptop for this. And "it's probably better if
they do it on the laptop anyway, because we can put them and the laptop
into a quiet room".
Reliability of the recycled machines in the netpod
has been excellent, and the school has decided to buy more for 2005, to
expand the digital concept to four classrooms – two year 7 and two
year 8 classes. The number of computers in each classroom will be
increased to 15, to allow one computer between two students. More
machines will go into standard classrooms. It is also planned to bring
other classes into digital classrooms when students are away doing
classes such as art and technical subjects.
Membership of the digital classroom is on an opt-in
basis and parents are asked for an extra donation of around $350, to
cover the costs of ICT consumables, which can be quite high.
Kimberlie Cording originally designed and promoted
the digital classroom concept after seeing a similar classroom operating
in a Hamilton school. The trial classroom was funded by Rotorua
Intermediate's 'Friends of the School', on the understanding that the
board of trustees would meet running costs and support future expansion.
Contact Kimberlie at:
reception@rotorua-intermediate.org.nz
School website:
http://www.rotorua-intermediate.org.nz/
