Ipads for Children to Take Home iPad Projects with the Birmingham E-Learning Foundation

Ian McCall CEO Birmingham e-Learning Foundation www.belf.org.uk ian@belf.org.uk 07932 374113

Especially those who can’t afford it. Our aim is to provide personal learning devices to ALL pupils in Birmingham. Especially those who can’t afford it. We aim to close the Digital Divide. So far in Birmingham we have helped to provide over 35,000 devices at over 50 schools. These are paid for with government funds, charity funds, school funds and Parental Donations.

New Technology After 35,000 desktops, laptops and netbooks, we piloted something new. Last September we launched 4 primary pilots Clifton, Osborne, Hillwest, Moor Green. Hallmoor Special and 2nd phase Clifton launched in March. A number of small pilots in secondaries to understand technology. (cloud etc) Larger projects from September. We hope that the excitement of using new technology will generate enthusiasm for students to do their schoolwork.

‘Business’ and IT drivers - a move to the 1:1 model.  - a move to mobile computing.   - cloud computing. 

Why iPads? New Apple technology allows children to use ‘Applications’ (Apps) at home without the internet. Huge range of educational apps available. Very attractive to children (and families!) to support learning. Gives us the opportunity to embrace technology some children are already familiar with (e.g., phones).

Use of the iPads They are set up in school with educational apps (they will be synched to an iTunes account). Children take them home and families can use them too. They are used in the classroom for schoolwork and to set homework.

iPad for use at home and at school How the Project Works iPad for use at home and at school E-Learning Grant School Contribution Parent Contribution £10 per month

Donations We ask for donations for three main reasons; We would like you to be involved with your child’s education. We need your help to make sure that it doesn’t get lost, stolen, or sold on e-bay,... With your donations, we can try to give every child a device.

How it Works Every Child in the Class or Yeargroup gets an new iPad2. Parents are asked to make a donation Which is much less than the cost of the devices The Charity collects the money It also collects Gift Aid, and asks the government for more money. This is the money that helps us to pay for the iPads.

E-safety Please ensure that your child is safe on line. When they are in school, the internet access will be safe. But when they are in your home, you are responsible.

Impact Parents’ views: “But the best thing to do you know she can make a story... you know my daughter and can get some picture like a singer or writer and get in there and make a story” [Dad] iPad ownership seems to improve a child’s development of a confident outlook and a responsible, independent attitude toward learning  The ease of researching topics on the internet is considered a central advantage for children  Children are learning not only IT skills but skills of learning for themselves

Impact Teachers’ views: “... priming [children’s] motivation and also their creativity in terms of wanting to do things, wanting to share work... wanting to kind of have, a profile in the classroom.... just in terms of what are very young children to start and go off and do their own research, formulate their own frameworks about what they need to find out... that is quite impressive!” [Teacher]  Children’s engagement and motivation to learn seems to have been enhanced  Children are developing multi-modal forms of literacy – the blending of sound, pictures and text (and even voice) in an integrative way to communicate meaning  New patterns and practice of homework seem to be emerging  Parents seem to be more directly engaged in their children’s education  

Ian McCall CEO Birmingham e-Learning Foundation www.belf.org.uk ian@belf.org.uk 07932 374113