Hosted by , contributed by Kyriaki_Vakkou on 15 September 2023
The main issues identified were the limited resources in the school (e.g., limited number of computers) and the resulting lack of inclusive opportunities for students’ learning.
Chromebook computers were purchased and distributed to all 7th grade students. The computers acquired through the LfE project freed up the school's shared devices for more active use by other classes. When the teachers noticed the advantage of having their own device with the seventh graders, they wanted the same for the eighth graders as well. With a little support from the elementary schools, they were also able to give old student computers to the eighth graders as well.
The computers were utilized to varying degrees in different subjects. In geography, where digital books were already in use, study opportunities at school and at home changed completely. Previously, the teacher had to print the pages of the e-book and prepare homework material separately for those students who did not have access to a computer at home but now they can virtually share files to all. In arts, it Became possible to utilize the advantages of the Google Classroom. The material can be found in their own shared sections, students can progress more at their own pace and return to the materials according to their needs. Students can also see their own progress and what has been done during the year.
The cooperation between teachers was increased, especially among the teachers of mathematics, where there are several teachers. For example, they plan lessons planned together and even exams through shared platforms, collaborative document editing, virtual file sharing etc. Teachers also observed that the need for paper was decreased significantly and all the material is easily stored, less likely to be misplaced and easily accessible during the lessons.
Teachers have been pleased that the students have personal computers at hand which has eliminated the need to reserve shared computers for their lessons. The teachers were also pleased to be able to provide their students the opportunity to use different apps and tools, such as Geogebra in mathematics for studying statistics and drawing up diagrams.
As the teachers of the school mentioned, the computers also facilitated inclusive education and prevented some students for becoming marginalized. Specifically, they enabled the differentiation process that takes place during a lesson and individualized work was more easily assigned to different students. Self-assessments are easier to execute and homework and classroom work can be recorded and updated in Google Classroom, where every student can find the required files and assignments easily, even if they were absent from the lessons. The school also has a group of four students who study in the school premises only for the first two hours of the morning. Without this group, they wouldn't be able to come to the school at all. With the help of their own computers, the students are able to participate in the assignments given through Classroom. Google Meet has also made it possible to take part in lessons for those who are anxious about being in normal lessons. For example, one of student has attended history lessons solely through Google Meet.
The purchase of the devices, also provided the opportunity of the school to extend their network. For instance, they are planning to cooperate more with the local library and make the Pressreader database available for students for easy access to newspapers and magazines.
Geogebra: https://www.geogebra.org/
Google Meet: https://meet.google.com/
Already implemented by the following schools
Toholammin yläkoulu (Lower secondary school of Toholampi)
This practice was implemented by our school!