Technology in the classroom

You may be wondering what role technology plays in SISD’s classrooms, and how it can complement or improve upon existing methods. In this blog entry, we look at some of the ways that technology  is employed in our curriculum, especially in the new resources integrated into our STEAM programme.

Apple Education

Apple is one of the leaders in computing worldwide, and children all over the globe have had experiences with its most famous products, such as the iPad and the MacBook. As a result, Apple is uniquely equipped as both a hardware and software provider to support technology education initiatives. By combining top-class Apple hardware with the extensive software ecosystem of iOS and macOS and the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme our students get access to a diverse array of tech education experiences and tools. Students can set up intuitive and attractive presentations, create music, and even learn the basics of programming. There are also applications that are cross-compatible between iPad and MacBooks, allowing students to start on, for example, an iPad in a classroom, and continue their work on an iMac in a school lab or at home. It’s not just students who get new tools. Apple Education features software that allows teachers to track progress and create more personalised experiences for every student. Teachers may also easily give out assignments and circulars through the tools.

Innovation Labs

Technology plays a large and ever-growing role in everyone’s lives. In fact, for many children, a technology-driven life may be the only one that they’ve ever known, In order to develop their instincts and skills with technology, we offer our Innovation Labs to our students, featuring the latest technology education that allows them to explore their interests and learn about topics ranging from robotics and additive manufacturing, to programming and design – even outside the classroom. What would normally be a “computer lab” or ICT lab becomes a fully-fledged innovation center that students can explore during their own free time.

Technology Education

While education technology refers to technology that is used to facilitate learning, technology education is the study of technology, its processes and body of knowledge. Such education is important for our students, who will be entering a workforce that will need them to be highly tech-literate. Technology education permeates the entire curriculum at SISD, but in particular the STEAM  programme adheres to several technology education standards, including Next Generation Science Standards, International Standards for Technology Education, and UNESCO Education for Sustainable Development. These standards ensure that our young students will be taught rich, diverse, and high-quality content about technology, and that students are exposed to scientific practices and processes that will allow them to get a better appreciation of science and technology. But Technology Education isn’t just about learning how to use technology directly – it’s also about learning how technology changes society, and how to adapt to such a society in which it’s so prevalent. That’s why we’ve also adopted Common Sense Media’s Digital Citizenship curriculum, which provides our children with the knowledge they need to become responsible citizens in a tech-driven landscape.

The Scientific Essence

This extensive use of technology, and education about technology and science, are some of the biggest contributors to the “Scientific” in Swiss International Scientific School in Dubai. By leveraging the learning potential of technology, we’re able to provide our children with unique and effective learning experiences that can help them grow.