iPads boost learning at St. Anne school

Grade 7 and 8 students at St. Anne Catholic Elementary School in Hanmer are using iPads in class thanks to a grant from the Ministry of Education.

Teachers submitted a proposal to the ministry last year to increase student achievement through the imbedded use of technology. Their proposal was approved last February.

The $45,000 grant allows for one iPad for every two students. Learners started the week with interactive math lessons delivered wireless through Apple TV. 

“It was so great to see our classroom go wireless,” said Davey Meeks, a Grade 8 student at the school.

“We were able to answer questions from our own group and our responses were projected on the large screen using our iPads. Everyone in the classroom was able to work together to solve group problems.”

Providing effective and timely feedback to students is a cornerstone of the proposal. 

Each teacher received live scribe pens to help achieve this goal. The pens allow for the delivery of interactive audio descriptive feedback. Students can now better understand how to improve their work and set next steps. 

"It was awesome to hear suggestions of how to improve my work,” said Christopher Balaz, a Grade 8 student.

“I can listen to suggestions over and over, and improve as I move along.”

The Ministry of Education allotted a portion of the grant to be spent on the professional development of teachers and collaboration with community partner.