Leicester Teacher recognised for his innovative use of technology
05 January 2011
Northgate Managed Services supports Soar Valley College teacher to share an inspirational vision for learning at Learning Without Frontiers Conference
An inspiring Leicester teacher has been recognised for his innovative use of technology with a speaking opportunity at the Learning Without Frontiers Conference in London next week (9-11 January 2011). Supported by leading ICT services and solutions provider, Northgate Managed Services, Mark Sutton, Assistant Curriculum Leader for Design & Technology from Soar Valley College, has beaten stiff competition to speak alongside some of the country's most inspirational teachers.
Soar Valley College opened its brand new doors in June 2009 as part of the Building Schools for the Future (BSF) programme', providing technology to engage and educate students. The school works closely with Northgate to ensure its learners have access to the latest technology solutions and services. As part of the partnership, Northgate has invested in teachers' development by supporting their attendance at some of the UK's leading events which promote industry best practice.
Mark Sutton joined Soar Valley College five years ago and has spent his teaching career at the school researching and integrating some of the latest technologies into the classroom. Passionate about transforming learning into a truly interactive experience, Mark will present to up to 100 delegates at the international festival of learning and technology about his use of handheld technology such as Sony PSPs (PlayStation Portable) and iPhones, as a way of engaging students in their learning.
A delegate at the 2010 conference, Mark was inspired to push the boundaries of traditional teaching and is now using augmented reality gaming technology called 'Second Sight' through the Sony PSPs to literally bring subjects to life. As students walk around a virtual environment, the PSPs 'read' special printed codes, called 2D bar codes or markers, on the walls, and automatically display information to students that includes text, audio, video and 3D images. The process involves adding a layer of virtual information over the physical world. In English lessons for example, students explore the layout of rooms that Sherlock Holmes investigates in the novel, viewing virtual 3D models such as a fireplace or armchair as they run their Sony PSP over a code on the wall or floor. In science, Mark is also using this 'Second Sight' technology to teach students about the solar system, enabling them to study large 3D models of the planets. To enable students to use the Sony PSPs anytime, anywhere on site, Mark connects to the school's wireless internet solution supplied and managed by Northgate.
Use of handheld technology is helping to excite students in their learning, however, Mark is keen to emphasise that the Sony PSPs are used as part of an overall teaching strategy. He believes technology plays a vital role in helping students understand complex subjects and should be used alongside textbooks to help them engage with different topics.
Next term, Mark is hoping to use the Second Sight augmented reality technology to create a virtual walk through of the evolutionary timeline - enabling students to walk up the tree of life and along the different branches to view 3D models of the different creatures through time. He is also due to receive a set of iPhones from Leicester City Learning Centre which he plans to integrate into the classroom.
Mark Sutton, Assistant Curriculum Leader for Design & Technology, comments: "I am honoured to be speaking at the Learning Without Frontiers Conference. Without the support of Northgate Managed Services, I wouldn't have been able to make this a reality. I am passionate about delivering information to students in a format that excites them. Augmented reality technology through the Sony PSPs certainly has the 'wow factor' for students and if that is what it takes to engage them in their learning and achieve their potential, then I believe every school should try it out. Students use mobile phones and handheld consoles for enjoyment every day, so as teachers, it is vital that we move with the times and teach students in the way they like to learn."
Committed to supporting the schools on a day-to-day basis through its managed service, Northgate's team of ICT experts are on hand to fix any ICT-related problems quickly and efficiently and work remotely to ensure the schools receives an optimum service at all times.
Chris Wiseman, Sales Director at Northgate Managed Services, comments: "We have supported the school helping them to make the concept of anytime, anywhere learning a reality whilst motivating learners of all abilities. Mark is a truly inspirational teacher and has a remarkable vision for learning through technology. We are delighted that he has been recognised for his work at the forthcoming Learning Without Frontiers Conference and believe his speech will both inspire and instil confidence in many educationalists to implement handheld technologies in the classroom."
Pictured: Pupils from Soar Valley College using technology
