Leicester schools commended for providing truly interactive learning experiences through technology
28 June 2011
A buzz of excitement filled the air at the Leicester Tigers Stadium recently as students and teachers from over thirty schools and colleges across Leicester joined educational technology experts to showcase creative use of technology.
Led by the students themselves to share what they believe to be best practice for ICT in the classroom, the Engage, Evolve, Excel event was broadcast live to students all over the country thanks to English Martyrs RC School who operate Leicester's school radio station SuperSonicFM.
Demonstrating new ways to open up the curriculum to learners of all abilities, students from Ash Field Primary School demonstrated the latest 'Eye Gaze' communication device which enables users to control games on screen with their eyes. Soar Valley College, one of the organisers of the event, showcased creative use of the latest handheld technologies, such as Apple iPads and iPhones, Sony PSPs and Nintendo DS' and Moat Community College demo'd innovative use of robot and coding technology to help engage boys in engineering.
The day culminated with an awards ceremony hosted by world-renowned Professor Stephen Heppell, attributed as 'the most influential academic of recent years in the field of technology and education' who awarded prizes to the most innovative schools. The winners included Crownhills Community College, Ash Field Primary School, Shenton Primary School, Soar Valley College and Moat Community College.
Mel Berry, Principal of Soar Valley College and one of the organisers said: "This has been an outstanding opportunity for schools in Leicester to tap into best practice use of technology across the city. We are so proud to have been involved and delighted to see our students and teachers recognised by Professor Stephen Heppell as one of most innovative learning environments in the area."
Chris Wiseman, Sales Director, Education, Northgate Managed Services - Leicester's ICT managed service provider, said: "We were bowled over by the wealth of talent in Leicester, with so many teachers and students using ICT in creative ways in the classroom. What we witnessed at "Engage, Evolve, Excel" has been truly inspirational and we commend Leicester's schools for their commitment to delivering such an interactive and engaging learning experience to young people."
The event was organised by Leicester's schools and colleges in association with Leicester City Council, Leicester City Secondary EIP, The Schools Development and Support Agency (SDSA) and supported by leading providers of ICT services and solutions, Northgate Managed Services (www.northgate-is.com/managedservices). Key event sponsors included world-class education suppliers Promethean, CDEC, Siracom / Meru, and Sahara.
