Manav Rachna International School, Mohali has actively pursued the integration of ICT (Information and Communication Technology) into teaching and learning, and the development of pupils’ digital literacy, primarily through ICT in Schools programme. This Programme focuses on four key areas:
- The provision of essential ICT infrastructure within schools
- The provision of access to broadband connectivity to schools
- Continuous professional development for teachers in ICT
- Integrating ICT within the curriculum and providing curriculum-relevant digital content and software
It extends the scope and reach of student learning beyond the walls of the classrooms. “Classroom” application installed in iPads helps students in collaborative learning and even helps teachers to monitor the students’ actions.
The meaningful integration of ICT across all grades allow children to discover, make choices and realize the impact of those choices, as well as to explore, imagine, and solve problems. Early Years i.e. Toddlers, Nursery and KG have technical skill sessions where they explore all the seven learning areas through games installed in their iPads. It provides them practical hands-on experience and also increases their motor skills. Children have explored hands-on in various ICT sessions like Movie Making, Bee-Bot challenges, installing applications from App Store, videography and photography. We make sure the apps which are selected to be installed in iPads allow problem-solving, initiate decision making, have a high level of interactivity, and require reading, writing, listening, and/or speaking. In addition to individual use, children frequently use iPads in small groups for a variety of purposes. A specific example of this small group work is applicable during research part of various Annual Projects where students find statistical information on various issues and challenges faced by the world in which they interpret the data and analyse the information required. Assistance from the teachers is limited during individual and small group use in order to encourage independence among the students. In addition to this, PowerPoint presentations are not only limited to ICT curriculum but are integrated with other subjects so that students can apply their knowledge and understanding in technology in multiple ways.
