Sharjah school hosts workshop to train parents on using iPads

It was a back to school experience for parents when a school in Sharjah decided to train parents on how to use iPads as a learning tool with their kids at home.

The Victoria International School of Sharjah (VISS) hosted a workshop where parents became the learners and students, their teachers.

Coby Reynolds, iPad and eLearning Coordinator at VISS, said: “We feel that it is important to involve our parents in all areas of student learning and teaching at VISS, and these workshops have been very valuable for everyone who has been involved.”

“By educating parents about the iPad and its uses in the classroom, we are providing a better understanding that it is not just a toy, but a great tool for learning. “These parents’ workshops complement the school’s ongoing commitment to improve student learning through the use of technology in the classroom. Importantly, the iPad does not replace the use of books and pencils at the school, it works alongside them.”

The school first started using the iPad in January 2013 and has since then embarked on several new initiatives to promote digital learning in classrooms.

“Students are already used to technology, as they are born into it, but we believe it is our responsibility to ensure parents don’t lag behind and are able to help the students prepare for the future,” Reynolds added.

The school has worked on building a comprehensive iPad programme for Grades 5, 6 and 7, which includes the participation of 16 teachers and 220 students. The programme is based on a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) model and focuses on a variety of creating and content apps that are utilised in all areas of the curriculum.

“Our teachers have also been involved in specific iPad training to ensure the devices are being used to the best of their ability for student learning.”

The school plans to host its next parent iPad workshop on Feb 19.

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