Blended Learning: Bring Your Own Device
We are very excited to introduce a “Bring Your Own Device” scheme to Year 7 and Year 12 at Verulam this year. We live in a world full of advancing technology and our aim with this scheme is to ensure that our students become technologically fluent in a safe and secure way. We will be using the approach of Blended Learning to achieve this.
Blended learning combines the use of technology with more traditional classroom methods. This approach means that the devices will be used to enhance learning but our key message to pupils is to always pay more attention to the teacher, not the technology, in the classroom. For this reason your son/daughter will not be required to bring their tablet into school until the 3rd week of term. This is to allow the students to become familiar with normal school routines and procedures and to embed this key message from the beginning of the year.
Pupils will receive any necessary logins and information through their form tutor, and will be fully briefed on safety and security throughout the year. Teachers will give instructions on subject specific usage throughout the year as pupils become familiar with their tablet devices. Typical examples of lesson use would be graphing and drawing applications in maths, vocabulary practice in language and video analysis in practical subjects like music and art. Students will also be able to use their device to access SMHW and Google Classroom for home learning and revision tasks that they have been set.
Buying Your Device
The latest deals and offers from retailers change so often that it is impossible for us to recommend one particular device. The attached guides outline the minimum expectations for each device, as well as providing some vital insurance and protection advice. There are several different price points within each specification and we recommend that you consider the longevity of the device you buy. Investing in a good quality device, that is looked after with care and attention, should last your son for several years of his time at Verulam.
Contact
If you have any queries, including financial assistance queries, please email BYOD@verulam.herts.sch.uk
