The latest software won’t magically transform learning and teaching. But deployed by expert teachers, educational technology can open exciting and efficient doors to new understanding.
The latest software won’t magically transform learning and teaching. But deployed by expert teachers, educational technology can open exciting and efficient doors to new understanding. ACS schools are investing in applications and platforms to support digital learning that engage students wherever they are - providing individualised approaches to accelerate their progress and prepare them for life in our highly-connected digital societies.
As ACS schools move into an era that demands greater flexibility, the technology-forward, blended learning-friendly curriculum designs are flourishing. These models ‘blend’ where and how learning happens between online at home and in person at school. Blended learning relies heavily on contemporary educational technologies. ACS is adding teacher-tested platforms to its already-extensive suite of educational technologies, including Screencast-o-matic, Explain Everything, Quizlet, Kahoot, Flipgrid, Zoom, AssessPrep and EdPuzzle.
Our schools use powerful learning management systems (including ManageBac, PowerSchool Learning, Toddle, GoogleClassroom and SeeSaw). In addition to our top-flight learning management systems and virtual learning environments, here are some new investments:
STEMscopes
STEMscopes Science Powered by CNN resources are delivered digitally so students can access them from any device at any time. Digital learning allows for student ownership of content through a context in which 21st-century learners are comfortable and familiar. Whether viewing a Great Big Story or interacting and taking an online assessment, digital learning allows students to engage with material faster and more fluidly than ever before. Teachers receive instant feedback to support both struggling and advanced learners with small-group and one-on-one pull-outs.
Stemscopes is a gateway to immersing students in the world of science. From eye-opening virtual reality experiences and stunning footage of natural phenomena, through to up-to-date science news feeds, it allows students to take a deep dive into the unseen world around them and understand how it works. It supports blended learning models with a range of in-class interactive materials.
Digital Learning Resources
ACS Doha provides families with high quality, digital-ready curriculum resources like Eureka Math/Great Minds and MyMaths. Parents have access to online tools like Knowledge on the Go and IXL for Maths that help students develop fluency and confidence, mastering essential skills at their own pace through fun and interactive questions, built in support and motivating awards. For English Language Arts, students access programmes like Reading Eggs, Spelling City and Reading A-Z. We support Arabic speakers and language learners with educational technology resources including Alef Ba Ta and ‘I Read Arabic’.
Kognity
ACS MYP and DP students use Kognity intelligent textbooks to access curriculum-aligned content that combines text, interactive graphs, videos and 3D models to keep student engagement high. These digital resources provide up-to-date content with relevant examples and case studies, student practice centres, and an extensive assignment bank of automatically corrected questions that give students instant feedback. Using adaptive technology, this insights-driven platform makes students aware of where they need to focus their efforts by showing their strengths and weaknesses, and enables personalised feedback from teachers to students.
Edmentum ExactPath (AI-driven assessment)
Exact Path uses interactive data visualisations and customisable reports to quantify valid growth measures and track real-time progress. Adaptive diagnostic assessments ensure that students receive a unique testing experience that precisely pinpoints their instructional level, strengths, and needs. Aligned with standards-informed curriculum monitored through NWEA MAP Growth Assessments, personalised instruction is possible with grouping tools that drive small-group planning based on real-time data paired with supplemental skills-aligned student activities and teacher resources.
MYP eAssessment (ACS Doha and Egham)
MYP eAssessment is a reliable, globally consistent and highly innovative assessment model that helps achieve greater student outcomes and provides greater quality assurance and recognition for International Baccalaureate® (IB) World Schools. On-screen examinations are rich and authentic, with media and interactive functions to engage students and teach digital skills.
Dr Alexandra Read, ACS Hillingdon
Augmented reality
Virtual reality has been around for many years with many organisations vying for control of this digital space with the Oculus Rift giving birth to a variety of solutions primarily aimed at the gaming market. This very quickly expanded to the HTC Vive, Oculus Quest, Go and Rift as well as various other devices, including mobile solutions. As time has passed the computing resources required to use these tools has become more affordable and accessible, giving way to developers moving toward educational solutions for use inside and outside of the classroom.
Augmented reality is now available through the VR headsets of the past, mobile phones, iPads and other devices and is following a similar development within education. ACS teachers are learning how to deploy this new approach to learning – with bespoke equipment and applications that are available to everyone, for free.
Whilst this technology is still in its infancy the opportunity it presents to the world of education is vast and gives students the ability to not just learn but ‘feel’ the content through live experiences and digital environments. It is now relatively simple to travel the world from the confines of a classroom, or from home. Students can visit museums, exhibitions, concerts and live drama productions across the globe. They can explore the coral reef, fly over towns and cities, paint in three dimensions, sculpt with their hands, play sports, or practice a new skill with virtual tools, labs or other virtual environments.
Virtual reality involves a student being completely immersed in a digital world, whereas augmented reality superimposes digital content over our everyday environment allowing students to easily visualise the content being taught. In biology, you can superimpose the heart and lungs onto another student and discover the respiratory system, in physics you can watch electrons flow through materials, in geography you can visit an abundance of world landmarks in one session – the possibilities are endless and the opportunities to enhance the education of our students is exciting and incredibly powerful.