Learnosity has partnered with Independent Schools Queensland to deploy iPod devices that use the innovative Learnosity Voice app for language learning. The first deployment of this initiative involves the ESL programmes in Independent Schools Queensland.
Australia is a country that welcomes many immigrants and has high numbers of new settlers creating a significant demand for ESL programmes in schools, including Independent Schools Queensland who operate more than 150 schools in the state.
In April 2010 the first phase of a wide deployment began with a 12 month project across ten schools that involved middle years ESL students using an iPod touch device with the Learnosity app.
In this video teachers talk about their experiences during the trial using the Learnosity Voice iPod app in their own schools.
“The aim is to blend traditional learning approaches with mobile phones, PDAs and handhelds, to develop flexible learning and assessment opportunities that extend the use of ICT outside of the classroom.”
Independent Schools Queensland
The result is a constant, seamless, automated flow of communication between teacher and student that can happen at anytime, anywhere. Teachers involved in the project have seen the benefit of this 24hr access to learning and how it has engaged the students, motivated them and improved their language skills.
The project is ongoing but there are some early indications of aspects that teachers and students find beneficial:
“ The results of their school work have shown that they have improved tremendously.”
Robyn Yeomans, Primary ESL Specialist Teacher, Kings Christian College
“ Becoming more independent and able to look at their results afterwards and make corrections on their own now rather than me sitting beside them all the time.”
Tammy O'Rourke, Primary ESL Teacher, John Paul College.
“ In mainstream we don't have that much time so this is a wonderful opportunity for the students to continue learning and to do it in their own time and to acquire those very important macro skills.”
Lana Van Den Berg, ESL Coordinator, Citipointe Christian College
“Just in this term when we've been using them full on, we have noticed a huge improvement especially in their speaking skills. ”
Robyn Yeomans, Primary ESL Specialist Teacher, Kings Christian College
“I think language learning is sometimes so academic so if we can marry it up with playing and they are acquiring skills without actually realising it and keeping up to date with technology, I think it’s just the perfect match. ”
Lana Van Den Berg, ESL Coordinator, Citipointe Christian College
“I think that it’s a really great way for students to be speaking in classes. A lot of students that we have in our college in the ESL programme are quite shy and also don't really speak out in class so it’s really great we can be able to hear them speak in an environment that they are most comfortable with at home, or wherever they do these exercises and activities and be able to asses them in those ways.”
Nicholas Lim, Year 7 ESL and Mathematics Teacher, Citipointe Christian College
“I could see from the very first lesson that it is very, very engaging and a lot of fun. The amount of laughter that is occurring tells me that they're interested and involved.”
Justine Bomm, Teacher in charge of Enrichment and Learning, Ipswich Girls Grammar School
“It sounded like an exciting way to teach English...very motivating for the students.”
Tammy O'Rourke, Primary ESL Teacher, John Paul College
“ The iPod trial has certainly put ESL on the map in the junior school. ESL is now considered to be "very cool" and I have had so many English speaking students come up to me and ask if they could join ESL… it has been a great learning experience for the students on so many levels. The parents are also very happy for the extra support and experience.”
Aimee Wilson , Somerset College
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