Project ACTIVate will be implemented in two stages. In the first stage beginning in early 2005, schools will pilot a study looking at how IWB technology can be integrated as an effective teaching aid. In the second stage, results from stage one will be used to further improve the effectiveness of the project.
The pilot aims to create a substantial pool of teaching resources for use between the schools.
Teachers will be responsible for developing innovative ways of using IWBs to create a richer learning experience in the classroom by engaging and sparking the desire to learn through a child’s active participation in the classroom.
As well as planning and implementing the project plans for IWBs, teachers will be responsible for researching their projects. Using the active research model, teachers will evaluate the student learning benefits of IWBs in the classroom. Massey University guidelines will be used to benchmark the research.
To achieve the best possible outcome for Project ACTIVate, workshops, face-to-face and video conference meetings between schools are planned for the period of the project. Liaison between the schools and project facilitators, Massey University and Venture Southland, will be regular and ongoing.
The second stage will be implemented in 2006-07 using the project findings from stage one to refine, add to or alter the original project plan. There is also the possibility that ACTIVate may expand to other schools, creating additional resources and cooperative learning opportunities.
Professor Ken Ryba from Massey University, specialist in information communication technology (ICT) will be working alongside the schools and reviewing the research data from the project.
Technical support will be supplied by technology partner Envision Presentations Ltd and in May 2005 the first of two milestone reports on stage one expected.
