Project CHaOS will be implemented in two stages. Firstly, in the move to inquiry-based model, Brooklyn School will pilot three ICT programmes in junior, middle and upper classes beginning early in 2005.
Older children will access ICT to use community resources such as Te Papa as an online, real-time source of information. The study will look at the inquiry-based learning benefits gained through using ICT resources available in the community.
The second study looks at the effectiveness of digital imaging and projection technologies in helping children to present their projects visually and orally. As information sharing is a core component of inquiry-based learning, the aim is for children to be competent users of multimedia and digital images, as well as being confident and articulate disseminators of information.
The third study introduces Year 2 and 3 students to ICT. Teachers will investigate ways in which very young children can be engaged in inquiry-based learning using ICT. Creative software applications will be used on tablet-style laptops, accessed by touch or stylus pens instead of keyboards and mice, which are often too big or difficult to manage for some young children.
Education consultant from Learning Enhancement Associates, Dean Stanley, has worked closely with the school and will review the strategy employed for Project CHaOS.
The second stage beginning in 2006-07, uses the study findings to help refine the ICT component of the project in other classes in the school, and possibly in other schools.
Ongoing technical support will be provided by technology partner Hewlett Packard (HP) and milestone reports are expected on a six-monthly basis for stage one. The first report is due in May 2005.
