Project CHaOS

Being able to read, write and do your maths continues to remain the foundation of every child’s education. What is changing is how technology is being introduced to help deliver and enhance the curriculum.

Brooklyn School (Years 1-8) in Wellington is implementing Project CHaOS (Children Have Ownership of Schooling), which is a six-pronged strategy aimed at empowering students to take ownership of the schooling process. Information and communication technology (ICT) complements student ownership of schooling and is one of the strategy prongs. 

The purpose of ICT in Project CHaOS is to support children’s inquiry-based learning by developing their information gathering, sharing, presenting and problem-solving skills. 

For older children, learning resources will extend to those available outside the classroom and be accessed by using pocket digital apparatus (PDA), tablet PCs and stand-alone computers. Other children will learn to confidently present their work using digital and presentation technologies.

Younger children will be introduced to ICT using tablet PCs that are interactive, user-friendly, fun and can be used without keyboards or mice. Project CHaOS will explore ways in which this technology can speed up the transition from pen based numeracy and literacy to digital numeracy and literacy. 

Inquiry-based learning through ICT aims to engage and be inclusive to the learning styles and needs of children, making learning more enjoyable and giving the child a feeling of ownership of their education.

Teachers’ remain an integral part of the classroom says Principal Chris Bryant, but will guide rather than lead.

Through the innovative use of ICT, Project CHaOS hopes to produce a robust and transportable model, which can be adapted to other schools.

Teachers’ have been trained in the use of ICT and will receive ongoing training and support for the throughout the project, from Learning Enhancement Associates.