The Digital Bridges project will be implemented in two phases. In March 2005, eight ESOL students were provided with mobile phones.
The students will remain in mainstream classes and their use of ICT will always relate to what they’re learning in class, and the New Zealand Curriculum Framework. Children from both schools will occasionally work together to learn about the new technology.
Pippa Wright, the facilitator of the project has worked with the three teachers involved in the project to develop a programme where ICT is integrated into the student’s regular classroom curriculum. For example, a student can text questions to other students or a group of students can text ideas to the teacher. Teachers, parents and students are also able communicate online through the Learning Management System (LMS).
Projects will also be developed by the facilitator using software programmes designed to help students and their parents continue building their understanding and knowledge of English outside school hours. Projects may include parents and students telling stories and talking about their lives via video conferencing or through the LMS.
To ensure the participation of parents and continued learning in the home, four EMACs will be set up in homes along with an extra EMAC installed in the classroom. The EMACs will rotate between the families. All students in the EMAC-capable classes will use the technology.
Research for Digital Bridges will be carried out using the Action Research model. Facilitator Pippa Wright will evaluate the project to see whether ESOL students English language skills improve and develop through the use of ICT.
Stage one’s project findings form the basis of the second phase and will be used to refine and adjust the project.
Technology partners, Microsoft, Telecom Mobile and Renaissance will supply hardware and software and technical support. The first of two milestone reports is due in June 2005.
