Teachers who wish to make a real difference need to captivate and maintain student interest in learning.
Berwick Lodge Primary School Principal Henry Grossek says this challenge was put to him and his colleagues as they trained to become teachers.
“That was then, many years ago, and it remains so now,” he said.
“Technological advances have delivered wonderful opportunities to enhance student engagement.
“But, paradoxically, they have also brought frustrating distractions.”
Mobile phones are one such example. The Victorian Department of Education and Training has banned student use of phones during school hours with limited exceptions.
So how can schools capture the potential of digital technologies to best engage students in their learning?
“There is certainly no shortage of software available that teachers can access with this intent,” Mr Grossek said.
“That is only the beginning – Immersive Experience STEM Education (IXSTEM) which was non-existent just a few years ago, offers new and exciting pathways to engagement.”
Several years ago, Berwick Lodge embarked on a journey focused on better engaging kindergarten children in their learning as they transitioned to primary school.This culminated in the publication of an Augmented Reality (AR) illustrated story book, titled, The Adventures of Harry the Helmeted Honeyeater & Hettie the Forest Keeper late last year.
This year, Berwick Lodge Primary School has introduced learning units on creating AR characters for students.
They’ve also partnered with Deakin University in a research project on the potential of AR to enhance student engagement in their learning.”As educators we owe our children our best efforts to provide them with the richest of learning opportunities and having them loving to learn is the bedrock. Why not check us out?” Mr Grossek said.
Berwick Lodge Primary School is located at 145 Mansfield Street, Berwick.
Phone 97071766 or visit www.berwicklodgeps.vic.edu.au
