BSF and Academies
Both Building Schools for the Future and Academies provide opportunities for all stakeholders to reflect and provide new models for education in the 21st century. It is widely accepted that change is required, but what constitutes effective change is hotly debated. ICT is a key strand in these developments and Toucan believe that the Apple platform has an important role to play in transforming the learning experience for young people. Our close relationship with Apple has meant that we are always at the forefront of new creative technologies. This is more than simply supplying, but extends to implementation and realisation of Apple technology in schools.
Toucan are committed to supporting all schools, local authorities and BSF/Academy consortia who are excited or even just mildly curious about the role that Apple based technology can play in transforming learning. We don't see this as a Mac vs PC thing. Both platforms have their merits, but we do believe that young people should experience a relevant range of operating systems and that the Mac has the edge for creativity and creative workflow. This is reflected by the adoption of Macs within the creative industries.
User generated content such as music, video, digital images, blogs/podcasts form a large part of the cultural currency for young people. The Mac is the only solution that offers an intuitive and integrated creative solution in a plug and play format.
It is broadly accepted that teachers know less than students when it comes to new technology. This provides a challenge for all involved in planning future provision. One of the most efficient ways to bridge this knowledge gap is through the Use of Apple's iLife suite and related applications. Seasoned Mac based teachers enjoy a different way of working and have a confident mind-set. Mac teachers are neither, technical, or techno phobic. They have found by experience, that they can transform approaches to learning through the use of ICT, without the need to be highly technical or with the need of central IT services. Much of this confidence is bound up with the simplicity and robust nature of the OSX operating system and iLife's tight integration. As a result, sophisticated digital projects that involve different mediums and file formats can be produced with fewer barriers. This then opens up the possibilities for all teachers to stretch students with more ambitious and engaging activities.
Is the ICT vision in your proposed BSF project or Academy transformational or simply a rehash of old ideas?
Toucan work closely with teachers, LA advisors and Educational Consultants to enable them to loan, test, consult and devise solutions that are fit for purpose and engaging for young people. Talk to us!
