Tech4Schools’ second conference for Humber region primary schools takes place on Thursday 20 June. Guest speaker, Dr. Kevin Burden from the University of Hull will discuss his nationally recognised research on classroom technology – in particular the use of the iPad. Primary schools from both banks of the Humber are invited to the Forest Pines Hotel in Scunthorpe.
Tech4Schools launched earlier this year to provide a forum and source of information on primary school technologies, software, e-safety and communications. This second conference follows up on specific requests from primary school head teachers and ICT coordinators who were delegates at the first conference. Organisers’ research found that classroom technology is an area that many primary schools want to know more about, how it can enhance pupils’ education and improve parental engagement.
As an expert in children’s education, Dr. Burden has spent 14 years as Director of Postgraduate Professional Development within the University’s Faculty of Education, and for 18 years before that in secondary schools as a teacher of history and ICT. He explains:
“As Principal Investigator, I led research with the Technology Enhanced Learning group and completed the first national evaluation to investigate the use and impact of tablet technologies, in this case the iPad, across schools and homes in Scotland. The study focused on four principal themes related to the use of mobile devices as personal tools for teaching and learning. These were how tablet devices impact on teaching and learning; the leadership and management issues associated with the deployment of mobile devices; parental engagement, professional development and learning.
“The presentation on 20 June will illustrate the findings from the research with some demonstrations of apps on the iPad and also give an indication of how schools can get involved in the next stage of the research should they are interested.”
A variety of technology companies from the Humber Region sponsor the event, recognising the benefits of being involved with Tech4Schools to help simplify and develop the way primary schools use technology to enhance pupils’ education and to share resources with other schools to reduce costs.
Dave Bahn, from Tech4Schools and Keystone MIS in Hull says:
“Through our work with schools across the Humber region we identified a desire for information to assist primary schools in making informed choices about their use of technology. Tech4Schools ran a hugely successful first event in February and the feedback has fuelled our conference in June. Primary school heads and ICT coordinators want to know more about the use of technology in the classroom and Dr. Burden’s recent research will explain the impact and benefits and also enable them to become involved in the research if they choose to.”
“Tech4Schools conferences demonstrate to primary schools the evolving choices available regarding their full IT provision, communications and new technologies. The 20 June conference includes the exciting new Raspberry Pi, SIMS on the iPad and a local school will speak about their real experience of achieving accreditation from the ICT association, NAACE. Plus there will be an exhibition of other local companies who provide a whole range of software suitable for primary schools.”
The Tech4Schools conference is at the Forest Pines Hotel, Scunthorpe on Thursday 20 June from 08:30-11:00. To register for this FREE please email info@tech4schools.co.uk.
For more information about Tech4Schools please visit www.tech4schools.co.uk http://www.tech4schools.co.uk/ or find us on Twitter @tech_4_schools and on Facebook or call 01482 976266.
