Green for go !

Wow, what a journey it has been already.  Two years ago I set foot in my very own classroom.  Fresh out of teachers college I was (and still am) enthusiastic and rearing to go.  Rearing to make an impact in the lives of young people.  I knew back then I would be an e-learner and a e-teacher so it made sense to take steps in that direction.  After managing the roll out of 40+ iPads across the school I began to gain confidence and a real love for iPads and their use in the classroom.  The easy to use, quick to start up, engaging nature that attracted all learners, both reluctant and those wishing to challenge themselves made them a great choice.  Through the daily use of these school owned iPads I began to ponder the potential benefit to students of having their OWN iPad.  Work that remains quick and easy to access (without uploading, drop-boxing or emailing), ability to continue learning at home, increased engagement and the huge potential to individualise learning even further.  How would it work? Who would buy/own the devices? Did it need to be iPads? What would parents think?  Would it really have worthwhile benefits?  All these I needed answers to.  Blogs, forums, the forever helpful VLN network and local Christchurch schools all came to the rescue.  But were we ready as a specific school community?  After some well thought out queries and concerns from our school BOT and some further research it was time to put the idea to our wonderful parents.  What did they think? They asked some important and challenging questions, some of which i could answer and others that can only be answered as we move further along this trial journey.  A great turnout to a parent meeting was followed with over 40 parents putting their children's names forward to be part of our 2014 Year 5/6 trial class.  Wow it was really happening!  I will start the year with 32 eager to learn, bright eyed and bubbly students.  Agreements have been signed, App codes (purchased through VPP) are being issued as I type and excited students are looking forward to Santa visiting.  Now.....for me.....planning for their use, setting up internet & email access, systems and routines, digital citizenship, access to 24/7 learning.  It's going to be a busy holiday period!