Designing Learning Spaces

Year 4 students have been dabbling in design this term as they took a long hard look at what they need for good learning. The word "classroom" was banned for a few weeks, as we tried to envisage the perfect "space" in which effective learning could take place at St Catherine's, without our ideas being restricted by a traditional concept of a school room.

Firstly we discussed where learning takes place in our lives - at home, the sports ground, the beach, forest, backyard or park.... oh, and school of course! Students considered what works for them about these places - what makes learning happen. 

Students discussed, wrote about and drew what their ideal learning place LOOKS, SOUNDS, SMELLS and FEELS like.

Responses were many and varied of course - as are learning styles and preferences. We decided what we need at school are spaces that are comfortable, interesting and above all, flexible.









The students participated very thoughtfully and enthusiastically in a presentation by a visiting designer whose job is designing learning spaces and libraries for schools and universities.

She talked about the process involved in designing, testing and building furniture and showed us lots of pictures of interesting learning spaces. She also explained what recent research has revealed about how students their age learn best: It is important for students to have the flexibility to move around, changing their body position regularly and to make choices about how, where and with what tools they investigate and create.

Students were very engrossed in the final session when they spent time designing their ideal learning space, especially considering the digital tools they will be using. Their aim was to create more flexible spaces with less clutter and more room to move, with comfortable furnishings that will allow a variety of choices for different learning activities.

Some students even designed their own multi-functional pieces of furniture, such as hanging 'pods' for reading in, tables with wheels for easy relocation, write-on surfaces and chairs with fold-away storage compartments. It was exciting to see so many budding designers in action, full of creativity and purpose!

Won't it be great to see how the students' own ideas are incorporated into the design of their Year 5 "Learning Spaces"?

Which cover? Choices... choices...

It's a tricky decision but we'd like to leave it up to students and parents to personalise your iPad within your own budget and considering your own needs and tastes. This question is covered in the FAQ document but here are a few more options to consider...

The "Fold-away"

Cost: $12.00 from an eBay store

• Protects screen and iPad back
• Can be folded to stand iPad two ways: vertically for display, or slightly raised for ergonomic use of keyboard
• Attractive leather-look finish which is easy to keep clean
• Good clearance for camera
• Easy to hold in one hand for camera use
• iPad fits snugly inside envelope fold which means it is not likely to slip out
• Magnets in the case switch screen on and off when opening and closing cover

Stands vertically

Raised for typing

Can hold with one hand for camera use

Large hole so camera is not obscured

The "Keyboard" Case

Cost: around $70 from an eBay store

• Includes keyboard to increase typing speed
• Hard aluminium does not absorb shock if iPad is dropped
• Hinges may loosen with excessive use

iPad fits into case above hinged keyboard 

Allows typing with actual keys

There are many, many keyboard cases on the market but they can be very expensive.

Thanks very much to Paula C, who uses the Trident KRAKEN case at her school, we know this model also comes highly recommended.  Check it out on Spectronics. The Kraken costs around $90. It is recommended for young children as it offers excellent protection of the back and edges of the iPad while still allowing access to the camera, controls, microphone and speakers. 

The KRAKEN offers 3 layers of protection.
[Image Source:  http://www.spectronicsinoz.com/images/product/tridentc/AMS-NEW-IPAD_Layers500.jpg] 

[Image Source: http://www.spectronicsinoz.com/images/product/tridentc/AMS-NEW-IPAD-RD04bg.jpg]

There are lots more cases to check out on Spectronics  as well.  It's worth a look at the website.

Please use the comments below to make your own recommendations if you have been using a particular cover that you would like to share.

Remember, the cover does not need to cost a lot to be functional and do the job. We will have keyboards available at school if your child ever needs to do large amounts of typing so a keyboard is certainly NOT essential. Your child will quickly become accustomed to the onscreen keyboard and this is quite adequate for the volume of typing they will need to do. Your main aim is to protect the iPad from accidental damage.

Here's one last pic for your enjoyment...

The "Retro"

• for a little nostalgia! (ha ha)

[Image Source: http://www.slipperybrick.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/typescreen-ipad-150x150.jpg]

Frequently Asked Questions (and Answers!)

Earlier this term, a document was sent home with your child documenting some frequently asked questions about the concept of a 1 to 1 program, and in particular, using iPads for learning at St Catherine's next year. Since the original document was sent home, we've published answers to a few more questions. These were sent home on a separate sheet after our information night. In case you missed these or ever need extra copies, here's a link to the complete FAQ document online. You can preview it below, or follow the link to print a copy for yourself whenever you like.

Parent FAQs iPads at St Caths


Don't forget, you can use the comments function below to post any further questions or responses.
If the issue is particular to your child or your own family, please contact Maria via email

mmead_bne.catholic.edu.au 

Please note that you will need to substitute @ for the _ in the address above. 
(Just trying to avoid nasty spammers!)