Four-year-old pupils get iPads

Published Thursday, 19 January 2012

Children as young as four have been given iPads to use during lessons at a west Belfast school.

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St Oliver Plunkett Primary has spent £25,000 on 65 of the high-tech devices to equip two of their classes - including a Primary One class.

Teachers say the cost is well worth it, as their young pupils are captivated by learning through using the state-of-the-art technology in the classroom.

"Whereas previously they would have lost concentration, it gives them instant feedback," P1 teacher Lorraine Cheadle told UTV.

"One little child came to me and he was so excited that he got a gold star - his face lit up and I just thought that just said it all. And it makes learning fun for them."

St Oliver Plunkett is the first primary school in Northern Ireland to place the gadget at the heart of its teaching - the iPads were handed out to pupils when they returned after the Christmas break.

It now aims to roll out an iPad to each pupil in every single class in the school within three years.

Comments

17 Comments

caolan in belfast wrote (21 days ago):

i think this is a great thing for st oliver plunkett primary school. people are saying the kids are going to be more interested on the ipad than learning. The kids will pay more attention on the ipad which will get more work done

Lisa in Belfast wrote (109 days ago):

Some people are really living in the dark ages arent they? Using these ipads does not equal a teacher being lazy!!!! This is modern technology at its best! Ive whitnessed the educational packages used on these ipads and they really are fantastic. So why dont you try it yourself? im sure the school would be more than happy to demonstrate! I think its jealousy personally that this school is doing so well and moving with the times so just wise up and stop putting them down, p4 parent.

Parent in St. Oliver Plunkett. wrote (114 days ago):

How dare that parent suggest that teachers in this school sit on their backsides! This is an excellent school that provides a high quality education for all it's pupils. The use of iPads is not an exclusive resource. The school employs many strategies to deliver a varied, innovative and Exciting curriculum. The teachers are hardworking and interested in their work. My child enjoys going to school every day. The school provides a safe and caring environment in which he can develop to his full potential. The school is always welcoming to parents and does it's upmost to assist us in whatever way they can. If you have any questions or worries their door is always open. Shame on you for hiding behind this forum, go and knock their door if you have any problems with the way your child is being taught!

Malcolm in Dunmurry wrote (121 days ago):

A joke, there were ads on some of the screens in this report! Are you serious? So, that teacher has basically told Northern Ireland that she can't teach. Outstanding. Of course the kids love it and respond – you've just given them a free computer! I'd be happy if someone gave me an ipad, but at least I'd know when I'd used it too much and that staring in solitude at a screen isn't the best way to grow up. Life is about relationship not "instant feedback" as this report says.

lorna in limavady wrote (123 days ago):

And they say there has to be savings and cuts in the education budget. When we get this coming from one school there must be too much money spent unwisely on education. Are we going to see results on this expence.

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