Within Curriculum for Excellence, the technologies curriculum area relates particularly to contexts that provide scope for developing technological skills, knowledge, understanding and attributes. At Williamston we are striving to do this through creative, practical and work-related activities. In order to meet our own high expectations this year we have been using AAL (Anywhere, Anytime Learning Network) a protected wireless system available to some schools in West Lothian. What does this mean for your child and their learning?

• Every class has a small number of devices (ipads/Samsung nexus/kindles) to allow children to experience the variety of technologies on offer.
• AAL is used in classes to make learning more flexible and applicable to real life, e.g. if they wanted to extend their learning as they had an unanswered question during an activity, they could personally go research the area quickly and efficiently, using a device and AAL. This type of learning enhances their own and others learning.
• AAL and devices have been used in some classes to communicate with other schools through our Glow Meet platform. This has allowed discussions and debates with children across schools.
• The use of Apps. in lessons and activities is currently being explored by all teachers in their professional development time. While some have been successfully trialled, we hope to make more progress with this next year in order to fully embrace the technologies available to us.

In addition to this P6 and P7 classes have been adopting the WL initiative BYOD (Bring Your Own Device). This has allowed children the option of bringing their own device into school to use when directed by their teachers. In these classes the use of technologies has been:

• Accessing and using email accounts in the world of learning
• Using Glow and email platforms for Homework Tasks
• Exploring use of Apps. to support learning
• Researching, collating and communicating information in creative ways

This opportunity has been further enhanced by the enthusiasm of our parent and carer community and the responsible nature of our learners. As well as speaking locally as events, pupils from Williamston are being recognised at a national level for their work with BYOD. We can’t wait to see where this will take us next year…!