In a recent initiative supported by Becta, parents were offered the opportunity to watch their child’s school nativity play retrospectively, to demonstrate how technology can play an essential role in keeping families connected and engaged in their child’s learning. The plays were uploaded onto the schools’ learning platform and showcased how using technology effectively can bring together parents, grandparents, carers and children at times when they would otherwise be separated, whether that is due to work commitments, or because they are separated by distance.
Horndean Infant school in Hampshire, recorded their annual nativity play and uploaded it to the school’s learning platform. Family members serving in the Armed Forces across the world were then able to log in regardless of distance and time zone differences to see the children perform in their starring roles. Hornbill school in Brunei has also used similar technology to broadcast their entertaining performances to family and close friends serving in Afghanistan.
The activity at Horndean School, Hampshire and Hornbill School, Brunei shows how the learning platform can help keep family members involved in their child’s education even if they live away from home. The learning platform provides access to a ‘virtual classroom’ which allow parents to tap into their child’s learning wherever and whenever they can, leading to more informed and productive relationships between parents and schools.
Niel McLean, Executive Director of Becta comments: “Technology can play an essential role in keeping families connected and engaged in their child’s learning. Horndean Infants School’s learning platform creates a ‘virtual classroom’ where parents can tap into their child’s school work wherever and whenever they can. They become more informed about their child’s learning and develop a productive relationship with the school”.
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For more information on the impact technology is having in schools across the country visit: www.nextgenerationlearning.org.uk