eLearning @ BSC

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is part of our lives, but more so, will be a part of the lives of young people. To ensure that we did not adopt a model of just giving more computer time to students, the College has planned to use the computers to change the way teaching and learning occurs in classrooms to better engage students in their learning. This gives recognition to the way young people use ICT, often performing several tasks at the same time. For example it is not unusual that a student who is using a computer to complete their homework is also listening to an iPod, sending and receiving text messages, making phone calls and using a social networking Web site – all at the same time.

Over 230 additional computers were purchased this year, 180 being Netbooks, a smaller version of a Laptop. A number of teachers have committed to use these in classes in an intensive way. For example, in some Junior Campus classes, the Netbook is the only resource students will use, thus creating a paperless classroom. Other classes will be using innovative Web 2.0 technologies, creating movies and podcasts to present their learning rather that the traditional method of submitting work completed with pen and paper.

On the Senior Campus, Foundation VCAL students have the opportunity to access a Netbook and keep it with them 24 hours a day. Students take the Netbook home each day and into every class each day. These students have wireless Internet access at all times whilst on College grounds, enabling them to be connected anytime, anywhere. We believe this is both innovative and exciting but most importantly, preparing the College for the time when many more students will do just this.