Naace Strategic Conference 2008

David Whyley, Learning Technologies Headteacher Consultant and Gavin Hawkins, Assistant Head, Stow Heath Junior School, Wolverhampton LA
Harnessing the natural enthusiasm of learners for mobile technologies, Wolverhampton’s Learning2Go scheme enables school children to use mobile technology in a fun and interactive learning environment to realise many of the aspirations of the five outcomes of the ECM agenda.

From video recording science experiments to adding notes and questions to electronic versions of books, Learning2Go covers the breadth of the national curriculum. Pre-installed educational software and familiar Microsoft applications bring subjects to life – engaging pupils and encouraging them to continue their learning while the highly portable devices mean pupils can continue to learn outside normal school hours.

Enabling learners to have these devices has meant they have become much more involved and engaged at school as well as being far more proactive about learning on their own. It’s a great example of how technology and smart thinking can make a real difference to young people’s education.

There are currently over 1,500 pupils and their teachers across both primary and secondary schools, with plans to extend to more schools, across all phases, in preparation for BSF.

As well as being fun and interactive, the skills being developed through Learning2Go are essential for later life. Many families do not have computers so these devices enable all families to use and interact with technology in the home, giving all school children the same opportunities to excel.

The Learning2Go initiative has been recognised as a leading example of mobile learning, recently receiving a prestigious industry award from Management Today, soon after winning a National ICT in Practice Award as well as earning praise from UK government ministers and Ofsted.