Sacred Heart College in Observatory has become the first school in South Africa to integrate iTunes University into its curriculum.
iTunes University is an online learning platform that administers more than 350 000 educational courses from respectable sources. Acclaimed educational institutions such as Harvard, Yale, Stanford and many schools abroad are using iTunes University as a flexible environment with which to design and administer a course that allows easy access to resources and information.
iTunes University is being used for Sacred Heart College’s Grade 7 technology app development project and for the Grade 7 art curriculum, which focuses on portraiture and digital art. James Smurthwaite, the college’s iPad 1:1 project coordinator said there were multiple benefits for pupils using the iTunes University.
Firstly, he said it allowed for a changeable learning process in which pupils were able to continue with a course and subject outside of the classroom environment, which he said allowed for pupils to also pace their progression through the course.
It also enabled them with the ability to refer to the goals, outcomes and requirements at all times, while allowing them to have a clear and big picture of the direction and path of their learning process. He said the iTunes University also allowed pupils to interact with fellow pupils and teachers who may not be in the classroom at the time.
The head of Sacred Heart College, Collin Northmore said, “iTunes University creates an individualised learning experience for children that allows them to gain skills that are transferable across all areas of their life.”
Details: Naomi Meyer at naomim@sacredheart.co.za
