TECHNOLOGY ARRIVES IN PYÖRÖ SCHOOL

Smartphones, tablets, laptops… The list of smart devices that the youngsters of today use is almost endless. This brings new challenges for schools and other educational units. But just how can schools adapt to this new situation, where we have pupils who can use these multiple devices and the teacher are falling behind?

We asked a few questions from our teachers and here’s the result:

Mr. Jarkko Kepola, currently working as a biology, geography and IT teacher in Pyörö School, says that it’s easier to present images and text using technology. He usually uses technology in forms of document cameras and beamers.

-          “There are loads of material (photos, information) available on the internet” he says. “But when the pupils are working online, it’s too easy for them to slip out of the topic. And you can work and learn without technology!”

He also says that it’s very important to have modern-day equipment in all of the classrooms so that the teachers have an equal chance to use it.

We also interviewed Mr. Antti Mikkonen, the deputy director of the Pyörö Schools (classes 7-9), and here’s what he answered:

How does the Pyörö School encourage teachers to use technology in education?

-          We have recently bought new equipment, like document cameras and the teachers share their knowledge with each other.

Do you think that teachers have been trained enough to use modern day technology?

-          Not all. Younger teachers get their skills at teacher training, but all the teachers have to learn things while working. And that’s hard work.

How is our school visible in social media (Facebook, Twitter etc.)? Why? Why not?

-          We are not visible in social media, because many of our students are not old enough to use social media.

What happened to our language laboratory? Why? Why not?

-          The equipment started to brake and new equipment is too expensive. The language lab is going to be an IT classroom.

When?

-          Eventually. Soon, I hope. Before Christmas, maybe.

Do you have anything to say to the pupils?

-          Keep up the good work and be all you can be!

So, the school is working hard to get modern equipment for all of the teachers – and the students. But we all must remember that traditional learning methods are good as well!

©Rasmus 8B & Nico 8C