french american international school
MODERN LEARNING
Limited only by your imagination. Innovative Pedagogy At French American Modern Learning encompasses: Technology integration—including universal, age-appropriate iPad platform implementation Maintaining the best of traditional as well as innovative practices in the classroom Global thinking, community and citizenship A sense of balance and well-being for all—blurring work and play and putting fun in the mission!
Evolving vision Our Modern Learning initiative is Mission-driven. Accordingly, our students acquire a wealth of content knowledge as well as a set of enduring skills that will prepare them for a lifetime of learning in a high-paced, ultra-connected world. We started our Modern Learning Approach with a vision of what we wanted our classrooms to look like. Our first focus was not on technology, but on pedagogy. What should our students be doing? How is the role of the teacher changing? What developments are we hoping to see in our classrooms? Thus we recognized three important classroom characteristics necessary for our students to develop their 21st century skills: the process must be differentiated, active and creative, and collaborative. By its very nature Modern Learning is exploratory and experimental. New possibilities and consequences—both anticipated and unforeseen—are being revealed. It all translates to vibrant, creative learning spaces for our students to demonstrate their learning in imaginative and varied ways.
iPad Implementation Throughout Elementary School iPads are shared by pairs of students. The devices remain in school and are used in carefully controlled, discrete chunks of time for selected class activities and projects. In Grade 4 we are beginning a pilot program where students receive individual iPads to produce and archive their projects and multi-media portfolios.
Digital Citizenship—“Savvy, responsible and respectful” In a fast-paced, digitally connected world, our students must be adept, responsible, and discerning users of technology. In line with the high value that our school places on critical thinking, we aim to help students gain awareness of their actions and make responsible, healthy, well-informed decisions when using technology. Age-appropriately, we engage students in conversations around: Internet safety, privacy and security Relationships and respectful communication Digital footprint, self-image and reputation Cyber-bullying Potential pitfalls and negative habits online Plagiarism Informational literacy is a critical 21st century skill. We scaffold our students as they navigate what could be an overwhelming quantity of data and information. We teach them to ask the right questions when doing online research, and to differentiate between robust sources and digital dross.
Experience the world.
FRENCH AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL | LYCÉE INTERNATIONAL FRANCO-AMÉRICAIN OFFICE OF ADMISSION 150 OAK STREET, SAN FRANCISCO CA 94102 | 415-558-2060
coumbad@frenchamericansf.org | www.internationalsf.org