VOLUME 20 – FALL 2011
the tribune The Journal of the International School of Paris
Technology is transforming the way
how to learn’ will become more important
we live, work, play and, most importantly,
than ever. The role of the teacher will be
how we learn. At ISP, the effects have been
to inspire and to facilitate rather than to
profound.
transfer knowledge.
Changes in the way we access informa-
Managed correctly, these new technolo-
tion, together with developments in the
gies provide opportunities to explore and
tools we use to process information, will
develop personal creativity, to master new
mean fundamental changes to the nature
concepts and to prepare for the challenges
of teaching and learning.
of the future.
New skills will be required to keep pace
In these pages, you will see how tech-
with these changes and to manage the vast
nology is enabling teaching and learning at
amount of information available. ‘Learning
the International School of Paris.
summary
Enabling Technology at ISP From the Head of School ............................. 2 Is Technology Making us Stupid? ............ 2 The Role of Technology in Education .... 3 Technology at the Youngest Level .......... 4 Wikid Wikis @ ISP ........................................... 5 Cloud Computing Comes to ISP ............... 7 Facilitating e-Learning .................................. 8 Cutting Edge Science & Design Tools ... 9 Creative Arts ................................................... 10 From the ISP Library to Silicon Valley .... 12
Volume 20 – Fall 2011
1
From the Head of School Audrey Peverelli The first time I used a
Is Technology Making Us Stupid? Paul Tagg, IT Director
computer, it was as a temp in a
A recent conversation between a parent and child:
bank in Venezuela. It was an
Parent: So what did you learn at school today?
IBM and did not need an eraser
Student: I went to the Project Gutenberg site and downloaded a copy of the
ribbon! It was only when
original edition of Newton’s Principia and saw the equations of motion as
getting a Master’s in the UK, that
he wrote them. Next, I listened to music composed on Cubase, recorded my
I was encouraged to send
impressions on my iPod and added them to my e-portfolio. Finally, I worked
emails. One of my professors
with a Portuguese student in Angola on a Prezi presentation – he didn’t
taught me this new skill, and it
speak English so we used Google translate to chat.
was a revelation!
Parent: That sounds like fun – but what did you learn?
When I observe ISP students in classrooms today, I am struck
There is no doubt that technology is changing the way we learn, but
by how much the world has
some have suggested that manifestations of technology, like the multime-
changed since those early days
dia-rich environment of the Internet and ‘texting’, could actually be harm-
in my career. Word processing
ing us by diminishing our ability to concentrate and to perform basic skills
was unheard of, let alone SMART
such as reading and writing.
Boards, Netbooks, iPod touches or iPhones. But what was important to me then is just as
Are there grounds for such fears? Could technology be making us stupid? These concerns are simply the same kind of negative feedback that
important to our students now:
always accompanies any significant change in the way we do things. For
having a teacher who inspires
every negative interpretation, there is an equally powerful positive one.
them to learn.
It is true that Googling makes it ridiculously easy to find the answers to
At ISP, we have many “power
straightforward questions – but surely that is good news – it means we can
users”, teachers and administra-
ask harder questions. The Internet does facilitate rapid and superficial study,
tors who understand how to
but at the same time, it also encourages multi-tasking and quick thinking.
encourage and model so that others learn new technologies, and especially, how to use
And what about the claims that language will suffer? Language is about communication and develops naturally as the means
technology to facilitate learning.
and channels of communication change. With hyperlinks, meta-tags and
In this edition of the Tribune,
word clouds, language may become richer, more visual, deeper and more
you will see how much learning is enhanced through these new tools; and you will also under-
powerful. The possibilities are endless. There is one thing we can be sure is never smart – making sweeping predictions about the future of technology.
stand the importance of teach-
I think there is a world market for maybe 5 computers.
640Kb ought to be enough for anybody.
nity members new skills.
Everything that can be invented has been invented.
Investing in these tools AND
—Charles H. Duell,
—Thomas Watson IBM
—Bill Gates, then CEO
inspiring others to use them
U.S. Office of Patents,
chairman 1943
of Microsoft, 1981
effectively is key.
1899
ers who, like mine in graduate school, take the time (and patience) to teach our commu-
2
the tribune — The Journal of the International School of Paris — www.isparis.edu
0010101000101110 0101001010110101 1010101011001101
The Role of Technology in Education Paul Tagg, IT Director It is clear from the preceding article that there is general opti-
provide an excellent framework for independent study.
mism about technology – but what about its current role in education?
Technology was taught as a sepa-
Here are three questions that
rate specialized subject; why has
are frequently asked by parents and are the subject of lively debate amongst educators.
this changed? A simple way to describe the change would be this: whereas it used to be: ‘How does the technol-
provides a context for learning
Does technology in the classroom
ogy work?’, now it is: ‘What can you
and for navigating the learning
really enhance teaching and
do with the technology?’
environment.
learning? Yes, of course, technology can
The availability, accessibility and functionality of technology
used to be a niche market, and now
and does enhance teaching and
means that it can be integrated
it is mainstream. Online content
learning, but this does not happen
effectively into almost any area of
used to be the exception, now it
automatically when the technology
the curriculum. Indeed, the move
is the rule. Internet-based social
is installed. It requires commitment
to a cross-curricular integration
media allow teachers to use Tweets
from the teachers and a consider-
of Information Communication
and RSS feeds to engage their
able investment in training and
Technology (ICT) in the PYP is
students and provides a variety of
support from management.
because in the real world almost
channels with which they can push
every career uses technology.
information to students.
When technology is used merely as a substitute for teaching, the
The previous generation of stu-
Technology is blurring the
outcomes will not be good. We
dents may have been largely media
distinction between studying and
have SMART boards in most
consumers; this generation will be
working and will make it easier
classrooms but the boards them-
media producers. In fact, it is quite
for the new generation to become
selves are not smart – they are
likely that in the near future the
lifelong learners. But perhaps, most
just a tool to enable creative and
concept of ‘technology as a tool’
significantly, technology and the
inspirational teaching.
will disappear as technology will
Internet are fueling an unparalleled
become an integral part of the way
democratization of education,
we learn.
the effects of which are only just
One area where the effectiveness of technology has been demonstrated quantifiably is the PHOTO: © STUART MILES | DREAMSTIME.COM
For example, distance learning
becoming apparent.
use of language software that can
Is technology changing the
compare the waveform of a stu-
relationship between teachers
this will lead, we are currently in a
dent’s speech with that of a native
and students?
transitional stage. This generation
speaker. This provides the student
It is evident that the old para-
As to the question of where
of teachers and students will be
with visual and aural feedback to
digm of ‘teacher as the possessor
the last to span the divide between
improve pronunciation.
of information’ is already chang-
digital immigrant and digital
ing. Today, the role of the teacher
native. The answer to this will be
support differentiation in the class-
resembles that of a facilitator,
only provided by the upcoming
room, promote collaboration and
guide and collaborator who
generation.
Technology can be used to
Volume 20 – Fall 2011
3
Incorporating Technology at the Youngest Level Sean Walker, PYP Coordinator
Students using roamers to explore angle, direction and distance.
From science and mathematics to languages, art and music, the teaching and learning of technology is integrated in all aspects of the curriculum at the Primary School. Rather than being taught as a distinct subject, Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) is treated as a cross-curricular tool that allows students of all ages to be actively involved in interactive com-
Using SMART Board
munication and the exchange of information. In an
Notebook tools to
ever-changing world, we strive to give our youngest
express personalities
students the skills and dispositions to access, process
in a Grade 2 class.
and convey complex information using the technological resources they have available to them. Information often presents itself in various forms, beyond the written word, through symbols, codes, images and sounds. To help students decipher complex information, we give them access to a wide variety of resources, from the more familiar (laptops, microphones and printers) to the more complex (calculators, digital cameras and Roamers, digital mapping devices
A digital dictionary
which navigate spaces and explore the concepts of
speeds up language
direction and angle). We have also equipped most of
learning as a student
our classrooms with SMART interactive whiteboards so
prepares a science
that the entire learning experience is interactive and
experiment.
engaging, for both students and teachers. Technology changes at a fast pace and we are lucky at ISP to be able to keep up with innovative new resources that facilitate effective teaching and learning. Although we know that the technological tools the students will have available to them as adults will surely differ greatly from what we can offer them now in our classroom, it is our goal to teach them to adapt quickly to the new technologies they will encounter. ICT in the Primary School: Class Projects As a school, ISP plans opportunities for students to use ICT to control devices and applications, to explore
Using Netbooks to
multimedia, to design visuals, to write, and finally, to
take a virtual tour of
manipulate data and perform research. To the right are
the neighborhood
a few examples of students and teachers using tech-
with Google Maps.
nology in the classroom. 4
the tribune — The Journal of the International School of Paris — www.isparis.edu
layout these images Examples of class wiki pages in the Primary School (from left to right, PE, Grade 2, Grade 1 and EAL (English as an Additional Language).
Wikid Wikis @ ISP Ling Lange, E-learning Facilitator ISP has been revolutionizing
discussion pages to continue
collaborative learning spaces to
student learning through the use
building student thinking and
promote teaching and learning:
of new technology. One of the
writing skills outside of the class-
school’s most successful projects
room. Students are encouraged
has been the use of wikispaces to
to voice their opinions, ask ques-
promote student learning and
tions and discuss current units
tool allowing students to work
collaboration in the classroom.
and topics. Parents and members
together on a project.
Wiki means ‘quick’ in the
of the broader school community
• An interactive learning space for parents, teachers and students. • A collaborative online
• A class discussion forum
Hawaiian language. A wiki is
can also view and contribute to
where students can learn from
a webpage where different
wikispaces.
each other.
Wikis in the Primary School
to share their teaching materials
resources can be uploaded to facilitate learning and promote active collaboration between
• A resource center for teachers Wikis have been especially
with students and colleagues.
students, teachers and parents.
popular in the Primary School
The magic of wiki comes from its
where over 80% of teachers have
senger — no more missing papers
nature of being so intuitive and
developed pages for their class-
since every day’s homework is
quick to master. Both teachers and
room in just one year.
updated before the end of the day.
students use it as a great learning and teaching tool.
Wikis extend learning beyond
• An effective ‘homework’ mes-
• An efficient communications
the confines of the school and
tool homeroom teachers can use
Paris; both students and parents
to keep parents informed about
teachers can upload interesting
can access ISP learning from
school life. For example, the
links with interactive activities
anywhere in the world!
Primary Performing Arts Team used
From any internet connection,
for students. They can also post
Here are just 7 wikid ways
inquiries, set up forums and host
teachers have used these online
the wiki to announce rehearsal schedules and information. Volume 20 – Fall 2011
5
What is ‘Cloud Computing’? All great ideas are obvious with hindsight – genius lies in the
Wikispaces
ability to see the future before it happens. From a secret military network of a handful of computers in the
Simple web pages that provide an excellent tool for online collaboration between students, teachers and parents
early 1970’s, it was nearly 25 years before the Internet took the form that we know today. By that time, PCs were common in homes and offices, and communication by email was not new. Nonetheless, it was still a further two years before Sabeer Bhatia and Jack Smith had
Critical for the success of cloud
the inspiration to set up the first
computing is a fast connection
web-based email system, and in
speed, and this was the driving
1996, Hotmail was born.
force behind ISP’s recent upgrade
Why would anyone want an
ISPortal Parent access to student reports, schedules
to fiber optic cables.
and attendance information
email system they could only use
Digital information is transmit-
in one location if they could have
ted in binary digits or bits (0 or 1),
one that would be available from
and the faster the bits move, the
any computer connected to the
more information can be transmit-
now a powerful combination and
Internet? Microsoft liked the idea
ted. The earliest modems man-
at the heart of ISP’s strategy to
so much that in 1997, they bought
aged about 300 bits per second
develop IT services to support
the company for an estimated sum
(bps). In other words, a 30-minute
teaching and learning and stream-
of $400m. ‘Cloud computing’ is
video in high definition (about 1
line the school’s business and
just an extension of this idea to
Gigabyte) would take over a year
communication processes.
include a whole range of web-
to download!
based services and applications. Computer network diagrams
By the mid 1990’s, a typical speed was 19.2Kbps which could
Speed and accessibility are a
What’s in the Cloud? There are dozens of online sys-
traditionally represent the
download the same video in
tems in the ‘cloud’ that students,
Internet as a cloud to which a
only five days. At ISP, our recent
parents, teachers and staff access
company’s physical network, a
upgrade has taken us from 4Mbps
on a regular basis – on this page
storage place for most systems
(40 minutes for the download) to
we describe just eight of them.
and documents, is connected.
100Mbps—meaning the video can
Now, with faster connection
be downloaded in 90 seconds!
speeds and more ‘open platform’
6
The Need for Speed
For those of you who want a
One of the advantages of ‘cloud computing’ is that we can continue to expand our systems and
applications, things have changed.
feel for what the future might
services, adding tools and applica-
These changes are made possible
bring, the fastest download speed
tions economically, without cor-
by the huge increase in the speed
achieved so far in research labora-
responding increases in internal IT
at which data can be transmitted
tories is around 30Tbps—equiva-
overheads.
and by the rapid development of
lent to two months of continuous
interactive online applications.
HD video every second!
the tribune — The Journal of the International School of Paris — www.isparis.edu
So this is one cloud that really does have a silver lining!
Google Apps Google-hosted student email accounts (isparis.net)) which provide for online
WebPath Express
document storage, sharing and collaboration
A secure web-browser developed for educational use – browse by topic, theme or level – in a moderated and safe online environment
Cloud Computing Comes to ISP at Fiber Optic Speed! Atlas A tool used by teachers for curriculum planning and development, customized specifically for the IB Programme
Destiny Our online library system which allows for virtual browsing in the ISP library and other educational resources
Parent Portal Secure access to a private area of ISP’s website with curricular and school
Moodle
handbooks, calendar, directory, etc.
An open-source virtual learning environment where teachers can create online courses and activities for their students
Volume 19 – Spring 2011
7
share ideas and work together to solve problems. Currently, I am working with Secondary School language teachers to develop materials that build on the special features of the SMART Notebook software and with Primary School teachers to demonstrate how they can record and replay board activities using the SMART capture tools. Collaboration with Teachers I work closely with the PYP Coordinator, Sean Walker, to produce a detailed plan of how to embed ICT in the curriculum across all grades and subjects to best meet the requirements of the IB programme. Collaboration is central to our e-learning strategy and ‘team teaching’ collaborations model the behavior
Facilitating e-Learning at ISP An Interview with Ling Lange
we want to encourage in students. Wikispaces have proven a great tool for this kind of activity. We have also shown students how to collaborate on dynamic, interactive presentations such as Prezi, which has become an excellent tool to support their Exhibition projects in Grade 5.
When Ling Lange enters a classroom, everyone stops to listen. With her easy smile and amiable personality, she makes technology accessible and exciting for even the most technophobic of teachers. In 2009, Ling became ISP’s ‘e-learning Facilitator’.
Resourcing New Technologies New educational tools appear every day, and it is my role to ‘test drive’ them and suggest the ones most likely to support the curriculum. One area we
Her mission was threefold: to provide support and
have given special attention to is e-safety. We have
training for teachers in the use of classroom technol-
materials that are aimed at both students and parents.
ogy; assist them in incorporating best practices for
Our first e-safety workshop for parents at the Primary
embedding ICT in the Primary School; and, finally,
School was very popular, and we look forward to
research and resource new technologies to enhance
delivering further sessions this year.
teaching and learning Two years later, and the results speak for themselves—teachers and students have never been more
The Magic Ingredient What is Ling’s magic ingredient? All the teachers
engaged with technology, and many exciting new
she works with are impressed by her infectious energy,
initiatives are in the pipeline.
enthusiasm and ‘can do’ attitude, and all agree she has
We spoke with Ling and asked her what she thought
the ability to inspire and to motivate. Just ask Danielle
the most successful aspects had been in each of the
Beaulieu, the Primary School Principal: “Ling inspires
following areas. Here is what she told us:
teachers to take risks and gets people interested and excited about learning new things and innovative prac-
Classroom Technology SMART Board training has been very popular. While
8
tices. She convinces educators that what they think is too difficult or complicated can be simple... Ling brings
the boards themselves are easy to use at a basic level,
equal amounts of both talent and devotion to her work;
training allows teachers to exploit their full potential.
she will say that she is just an ordinary person trying to
Training can be one-on-one or in small groups or as
help others reach greatness using ideas and tools she has
a ‘master class’ workshop where experienced users
learned, but I think she is quite extraordinary indeed.”
the tribune — The Journal of the International School of Paris — www.isparis.edu
Using a colorimeter, an instrument which measures the percentage of light transmission, in the biology lab.
Cutting Edge Science & Design Tools
students love the new laser cutter (above
Jean Sampson, Head of Technology & Mariana Martini, Head of Science In the last few years, techno-
Design technology
left), a generous gift
precision, variables such as pH
improve the accuracy and quality
from Dresser-Rand,
logical tools have transformed
levels, gas pressure, solution con-
of their work.
which allows them
the Secondary School Science and
centrations and light absorbency.
The 3-D printer uses pro-
to cut and engrave
Design Technology Departments.
Spectrophotometers, spec-
fessional software (Autodesk
textiles. The new
Much of this has been made pos-
trometers and colorimeters allow
Inventor) to produce prototype
3-D printer has been
sible through fundraising efforts
students in physics and chemistry
quality objects in a durable
greeted with equal
and generous donations from
to measure light emission and
plastic. Thanks to a very gener-
enthusiasm. Here it
parents and corporations.
absorbency, wavelengths and how
ous grant from Dresser-Rand, the
renders a model of a
light passes through a solution.
laser cutter is enabling students
hand (above right).
new technology has helped our
An autoclave, which is like a pres-
to design with precision, enhanc-
teachers and students in numer-
sure cooker that can be used for
ing their skills and giving more
ous ways; we can do things more
sterilization, is used for teaching
freedom to their design work.
accurately and with greater speed,
micro-biology.
Both pieces of equipment will
In the Science Department,
and the best part is we can share it all with each other. Specialized software allows students to run
“Design and Computer Technology are both valuable because, in creat-
various kinds of simulations. For
ing something by ourselves, we learn safety precautions and what tools
example, science students can
to use. We can be creative so we will know how to use this technology
run a simulation to investigate the effects of smoking on human
on our own in the future.”
Samantha and Nicole Pallat, Grade 7
health or the effect of acid rain on plants over time.
In the Technology depart-
also allow the development of an
In biology and chemistry, lap-
ment, two new recent additions
integrated technology curriculum
tops equipped with data loggers
are enabling Design Technology
and enable students to make more
(called Vernier probes), equip-
classes to use advanced computer
direct links between the work they
ment usually found in universities,
aided design (CAD) and computer
do in school and the products they
allow students to measure with
aided manufacturing (CAM) to
see in the market place. Volume 20 – Fall 2011
9
Artwork created using Photoshop based on manipulations of photos a Grade 10 student took during a trip to the Cevennes.
“Music technology has transformed the schemes of work dramatically and made composing much more ‘hands on’ and exciting for our students. Composing is an essential part of the music MYP and IB programmes, and the software in the Mac Lab has given all students, no matter what their musical ability, a chance to experiment and produce their own pieces.” Nicole Lathuillerie, Music Teacher
Using the MAC lab to compose music (left). Samples of studentproduced musical scores composed with the program Sibelius (right).
10
the tribune — The Journal of the International School of Paris — www.isparis.edu
Using Cubase to change the arrangement of a famous classical piece, pop hit or theme song.
Creative Arts – Imagine the Possibilities! Elizabeth Farabee, Communications Manager In 2010, ISP opened a Creative Arts Suite in the Secondary School,
Music Making Music classes have benefitted
they changed the arrangement by adding chords, a secondary melody
the biggest deployment to date of
enormously from this Mac lab.
Apple technology in the classroom.
Each workstation is equipped with
This Mac Lab was made possible, in
a MIDI keyboard and a range of
part, through a generous grant from
sophisticated music and multime-
the Rumsey-Cartier Foundation.
dia software, in particular programs
students have been using Adobe
Eighteen iMacs with 21.5-inch
and bass line. Visual Arts In Visual Arts, MYP and Diploma
such as Cubase and Sibelius, which
Creative Suite 5 to learn creative
screens featuring Adobe CS5 soft-
students use to compose their
ways to manipulate photographs
ware have provided Visual Arts and
own songs.
and to create photomontages.
Computer and Design Technology
In Grade 8, for example, students
On the opposite page is an
students with a genuinely profes-
learned how to create a piece of
example of the type of work some
sional design environment. Since
Minimalism using Sibelius, a music
of our Grade 10 students have
its inauguration almost a year ago,
notation software which contains
done using Photoshop.
students have been taking their
over 1,000 different instruments.
creative impulses to a new and
The goal of this course was to
photographs of natural and man-
exciting digital level.
help students develop listen-
made objects during their trip to
Students were asked to take
State-of-the-art machines,
ing and composing skills and to
the Cevennes. Back at ISP, they
together with industry standard
help increase their awareness of
learned to manipulate the colors
software, have proven a very
the different techniques used by
on these photographs and then
powerful combination, as demon-
composers.
create a montage, by using one
strated by some of the projects
In Grade 10, students chose
photo and pasting it into another.
students are working on in their
a famous classical music or film
music and visual arts classes
theme, folk tune or a pop hit with
ing the possibilities, they are
(facing page).
a simple melody. Using Cubase,
realizing them!
At ISP, students are not imagin-
Volume 20 – Fall 2011
11
From the ISP Library to Silicon Valley Stuart Wong, Class of 1989
“I believe that the international fabric of ISP provided me with the foundations to build and nurture cultural sensitivity and awareness—skills critical to success in today’s world in almost any profession.” “Technology is just one part of a good IT solution to
into IT consulting for government clients before pur-
a business problem... addressing people and process are
suing an MBA at INSEAD and working for two years in
equally as important... if not more.”
Switzerland. I have now settled down in Silicon Valley
For any technology geek, it is easy to get caught up in the latest innovations and inventions—whether they
where I live with my wife and two young boys and work for Adobe Systems Incorporated.
be smart phones or tablets, personal or professional
Throughout my career, I have continually been
social media (Facebook, LinkedIn), on-premise enter-
amazed at just how important the human factor is to
prise applications (SAP, Oracle, HP) or cloud-based
solving business problems. Technology operates in
SaaS (Software as a Service) offerings (Salesforce.com,
an accelerating and ever-changing landscape that is
Google, Adobe). However, to deliver successfully a
changing the world in which we live and work. It chal-
solution against the thorniest business problems, the
lenges both individuals and industries to constantly
challenge is addressing people, processes and technol-
reinvent themselves and rewards handsomely those
ogy all together.
that innovate and persevere. Both are qualities ISP val-
Looking back at my ISP high school days, I was not
ues and fosters in its students.
that interested in technology, though I do distinctly
As I write this article, I cannot help but smile at cher-
recall trying to navigate the tiny brown chiclet key-
ished recollections of studying in cafés with friends
board of the Minitel in the school library. Back then, I
or working late after school on the yearbook in a truly
was much more interested in math, biology and tennis,
international setting. In these activities and others, I
but I like to think that the technology seed was planted
was ultimately learning how to be an educated and cul-
somewhere between my formative years playing video
turally aware citizen of the world, and this has helped
games and the brown Minitel at ISP.
me to succeed.
My path over the last two decades has focused
I am pleased to see that technology is becoming an
increasingly on technology, specifically information
increasingly important element of the ISP curriculum.
technology solutions for business operations. I gradu-
I hope this inspires more graduates to pursue careers
ated from the University of Virginia with undergradu-
which involve developing and creating new technolo-
ate and graduate degrees in Management Information
gies. My advice to ISP students? Whatever it is that you
Systems and co-developed one of the first computer-
have a passion for in school and in life, always endeavor
based training text books in the U.S. I then moved
to love what you do and do what you love.
ISP - Secondary School - 6, rue Beethoven, 75016 Paris - Tel: 01 42 24 09 54 - Fax: 01 45 27 15 93 ISP - Primary School - 96 bis, rue du Ranelagh, 75016 Paris - Tel: 01 42 24 43 40 - Fax: 01 42 24 69 14 www.isparis.edu - reception@isparis.edu - admissions@isparis.edu
12
the tribune — The Journal of the International School of Paris — www.isparis.edu
Head of School: Audrey Peverelli Editors: Carrie Levenson-Wahl, Elizabeth Farabee Design: A. Tunick (www.atunick.com) Printed on Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Certified Paper