Learners are introduced to iPads in Grade R, and then enter our Apple One-to-One environment in Grade One, where each learner’s Apple device becomes a personalised learning platform. Integrated technology use becomes second nature as learners mature and utilise technology to acquire and demonstrate their knowledge and deepen their understanding.
Throughout the College, learners engage in a variety of technology enriched learning activities through which they:
Learn new concepts • Practise and consolidate existing skills • Create unique products
Explore new ideas and pursue curiosities • Engage in remediation • Participate in enrichment
To support these teaching and learning goals, the College provides a world class support team and an infrastructure that includes extensive wireless connectivity and high speed Internet access. As an Apple Lighthouse and Google Apps for Education school, we use both platforms to provide a unique teaching and learning experience, and our staff have been recognised and accredited as Apple Distinguished Educators and Google Educators. These educators share their expertise with colleagues to provide a uniquely modern education to our learners. On site ICT Academic Integration specialists encourage the flow of new ideas and concepts into classroom teaching in order to enhance learning.
We recognise the value of Information and Communication Technology and provide a wide selection of comprehensive programmes from Pre-Primary to Grade 12. We boast three specialist Robotics laboratories in the Preparatory faculties and one in the Secondary faculty. Robotics is introduced from Grade 1 to Grade 8 as a compulsory subject to teach computational thinking skills and coding. This develops problem solving, logic and creativity in our learners from an early age.
Our Secondary Faculty is home to our Sound Engineering, Film and Animation studios known as Parklands College Studios. Here learners are taught how to create film, animations and music. Parklands College Studio milestones include the release of “Origin”, our first digital music album on the iTunes store and two music videos on the Parklands College Studio’s YouTube channel.
Information Technology (IT) is offered as a matric subject and other programming opportunities including mobile device application development where learners are taught how to develop Apps for the iTunes App store. Our learners recently developed and released a language App called ‘Afrikaans Simple Learning’ on the Apple App store.
Learners use AutoCAD in our Engineering Graphics and Design laboratory together with a 3D printer to rapid prototype their innovative designs.
Our internationally recognised offerings include CompTIA certifications, the Adobe Photoshop Visual Communication certification (ACA) and the ICDL WebEditing certification.
Parklands College continues to explore new and emerging technologies in order to keep abreast of world trends in technology in education.
