As schools evolve, technology is being integrated in ways that meet the needs of different learners. 

In a large and diverse learning community like WAB’s, identifying technology tools accessible to our youngest learners and their families is imperative in creating a sustainable school-wide tech infrastructure. 

WAB Elementary School is in the midst of this process. We are trialing three systems to enhance student learning from Early Years to Grade 5, which give students more opportunity to demonstrate their learning and thrive in their development. 

“The way we have set things up have allowed our students to take more ownership of their learning and for our learning communities to operate more collaboratively,” EdTech and Design Teacher Doug Taylor said. “We are applying what we learned in the remote and hybrid approaches to make an impact on campus or around the world at any time.” 

The systems have been adapted for students who are back on campus, waiting to return, or are in transit. Breaking down the traditional structure of a homeroom group, our Elementary School technology fosters the building of learning communities, offering flexibility for students in different regions of the world to have access to a network of teachers for live interaction, academic activities, and social-emotional support they need to thrive at school. 

The process to select a technology system for our Elementary students involves the whole community. Students are offering feedback on their learning experiences. Expert faculty members are collecting data and creating success criteria, as well as working with some of the app developers directly. We are partnering with families to better understand the parent experience.  

Students in Grades 4 and 5 are using WAB Blogs. Grade 2 and 3 students are using Toddle. And our youngest learners from Early Years to Senior Grade 1 are using Seesaw. 

The platforms for our Elementary students are focused around a few key features, including: 

• multimedia use for documenting, demonstrating, and reflecting upon learning, 
• distribution of age- and level-appropriate learning activities, 
• opportunity for continuous, personalized, and accessible teacher feedback, 
• connectivity with families to support student learning. 

Now more than four weeks into the school year, the technology teams are starting to get a better understanding of how students and families are using the tools. 

“Students are sharing and teachers are collaborating in ways we haven’t been able to in the past, in ways we didn’t anticipate,” Grade 5 teacher Joshua Brinn said. “This trial and feedback process gives us the opportunity to explore what tools can enhance student-directed learning, improve documentation and feedback, support individual student learning, and involve our parents.” 

Part of the parent partnership throughout this process has been making sure they have access to the technology platforms, so that they can feel comfortable taking an active role in their child’s learning. 

“Parents have personal logins for the Seesaw and Toddle family applications, which allow them to track their child’s progress and give feedback, as well as communicate with the school,” Joshua said. “The most important thing they can do is share with us the features they enjoy and the challenges they have. so that we ensure the best learning experience for our students and all of our stakeholders.” 

If you are an Elementary School parent at WAB and would like to offer feedback about your experience using the new technology tools, please check out the September 18 issue of WAB Weekly on the WAB Parent Portal.