Innovative tech helps boost children’s learning

Pupils at Derbyshire secondary school are now scanning QR codes to get homework thanks to innovative technology installed by L.E.A.D. IT Services.

New state-of-the-art Smartboards installed at Aldercar High School in Langley Mill are allowing pupils and teachers to benefit from a number of tech features, which is having a positive effect on children’s learning.

The school now has the latest Smartboards in every classroom as part of an IT overhaul put in place by L.E.A.D. IT.

The team fitted the school with new servers, provided cutting-edge Smart boards in 54 classrooms, more than 100 staff laptops, a newly installed telephone system and an updated broadband provider.

L.E.A.D. IT also streamlined the school’s security, upgrading its key fob system, as well as installing more than 60 WiFi access points in ceilings, and 25 network switches, allowing teachers and pupils to benefit from a seamless internet connection.

The Smartboards feature an interactive design allowing pupils and teachers to draw directly on the board, scan QR codes to access homework, highlight key words and allow class leaders to save lessons week on week without the need for printing out worksheets.

Head of PE, Mark Briggs, said: “There is so much you can do with these Smartboards. They allow you to break down tasks for pupils. They have had a massive impact. They are visually clear. They allow for greater group discussions. Pupils can come up to the front and make notes on the board.

We are able to learn together. They also feature a QR code that pupils can scan to access their homework.

“They are good for children’s education. Partially sighted students really benefit from them too.”

Lee Jepson, director of L.E.A.D. IT Services, said: “I’m delighted that our IT refit at Aldecar High School and the upgrades we installed are having such a positive impact on pupils’ learning.

“Our team worked extremely hard in a two-week window to complete the work, and we have continued our service by providing ongoing on-site support too.

“Having up-to-date technology within a school setting has been proven to help children’s learning as well as provide the support that educators need.

“It’s particularly pleasing to hear how the new technology such as our Smartboards has had such a positive impact in areas such as the school’s Deaf and Hearing Impaired Enhanced Resource Facility too.”