Windhoek Gymnasium Gears Up to Use iPads Next Year

Windhoek Gymnasium Private School are currently gearing up to use iPads as part of the curriculum next year. With the world moving from analogue to digital, the need for an easier means of learning becomes stronger by the day.

“As one of the leading schools in Namibia, we as management have the responsibility to ensure that we keep up with the best on every terrain; curriculum, teaching and coaching techniques and equipment, as well as technology,” Colette Rieckert said at a parents’ meeting hosted at the school last month.

All pupils from Grades 8 to 11 will start using iPads as from January 2015.

iPads are currently used in over 350 schools in Southern Africa and locally, Windhoek Gymnasium, St George’s, Windhoek International and Amazing Kids will be using them as of next year.

The initiative aims to benefit pupils as notes can be downloaded directly to their iPads in electronic order. Pupils can revise their lessons at home and ensure homework feedback is correct. If a pupil is absent, they can log into the system to receive the missed lessons.

Textbooks are in electronic format on iPads, which lead to much lighter school bags. Homework can be done on the iPad and mailed to the teacher.

“It’s exiting and a big privilege to be part of this, this is the future and we need to adapt to it,” said Grade 10 pupil Frederick van Zyl.

Because children live in this electronic era, the use of these devices, make them more interested in learning and their studies. Studies indicate the improvement of academic studies with the use of iPads in schools in South Africa and overseas.

The school managed to secure affordable wholesale prices for the iPads, as well as good down-payment terms with financial institutions. Provision will be made for pupils unable to afford the machines, which will be used on a greatly improved WiFi network.

“I think it is a very good idea to promote the use of modern technology such as iPads in school. It will be a fun and effective way of learning,” concluded Grade 9 pupil, Henryke Garbers.

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