Izindaba - 21 November 2013

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American International School of Johannesburg

Vol. 4 No. 7

November 21, 2013

Together we dare to imagine, inspire to succeed, and courageously make a dif ference

School Director’s Message

What’s Inside...

To the AISJ Community, It is easy to view successful technology in a school as the sum of hardware and software that they possess. Another often used measure is how much the productivity of students and teachers is increased. While these are no doubt factors that contribute to how a program should be measured, at AISJ we work hard to ensure that the technology that is in use at our school directly supports student learning and the objective that at AISJ students will be conceptual, independent, and connected learners is met. More details of Goal number two, and the plans we are implementing to meet the objectives, can be found in the school’s Annual Report which is online at Issuu (http://issuu.com/aisjcommunications/docs/ar5?e=4858573/50588710) and available for download from the school website. In the current round of Professional Grow th and Collaboration Time Learning Institutes, Dennis Ross, the High School Technology Integration Coach and Fred Biggar, Director of Technology are leading a ‘think tank’ designed to start us on our way towards developing connected, independent and conceptual learners. The group is composed of teachers from across the whole school who are passionate about the role of technology in student learning. We are exploring three big questions: What is connected learning? How is technology best integrated into the curriculum? And how will technology be integrated into the curriculum in Elementary School at AISJ?

School Director’s Message 1 Message from the Board of Directors 2 Measures of Academic Progress - MAP 2 Technology News 2 Construction @ AISJ 3 Communications @ AISJ 2 AISJ is now on Facebook 3 Service Learning @ AISJ 3 AISJ’s 1st Carols by Candlelight 6 AISJ High School Theater presents RENT 6 Johannesburg Campus Eagle Shop 6 Mistletoe Marketplace 7 AISJ Counselors’ Corner 7 School Lunch Menu 8 Chris Hani Baragwanath Toy Drive 9 Elementary School News - Johannesburg Campus 9 Scouting at AISJ 11 Pretoria Elementary and Middle School News 11 Wake up & Learn! Coffee Morning 15 Middle School News - Johannesburg Campus 15 High School University & Career Communicator 16 High School News 17 Johannesburg Parents Association News 18 Pretoria Parents Association News 19

The final question is of vital importance. It has been clear for some time that AISJ needs to have a solid, well thought out direction for the use of technology in our Elementary School. It is also important that we do not just rush out and buy devices so we can say we have extensive technology in the Elementary School. We must have clear parameters for evaluating success and know what it is we are trying to achieve by increasing the use of technology. The approach we take must be developmentally appropriate for students and be the best way to support their learning. To this end a number of activities are being planned to help us develop a better understanding of what we need. A number of study groups will be formed in the new calendar year to continue the work begun in the think tank. This month, Fred will be visiting a number of schools to research current best practises and to see technology in action in the hands of students. Additionally, we will be trialling a set of Samsung Gala xy Tab devices with a small group of Elementary School students over the next couple of months. Thanking you for your continued support. Andy

We are a diverse, international communit y providing a balanced and nur turing learning program that fosters personal growth, provides meaningful oppor tunities for achievement, and promotes positive contributions to societ y. Page 1


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