Enhancing traditional learning in a digital environment

Equity and access are central to the vision of the Arthur Terry Learning Partnership’s (ATLP) Learning Futures initiative.

In this feature piece, we delve into one such aspect of the project, which has seen every student and member of teaching staff across the ATLP’s 24 schools issued with an iPad to enhance teaching and learning.

To empower students and staff in making the most of iPad, the ATLP’s decision to provide every learner with a stylus has been transformative. This ensures all students have the tools they need to enhance their learning experience, while teachers benefit from new ways to model and explain key concepts.

With styluses in hand, students can prioritise the presentation of their work and engage in evidence-based practices to support memory retention and writing development. By writing rather than typing, learners are strengthening cognitive processes while showcasing their understanding.

The impact of styluses was brought to life in a recent case study video, created in collaboration with technology company Skriva, in which students from both primary and secondary ATLP schools share how styluses have enhanced their learning.

Across both phases, styluses support efficient task completion using platforms like Showbie. Secondary students benefit from additional exam practice and primary students use them for creative tasks, such as digital artwork, to further showcase their adaptability to new technologies.

Teachers, too, are finding innovative ways to enhance learning.

Greysbrooke Primary School teacher Harry Doyle said: “I use my stylus to edit and improve students’ work by taking a photo of their responses and upgrading them in real time. This allows students to watch the process live as I think aloud and helps them understand how to refine and improve their work.”

ATLP Digital Transformation Lead Richard Anderton said: “A huge thank you to William MacGregor Primary School, Greysbrooke Primary School and West Coventry Academy for their contributions to the case study and demonstrating the incredible potential of 1-2-1 styluses in action.

“Together, they showcase how technology can elevate teaching and learning across our Partnership.”

Main picture: Styluses have made a huge difference to learning and teaching.