Learning Technologies

A Contemporary Learning Environment

At Munich International School we believe that a contemporary learning environment, one that parallels many of the technology-enabled experiences available to students and staff outside schools, includes one-to-one access to portable technology devices.

We also believe firmly in the value of the opportunities for redefined learning that such technology access provides our students and staff and, furthermore, that these are the priority focus of our work together. The technology is available for the service of a greater aim which, for us, centres around enabling our students to engage in transformative learning experiences, experiences that would not be available without one-to-one access to an appropriate suite of technologies. We also know that such transformations do not occur by accident or without parallel focus by our faculty on the developing knowledge of twenty-first century learning. To this end, we bring these conversations together through the teams and structures we build as we review, incorporate and evaluate new technologies hand-in-hand with redefined teaching and learning initiatives.


We share our story in hopes that our experiences benefit other schools in their own journeys, as well for our own broader community.

Professional development has been a key component in the implementation of the steps below: 


Pre-2004:

MIS is well-equipped with contemporary technologies, including computer labs, and provides technology classes at several grade levels.

2004-2005:

  • Labs remain available for classroom usage in Junior, Middle and Senior Schools
  • MIS internally hires a technology integration teachers for Junior, Middle and Senior Schools
  • Senior School has 10 laptops, available with technology integration teacher, for checkout for classroom use
  • Purchased digital cameras, microphones and other equipment  for teacher checkout
  • Wireless hubs used in Senior School with technology integration teacher

2005-2006: 

  • A Laptop cart is added in both Middle and Senior Schools
  • A part-time Lab Assistant/help desk staff is hired
  • MIS explores the possibility of one to one computing

2006 - 2007: 

  • MIS goes wireless. 
  • Discussions concerning the possibility of one to one computing continue
  • Teachers receive Macbook with professional development in spring

2007-2008:

  • Staff expanded to provide for a help desk in Junior, Middle and Senior Schools
  • One MacBook cart is added in both the Middle and Senior Schools.
  • The decision is made to begin a one to one initiative in grades 7-11 in 2008-2009, which would include grade 12 the following year
  • The Learning Technologies Team provides all future one to one teachers with preparatory professional development and classroom support for using MacBook cart in the classroom

2008 - 2009:

  • Laptops are rolled out to grades 7-11. Students receive 4 hours of training on computer usage, expectations and digital citizenship
  • A Macbook cart is made available for checkout by grade 12 students
  • Additional Macbook carts are purchased for the Middle and Junior Schools
  • Grade 5 classrooms are equipped with 5 Macbooks each and have a cart designated for their exclusive usage
2009 - 2010

 

 

  • Laptop program expanded to include grade 12 
  • Program and professional development continue 

 

2010 - 2011:

  • Upgraded all teachers and students to OSX 10.6
  • Installed PodCast server to support ‘flipped’ instruction and other usages
  • Expanded interactive white board (IWB) availability by beginning to upgrade classrooms with simple projectors to IWBs

2011 - 2012: 

  • Upgraded wireless access system to new standard and doubling the number of access point to cope with daily demand as more and more lesson resources are delivered electronically
  • Issued to students the newest generation of MacBook, new machines in JS Lab
  • Added a third MacBook cart in Junior School  
  • Performed ‘iPad in learning’ project to evaluate the most effective use of iPads in helping students reach expected learning outcomes
  • Continued classroom upgrade with IWBs
  • Installed  multi-user, touch sensitive IWBs in Junior School classrooms