India’s first Apple Distinguished School

Bengaluru: Canadian International School Bangalore (CIS) has been recognised as India's 1st Apple Distinguished School for their adoption and integration of technology in education. Awarded for a strong digital citizenship curriculum and the integration of technology in teaching and learning from Kindergarten (K) through grade12, CIS's efforts to spearhead technology integration in education ensures the students are prepared for the digital age.

"There is an urgency to revisit how we teach in classrooms and expose and empower K-12 students to the technological advancements prevalent today. Over the years, I have witnessed the power of iPads and the necessity of introducing 1:1 iPads in teaching and learning. Technology literacy at a younger age ensures students become good decision makers and consider their digital footprint from a personal and community perspective.

It is a great honour that our efforts have led to the fruition of being recognized as India's 1st Apple Distinguished School," said Shweta Sastri, Executive Director, Canadian International School, Bangalore. Apple Distinguished Schools are centres of innovation, leadership, and educational excellence that use technology to inspire creativity, collaboration and critical thinking.

They showcase innovative uses of technology in learning and teaching and have documented results of academic accomplishment. "Through Apple technology, we have been able to transform our learning environment and ethos. All secondary classes have shifted from paper to purposeful iPad use and maximized their learning through iTunes courses," shared Melanie Kells, Dean of Studies at Canadian International School. "Assignments can be sketched, scored, charted, coded or performed through a wide range of educational tools like the iPad to create personalized learning for every student.

This has led to a marked improvement in retention of learning, performance and accomplishment," Melanie Kells added. Today's digital age requires students to be technologically literate regardless of their career paths. Being a 1:1 iPad school, CIS is preparing its students for transition in a digital world, from using iMovie to make documentaries, to customizing the pace for individual students when learning a foreign language.

The transition to a technology integrated school finally enabled CIS to open their MakerSpace, providing a place for students to explore construction, robotics, and media creation. Click here to see how students believe technology has transformed their learning.