Class 5 children at Capel-le-Ferne Primary School are using a variety of wireless (Wi-Fi) handheld devices, including games consoles and PDAs, to work together online in and out of school. Their studies include collaborative story writing, video production and transition to Year 6 and beyond.

James Blomfield, ICT Coordinator from Capel-le-Ferne Primary School presented at a seminar the Handheld Learning 2006 Conference in London last week (October13th).

James presented how pupils have been improving their standards in writing by publishing stories online using their handheld devices to review each other’s work. (Capel-le-Ferne subscribe to www.superclubsplus.com.)

Capel pupils also showcased their work in Prof Stephen Heppell’s ‘Be Very Afraid III ’ event at BAFTA in London for the second year running. There was a lot of interest in the use of handheld devices and the school was presented with 4 Nintendo DS Lite consoles.

One of the participating pupils, 10-year-old Christopher Thomas, is benefiting from the creative use of this technology. He is currently playing a leading role in the West End production of Mary Poppins and has to spend a lot of time out of the school. Christopher and his parents are keen to support his learning at home, in the theatre and on the move generally using the new wireless device.