HIGH impact, interactive and targeted learning are some of the values which have been embraced by Patsy Palmer, principal of Praise Tabernacle Christian Academy, in guiding the young minds who have been put in her charge.

Palmer, a trained teacher, has created a movement in her institution that will place it on par with schools in the United States and other parts of the world that are moving to replace traditional chalkboard and textbook learning with handheld devices.

Students at Praise Tab use iPads and other tablets, powered by LIME’s mobile data network, to navigate lessons, complete practical activities or do research for school projects as part of their daily routine.

“They use it for subjects like French, arithmetic, social studies, and even for music,” Palmer said. “We find that there are many apps that can be incorporated into the learning process and they are so interactive and

child-friendly that we have seen where the children now learn faster.

“The classroom is under a lot of competition. The children play with their computers, PlayStations and other games at home, and so when they come to school we have to move with the times and bring that competition into the classroom to create a tool for accelerated learning,” she added.

She said the students have responded extremely well to getting music lessons via the devices, where previously interest in the subject was low.

“You have to look at the various learning styles and find a way to appeal to the kinesthetic learner. Our teachers email homework, submit lesson plans electronically, and use the device in the classroom to engage the students in an interactive way,” she added.

Classrooms at Praise Tab are also equipped with projectors and, in some cases, speakers to allow for ease of use in teaching.

Palmer, upon returning from a recent trip overseas, shared with parents the many benefits of using tablets to enhance the learning experience at the schools she visited in the United States.

Naturally, many parents expressed concern about the cost to acquire the tablets.

“I said to them, if you want your child to succeed, make the sacrifice, and that’s when I contacted LIME, who offered a payment plan for parents, as well as for our teachers,” she related.

“I have students here from many socio-economic backgrounds, and through LIME they are able to get the device in hand while they pay in instalments. They are now elated, having made the investment as they have seen the improvement in their children’s enthusiasm toward learning.”