Computer Assisted Learning Program (CALP)
Melrose High School is the only government school in the ACT offering students the opportunity to participate in a program, which utilises individual access to portable Information Communication Technology (ICT) facilities. Students in Years 7 and 8 pursue their studies using a variety of learning technologies embedded within their learning programs.
Studies in the ACT, throughout Australia and overseas show that a classroom network using notebook computers can produce improved student achievements, including improved writing skills and confidence with computer use (Newhouse, P. (2001). Australian Educational Computing, 16:2). Teachers working with laptop classrooms also showed a shift to more Constructivist pedagogical practice. Melrose High supports the continuation and extension of CALP in its Learning Technology Plan and supports students with the skills, knowledge and understanding to use learning technologies confidently to contribute to their life-long learning in a knowledge based society (ACT Learning Technology Plan 2004-2006, Goal 1). CALP encourages social interaction, cooperative learning, use of imagination and creative expression, and caters for a range of learning styles and needs. Assessment tasks value students’ skills, knowledge and ability to apply learning technologies to solve authentic problems in a range of contexts (ACTDET, 2004, Goal 1:Action).
While parents purchase a notebook computer for their students in the program, the school strongly recommends a choice of two particular models, which are suitable for students to use in the classroom, connect into the school student network and around the school environs as required by the needs of their study. All students must have access to a particular suite of programs, which many vendors will include with the initial computer purchase, on the advice of the school. It is also highly recommended that parents insure the notebook computer for loss or damage. Lockers are provided which are large enough to house a notebook computer so students do not have to take their computer to classes where it is not required or to lunch or sporting activities.
In Years 7 and 8, students in the program are grouped together for English, Mathematics, Science and SOSE in their respective years. Through these programs they are encouraged to incorporate the use of Information and Communications Technology into their learning and their assessment tasks. Students in the CALP program are encouraged to be leaders across the school in the IT area. In other learning areas, students participate in classes involving students in the regular school program, and use the computer for their assessment tasks, class-based note taking and specialist software when appropriate. Classes in Art, Music and Technology for students in this program are also undertaken.
In Years 9 and 10 students are integrated into the normal learning program of the school, allowing them choice in areas such as Arts, Information Technology, Technology and SOSE as well as allowing them to study English, Mathematics and Science at a level that suits their abilities. Students are encouraged to use the computer as a tool in learning and to electronically publish assessment tasks using the school intranet and the MyClasses Learning Management System.
Melrose High School is able to offer a range of facilities to complement the laptop program. These include access to printers and scanners, digital cameras, concept mapping systems, Interactive Whiteboards (IWBs) and multimedia data projectors. Students proceed through a skills based course in learning to use all peripheral devices.
Parents wishing to enrol their child/ren in the CALP program do so by completing an expression of interest and application form. These are available during Term 2. Parents can contact the school for more information on the program or enrolment.
