Oakhill leading innovation in learning
Oakhill believes that students should leave their school careers with both life skills and skills for life, ready to continue their journey with confidence. In addition to the skills taught through the traditional curriculum, Oakhill continues to lead the way with its growth and innovative mindset, teaching skills required in the 21st century and beyond.
Oakhill is privileged to enjoy a technology-rich environment which offers the opportunity for innovative teaching and learning, and Oakhill has consistently been listed as one of the most innovative schools in South Africa.
In 2017, Oakhill “went Google” and appointed Dylan Langheim as EdTech director to help guide teachers with forward-thinking opportunities within the Google realm. Langheim attended a Google Certified Innovator Academy in Sweden last year, where he was able to connect with like-minded educators and see how seriously other countries are innovating their education paradigms.
The Google for Education Certified Innovator Programme took place in November at the company’s Stockholm headquarters, with 36 educators from all over the world and Oakhill was the sole participant from Africa. This programme has been running for the last 13 years and Langheim is the fifth South African to be invited to attend one of these sessions.
The application process was a stringent one, involving receiving certification from Google through online exams and training. Langheim also had to submit evidence of technological innovation at Oakhill, including different resources used to support educators.
Says Langheim, “At the Google offices we worked through a process called ‘Design Thinking,’ where we challenged assumptions, and reworked problems to identify solutions that you wouldn’t usually consider.
“I am so inspired by Google’s 20% time which is afforded to their employees,” he said. “Twenty percent of the time Googlers can work on problems or projects they are passionate about at work – imagine if we could free teachers and students to do the same within the school day, and how this would enhance meaning in their learning.
“It was strange – we were at Google, but it was not all about the tech, it was more about shifting cultures and mindsets and thinking 10x.”
Says Oakhill’s director of Learning Support and Staff Development, Caroline Payton: “Oakhill looks forward to learning more from experiences such as these to remain at the global forefront of innovation in teaching and learning, as well as to enhance inclusion in our diverse learning environment.”
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Source: Knysna Plett Herald News