RAK Academy Rolls Out 1,500 Chromebook Devices For All Grade 2 To Grade 8 Students

Ras Al Khaimah Academy Family of Schools has delivered 1,500 new Chromebook devices to students in Grades 2-8 in the largest roll-out of school technology of its kind in Ras Al Khaimah, marking the start of an exciting new era in interactive, modern learning across its 5 campuses.

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, students have received their laptop devices equipped with the Google Chrome operating system in a series of socially distanced events throughout the school day, while the parents of full-time distance learners have been collecting the device safely via a drive-through system.

Executive Principal Graham Beale said: “The decision to invest in Chromebooks for our students stems from RAK Academy’s belief in the potential for transformative learning experiences through innovative uses of technology. Such devices can never replace a teacher in a classroom but placing technology in the hands of the teacher and students can provide opportunities to enhance education in ways that never existed before. Everyday across RAKAcademy, we see our students use technology to help them learn and apply new knowledge. A personal device enables students to make more informed decisions about their learning. It also gives them ways of demonstrating their understanding through collaboration, sharing, peer evaluation and the creation of imaginative and innovative artefacts, all supported by the expertise of a teacher.”

Mr Beale moved to allay any fears parents had about students getting too much screen time on their personalised learning device. “Some parents may be worried that students will spend their lesson time staring at screens with no teacher engagement or controls but this will not be the case at RAKAcademy,” he said.“Our teachers will be using technology that we know makes a difference in teaching and learning and develops the students’ personal learning and higher-order thinking skills. We will also maintain the same filtering and security that we use in school when the Chromebooks are being used at home.”

“At RAKAcademy, the health, safety, and well-being of our students, staff, and parents are of paramount importance, so our operational practices reflect that and ensure a safe and secure school environment.”