Technology

HIS uses a number of leading platforms for teaching and learning:

The Google Workspace for Education (Plus)

• Email   –   Gmail for HIS
• Calendar   –   Google Calendar for HIS
• Drive   –   Google Docs, Sheets, Slides, Forms for HIS
• Websites   –   Google Sites for HIS

ManageBac (PYP, MYP & DP)

• Reports

• Attendance

• Curriculum

HIS Follett Destiny

• Library

Others include

• Brainpop, NewsELA, SeeSaw, NoodleTools and more

Harare International School has continually invested in technological infrastructure to help support staff, teachers and students in delivering the full IB curriculum. As a result the school has a wide range of hardware and software readily available to staff, teachers and students. These developments have opened up an incredible array of online, and offline, opportunities, to help assist with teaching and learning.

Just as importantly though, is to bridge the technology infrastructure to the curriculum being taught to our students. As such the school has a dedicated technology integration specialist who supports students, teachers and parents in getting the most out of the technology on offer.

Many projects have been enriched with students being able to talk to leading experts from around the world via online meeting tools, collaborating using Google Docs on their devices, creating content through the use of video equipment, and so much more.

HIS is proud to have such a plethora of technology available to the school community, and view integration as key to the successful use of it all.

The Gr 3 to 12 students have access to the Google Workspace for Education (Plus) accounts which enables them to work collaboratively, in real time, and access their work irrespective of the device they are using. Each year group makes use of this in unique ways.

Primary Years Program (PYP)  (EC1 to Gr 5) units of work are becoming progressively diverse and complex and we are finding the next generation is increasingly IT literate and capable of more than we imagined. It’s important to lay a solid foundation of tech skills within the ES and as the teachers continue to grow in confidence, with the rapidly changing technology, we are excited with what the students will be engaged in this school year.

Middle Years Program (MYP) students (Gr 6 to 10) have either a Chromebook (Gr 6, 7 & 8) or a MacBook laptop (Gr 9 & 10). Teachers materials are online and enable students to view videos, sites and other material outside the physical classroom. This means that when they attend class the teacher can focus on helping them apply what they have learned rather than using valuable time teaching theory.

Diploma Program (DP) (Gr 11 & 12) teachers are taking the opportunity, where possible, to flip their classrooms to take advantage of online resources their students can access while away from the classroom. Our diploma students work with a variety technology to help with their final 2 years of study.

HIS is well resourced with hardware:

• The school has three dedicated, high speed, fibre optic lines delivering over 150Mbps of bandwidth.

• Each teacher is provided a laptop with access to speakers and a projector in every learning space.

• Each classroom is equipped with:

• highspeed, robust, wireless internet
• a projector & Apple TV

• iPad tablets:  the EC1, EC2, Gr 1 & Gr 2 students are issued an iPad tablet to use within the classroom.

• Chromebook laptops: The Gr 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 & 8 students are issued a school-owned Chromebook .

• Macbook Air Laptops: The Gr 9, 10, 11 & 12 students are issued a school-owned MacBook laptop.

• All staff, teachers and secondary school students have access to network printers, with copy, stable and scan-to-email functions.

Students and teachers are encouraged to use technology as a tool to contribute to and enhance their teaching and learning. 

The HIS Innovation Centre is where creativity and technology empower students with essential 21st-century skills.

This facility is designed to foster the 4 Cs—critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and creativity—by providing access to cutting edge equipment and resources.

By connecting hands on learning with real world applications, students can deepen their understanding of key concepts across various subjects. Whether they are designing prototypes for sustainability projects, creating multimedia presentations to communicate their research or coding robotic solutions to real-world challenges, the Innovation Centre supports interdisciplinary learning through exploration and experimentation.

Students have the opportunity to bring their innovative ideas to life using 3D printers, a laser cutter and engraver, green and blue screens for multimedia projects, and iMacs loaded with industry standard software.

Our Robotics area features LEGO and VEX kits, while additional tools like a vinyl cutter and sewing machine offer hands-on experiences in design and fabrication. The Innovation Centre is not just a space; it's a hub for imagination and problem-solving, equipping students to think critically, take creative risks, and shape the future with confidence

Students can immerse themselves in the world of virtual reality using ClassVR headsets. These headsets allow students to explore dynamic, interactive environments that enhance their learning across subjects—from stepping inside historical landmarks to visualizing complex scientific concepts in 3D. Beyond exploration, students can also create their own VR content, developing interactive experiences that showcase their understanding in innovative ways. By integrating virtual reality into their projects, students gain a deeper, more engaging perspective on their studies while honing essential digital creation skills for the future.

 

Technology Professional Development is to help increase teacher, student, and parent skills and knowledge of existing technology on campus as well as emerging educational technologies worldwide.

With these new skills and knowledge:

• Teachers will be able to integrate technology more effectively and efficiently into lessons.
• Students will be better equipped to demonstrate their learning and be self sufficient users of the technology made available to them.
• Parents will be better prepared to support their children at home.

Technology Professional Development will be offered on a regular basis throughout the school year for teachers, students and parents. 

Teacher professional development focuses on learning how to use the tools that will enable them to best enhance teaching and learning. Workshops are given on the multiple platforms that are available at HIS. Teachers learn how to use many of the common. During these sessions we also explore and discuss ways in which the technology can contribute to differentiation and self paced learning. In addition, teachers explore how these tools can contribute to approaches such as flipping the classroom and embracing new technology. Becoming comfortable with a multitude of platforms prepares teachers to integrate the different technologies into the appropriate curriculums.

Students: In a world filled with so many technology tool options it is important for our students to understand which tool best serves their purpose, end goals and how to use it appropriately. Student trainings often focus on introducing new technology, digital citizenship, and how to use the tech to maximize collaboration, critical thinking and creativity. Throughout the grade levels students explore multiple platforms which are age appropriate. The skills taught are necessary for them to not only embrace technology which is new to them yet also find ways for it to be more efficient with resources they are familiar with.

Parents may have a difficult time keeping up with all the developing technology that their children are using socially and in school. The parent workshop sessions which HIS offers are a way to introduce them to our systems, along with popular and commonly used platforms and apps. By attending these sessions parents can build a stronger understanding in how our technology contributes to their child’s education and how they may support them.