The pupils are taking over the classroom, thanks to an initiative from the University of Ulster’s School of Education.
Over 50 primary school children recently showcased their IT skills to staff and student teachers at the UU using the latest mobile technologies.
The event is part of a widening access initiative designed to raise children’s aspirations and improve knowledge and skills.
Pupils from St John’s Primary School in Derry-Londonderry have been using iPads provided by the university to produce video tutorials which demonstrate how apps can be used for learning and peer teaching.
The tutorials will be used to help PGCE Primary student teachers understand how to use the iPads in the classroom and improve their IT skills.
Shauna McGill, lecturer in education, said: “Our own student teachers in the School of Education will benefit from the videotutorials that have been produced by the children and they will now be working on integrating iPad technology into their teaching practice.”
ICT co-ordinator at St John’s, Rachel Doherty, said she was delighted with the success of the project.
“Children have no inhibitions when it comes to trying out new technology. Adults tend to be a bit more apprehensive and want to follow instructions to the letter but children are different. They don’t worry about what might go wrong – they just try to work it out for themselves.”
Rachel added that she hoped the iPad project would encourage some of the pupils to consider going to university.
Another student teacher, Rachel Stone from Derry, said she really enjoyed working on the ‘role reversal’ project.
“It was a great learning experience and I’m looking forward to using some of the tips we picked up from the children in the classroom,” she said.
Peter Moorland, a student teacher from Ballyclare, said that even though he was already using an iPad, the tutorials from the primary 6 and 7 pupils gave him a completely new perspective on how to use technology in the classroom.
“I certainly learnt a lot from them,” he said.