Gulf English School (GES) shared its implementation of e-learning as the first school in Qatar to introduce the UK leading virtual learning platform from Firefly with the use of iPads. GES invited other Qatar schools to learn about the new approach to digital education that integrates the Firefly system into existing school and cloud based systems.
Alan Goodrum, GES E-Learning Manager and Business Studies Teacher, said:
The Gulf English School has adopted e-learning by implementing Firefly after successful trials as a virtual learning environment across the whole school in September. The use of the Firefly system aligns with GES’ wider strategy for e-learning and the use of iPads and other technology in the classroom. This free event aimed to give teaching professionals in Qatar the chance to meet other teachers at GES to share best practice, and learn about the new Firefly approach to e-learning.
He added: “When we trialled Firefly, teachers could see the value of the new system, as it synchronises with many programs like Google docs and other developed applications. It has given teachers and students alike a greater sense of empowerment and more efficient access to all classroom materials to help students stay organised and focused. ”
David Frame, Head of School, agreed:
It has proved an amazing tool for staff and students; it works very well and is very efficient.
Firefly gives teachers the tools to create content and share materials simultaneously with students, who can stay in touch from anywhere. Its key features include collaborative communications, rapid homework setting and marking, creating and sharing multimedia content, use of mobile planner apps and integration with cloud based school systems. At the same time, the parental portal allows parents to keep in touch with their children’s progress.
Originally founded by two 16 year old GCSE students, Simon and Joe, to focus on ease of access for students to materials on any device and the use of the mobile, Firefly now works with around 300 leading schools across the world, including many top independent schools in the UK such as Eton College, Westminster School and St Paul’s School and others in South East Asia and Thailand.
