Move over ‘Three Rs’ in education, it’s time for the ‘4 Cs’

Studies show learning is heightened when students are engaged and enjoying their surroundings, and that’s exactly what’s happening at Century Junior High School in Orland Park. Media Specialist Amy Hamernick is seeing to it students are engaged and having fun while learning the latest technologies.

Her recently published iBook, entitled “From Fun to Phenomenal,” brought those efforts to the forefront as the driving force behind the school earning recognition as an Apple Distinguished School, the fourth in Orland School District 135 to receive such recognition. This year, Meadow Ridge also earned the award, and in the past few years, High Point and Liberty received the distinction.

The multi-touch iBook is interactive with slide shows, photo albums and imbedded videos. “Essentially, it’s about our school and how it uses Apple technology,” Hamernick said. “It’s enhancing what we are already doing using the 4 Cs in education: collaboration, creativity, communication and critical thinking.”

Hamernick pointed out since introducing iPad and MacBook, Century Junior High School has experienced a significant increase in creativity and communications. In social studies classes, she said, students work in small groups to create timelines and an interactive museum using Keynote, and they work together on classroom projects and school newsletters using Pages. Garage Band, she said, allows students to create podcasts for a biography unit in language arts and then publish them to share their knowledge with peers. Using the green screen room, students use iMovie to create commercials about real-world philanthropy. And, they take selfies and fun pictures for blogs in Photo Booth.

“This all allows the students to be really creative,” Hamernick said. “And, it’s a way to reflect and respond on what they’re read, and share it with their classmates.”

The Apple Distinguished School program supports academic staff through leadership events, opportunities to engage with experts, and collaboration with peers who share an interest in innovative learning and teaching. Hamernick and Dr. Brian Horn, Century principal, this month attended the Apple Distinguished Schools Academy in Chicago, with other Apple Distinguished School officials.

The iBook was originally an application for the school to be considered for this distinction, a status the school will retain for three years. Hamernick is excited the application was accepted and thanked the additional staff members who assisted in the process. Because of Hamernick’s familiarity with Apple technology and how it’s being used in the school, she authored its completion. She credits Language Arts teacher Daniel McNicholas who provided additional support. “He helped me tremendously with the editing. He definitely was my wordsmith,” she said.

The iBook is available free online. “The whole world can download the iBook and see the pretty awesome things we’re doing at school,” Hamernick said.

She believes it’s been a wonderful experience to participate in this activity. “I feel like my eyes have been opened to the amazing creativity and critical thinking that goes on in our schools,” Hamernick said.

“The innovative use of technology both in teaching and learning has such a positive impact on the academic accomplishments in our schools and it’s actually training our children for jobs that don’t even exist yet.”