"iPad Project" is an initiative that consists of familiarising students with the use of digital tablets. The operation is led by the Norwegian University of Lillehammer in partnership with the Al-Haouz province, the National Education delegation, the Provincial Associative Space and the "Tidoukla" Association of Aït Abdi. Launched on September 11 in the presence of representatives of all the partners, this project is likely to give students new opportunities for the future. It was implemented in accordance with an agreement linking the Cadi Ayyad University of Marrakech (UCAM) and the Al-Haouz province on a research programme in the province involving researchers and students from UCAM and the University of Lillehammer, as well as other national organisations and international institutions.
Thus, a teacher and 23 students from the Aït Abdi school will experiment, for one year, with the use of iPads in the learning of algebra and other disciplines. The tablets were offered to the students by the Scandinavian Association "Friends of Aït Abdi" and the University of Lillehammer. The project will be evaluated scientifically by Norwegian researchers and a Moroccan doctoral student under the direction of Dr. Pär Nygren of the University of Lillehammer.
This pilot experiment proposes notably to stimulate the learning of algebra using the "DragonBox" programme, to help children prepare to be able to use new technology in future life, to collaborate, share and communicate through ICTs.
The said project also aims to encourage children to use information technologies and other "DragonBox" programmes in subjects like geography, biology, Islamic education and the learning of Arabic, French and English languages. "Even children who have never been able to solve an equation can now understand and learn algebra in a fun and playful way, thanks to the new approach of the DragonBox programme," affirms Dr. Pär Nygren, estimating that this methodology is "a pedagogy focused on discovery and that learning algebra with DragonBox will not replace traditional education, it is rather an important complement." The iPad initiative is one of eight research projects piloted by the University of Lillehammer in the Al-Haouz province.
