Affordable Innovation: How LessonUp Improved Participation at Garibaldi School
Thomas Courtley
Education Specialist
Kevin Chatten has been a teacher at Garibaldi School in Nottingham for over two decades now. His school serves a diverse community, with students from both disadvantaged backgrounds and newly developed neighbourhoods. In his role as Head of Computer Science and Virtual Learning, he’s seen the unique challenges and opportunities of this mix.
Discovering LessonUp: a Turning Point
"Two years ago, I attended a networking session focused on the effective use of technology in education. My line manager had recommended it. I wasn’t actively looking for a new tool, just exploring possibilities with an open mind. Among the demos, LessonUp stood out. Its potential to transform classroom dynamics and increase engagement was immediately clear.
We were coming off the back of a pandemic, which underscored the importance of having a robust digital platform. Our goal was to find something that didn’t require installations and could be accessed through a simple web browser. LessonUp fit the bill perfectly. Its browser-based nature meant that students could access digital lessons from any device."
Affordability: A Key Factor for Schools in the UK
"Budget constraints are a reality in education. Many platforms shifted to premium models during the pandemic, making them completely unaffordable for us. LessonUp’s per-staff-member licensing was a breath of fresh air. At around £80 per year, it offers unparalleled value, allowing full interactivity.
Most educational tools required a per-student licence, which was simply not feasible for a school of our size. With over 600 learners at Key Stage 3 alone, the costs would have been prohibitive. LessonUp’s model allowed us to implement the platform in our classes without worrying about expenses."
The Immediate Impact of LessonUp
"What struck me about LessonUp was its ability to drive classroom engagement. It wasn’t just another slideshow tool; it brought the lesson to life. Students could join active sessions, interact with the content, and stay engaged throughout. The difference was palpable. Instead of passive spectators, my students became active participants.
With LessonUp, I could deliver anything to their screens and get questions and answers going in real-time. The platform allowed me to show all questions on the interactive whiteboard, encouraging a more dynamic and inclusive learning environment. LessonUp’s interactivity kept them engaged.
The control features were another significant advantage. From a single screen, I could monitor participation, identify which students were engaged, and provide support to those who needed it. This level of oversight made teaching more efficient."
How I Achieved Improved Learning Outcomes
One of the most powerful aspects of LessonUp is the variety of interactive features it offers. From mind maps to drag-and-drop questions, the platform keeps students engaged and involved. It’s especially useful during revision sessions, allowing me to address misconceptions in real-time.
Breaking Down the Process to Ensure Comprehension
When teaching students to write a simple programme to print ‘hello world,’ I used to have to deal with many learners who didn't have a clue what I was talking about. With LessonUp, I can use interactive elements like mind maps and drag-and-drop questions to break down the process and ensure full comprehension.
Creating Engaging and Informative (Anonymous) Lessons
E-safety is a crucial topic that should be addressed regularly in every school. Starting with a poll on internet safety, we engage students throughout with videos and discussions. The anonymity feature allows students to answer honestly, giving us a clearer picture of their understanding and behaviours concerning e-safety.
Ensuring Fairness in Participation: The Spinner
One of the most playful features in LessonUp is the spinner, which I have named the ‘Wheel of Destiny.’ This tool randomly selects students to answer questions, ensuring fairness and preventing any feelings of being singled out. It’s a simple yet powerful tool that promotes inclusivity and engagement.
Two Years with LessonUp: My New Normal
"Now, LessonUp is an integral part of our teaching approach. Students come in, enter a code, and are immediately motivated. This seamless integration has made lessons more efficient and engaging. The autonomy it gives students has encouraged them to take responsibility for their learning.
At the start of each lesson, the first slide acts as a starter activity. Students begin working on it while I take attendance and handle administrative tasks. This routine has become second nature to them. They know exactly what to do as soon as they walk in, which sets a positive tone for the entire lesson.
My journey with LessonUp has breathed new life into my teaching methods, offering fresh ways to connect with students and making learning more interactive. The positive feedback from students and the noticeable improvements in their engagement and understanding have confirmed that integrating LessonUp into my classrooms was the right choice."
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