Students at Greenfaulds High School in Cumbernauld have noticed a boost in their Higher grades, with a little help from an innovative educational pilot that brings class time into the 21st century.

The initiative, jointly funded by ScottishPower and North Lanarkshire Council, introduces MP4 players into methods of teaching and is pioneered by Fife-based firm Do Be Ltd. The devices are pre-loaded with training content and the latest study skills.

Nine months after using the technology, pupils and teachers at the school have not only noticed the benefits of the pilot on paper, but have also discovered a new approach to enhancing teaching and learning.

The initiative was launched at the start of the year and involved a small group of pupils in 12 primary and two secondary schools across North Lanarkshire. Phil Duffield, Community Liaison Manager at ScottishPower, is delighted with the results so far.


He said: "ScottishPower has a long history of working with schools and supporting the development of young people as they prepare for their future. With the advances in technology, there is no doubt that the way young people learn has changed dramatically over that time. When we heard about Do Be’s approach, we were keen to be involved in this initiative.

"The pupils are now leading in the way that the MP4 players can be used and have taken real ownership for their own learning, which is fantastic. I am sure that this will have a great impact on what they can achieve in their results and in the future."

During the North Lanarkshire pilot project, schools were supplied with 300 MP4 players, and provided with specialised staff training, as well as a parents' initiation evening to ensure the technology was used to its best potential.

After taking part in the initiative, Greenfaulds High noticed a considerable difference in the number of pupils gaining three or more Highers this year.

Kirsty Beattie, sixth year student and school captain at Greenfaulds High School, was one of the pupils to benefit from the pilot last term.

She said: "I found the device very helpful with the Higher German course and when studying for the exam itself. I liked the fact that I could listen to revision material on the MP4 player at home, on the bus on my way to school and even on the morning of the exam."

(GK/BMcC)