Garden International School (GIS) is pleased to announce its drama teacher, Andrew Rankin, has been recognised as an Apple Distinguished Educator (ADE).
Andrew has designed and created a unique learning space known as an Immersive Learning Environment, utilising Airplay, iPads, Macbooks, widescreen projections, video, sound, and Wi-Fi-enabled LED lighting.
“As a drama teacher, I see that learning is best when students are actively and emotionally immersed within a context. The Immersive Learning Environment has led to learners being more engaged and emotionally connected to the source material. As a result, learners have a deeper understanding of the subject being taught,” he explains.
Besides applying innovative technology in drama lessons, Andrew also has been co-leading the school’s Large Scale Enquiry Programme for three years along with Director of Innovative Learning, James Wellings and Digital Learning Coach, Alex Turner. This programme involves 1,000 students and 200 staff immersed in a real world learning challenge over five days. The development of this project has been internationally recognised with the school gaining Apple Distinguished Project status in 2015. In 2017, the school was recognised as an Apple Distinguished School.
A version of this article was originally published in The Expat magazine (September 2017) which is available online or in print via a free subscription.
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