Tuitive: digital technology, pedagogy & design

About

Tuitive provides support around the innovative use of digital technology, particularly in education, alongside graphic and web design.

Story

DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY
Tuitive developed out of necessity. There was a need for professional development around digital technology that went beyond one-off sessions, run from the staffroom, resulting in pressure to 'get up to speed'. Although digital technology was espoused to make things easier, my colleagues often found themselves stressed over keeping pace and using technology was just another 'to do' on a rapidly growing and anxiety-causing list. It was evident that for many teachers, support needed to be ongoing and often during class time. When new technologies are explored they wanted someone to give them a hand, support with the unexpected, and give provide some achievable next steps.

PEDAGOGY
Kitting out your classroom with fancy tables and beanbags does not constitute a modern learning environment. Similarly, having access to one-to-one devices does not preclude your students are developing an effective use of digital technology. Both of these ideals stem from pedagogy. A teacher's philosophy around education and their classroom practice are the actual drivers. Using what you have effectively, whether it be one class computer or a set of desks, is the best place to start. That being said, when you're on the right track, extra devices and purpose-built furniture go along way in making classroom practice easier! This is why Tuitive places an emphasis on developing curriculum units that integrate digital technology to allow for collaboration, student choice, and diversity of learning styles.

GRAPHIC & WEB DESIGN
The graphic design element of Tuitive originally came from combining my two areas of expertise as a way of sustaining the business financially. As Tuitive progressed it was evident that design, education, and digital technology are linked in a number of ways. Firstly, quality, well-presented student work has always been important in classrooms. However, the prevalence of the classroom computer/office printer has spawned a plague of unappealing classroom walls. White A4 sheets with ridiculously large text, poorly laid-out (probably copyright-infringed) images plonked beneath headings dotted with irrelevant colours and fonts. Yet software and devices, combined with a few key lessons concerning design, actually allow students to create work of a professional level. These creations look fantastic in the classroom but, more importantly, give students practical skills for the workforce. This skill combination (design and technology) has worked great for me!

Second, Tuitive creates websites, blogs as well as print media (business cards, brochures etc). Schools, like businesses, strengthen their presence in the community with an attractive 'public face'. Correspondence with parents, colleagues, and the wider community sends a message, so it's important to send one that is professional and appealing.