Educating children with high tech

Second-grade students use iPads during an English language arts class at Rainbow International School in Yangjae-dong, southern Seoul, in May 2014. / Courtesy of Rainbow International School

Rainbow International School pursue innovation, integrity, leadership

Emin Huseynov, principal of Rainbow International School

By Chung Hyun-chae

Children use technology in their classroom at Rainbow International School (RIS) in Yangjae-dong, southern Seoul, to connect with other schools around the world as each student in grades two to four receives an iPad and those in grade five are given a MacBook.

All middle school students are supplied with MacBook Pros so that they stay up-to date on cutting edge technology. Also, each classroom is equipped with the SMARTBoard 800 series interactive whiteboard to enable students to use real time collaboration.

“We are urging students to apply 21st century skills to all they do and learn through our 1:1 MacBook and iPad program. Teachers and students also utilize the latest media platforms, applications, and SMART technology,” Emin Huseynov, the school principal, told The Korea Times.

He stressed that what sets RIS apart from other international schools is its use of up-to-date technology in the process of teaching students.

“Our primary responsibility is student learning and offering all students the educational opportunities that will maximize their potential in this changing world. Today’s world demands that each individual can think critically, and create and communicate in a technology driven society,” Alison Veneziano, head teacher of RIS middle school, said.

Since its establishment in 2007, the school has focused on nurturing students as global leaders who advocate for themselves and others through technology, innovation, integrity and a strong sense of global citizenship, while providing a well-rounded education.

“Rainbow International School is based on the belief that young people from many countries who are studying together in a supportive environment will be leaders in world peace,” Huseynov, said. “They will rise to prominent positions where they will be committed to serving the global community to improve the wellbeing of its people with their knowledge of the environment, diversity and wise decision-making.”

The school currently has 105 students in grades one to eight, which are equivalent to elementary and secondary schools in Korea and runs four semesters from August to June.

The students are from 23 different countries including Korea, the U.S., Turkey, Sri Lanka, Japan and Taiwan as any nationality can apply for the RIS if eligible to do so.

The school’s faculty and staff are from six countries.

Any applicants should at least have one parent holding a foreign passport. If they have Korean citizenship, they should have stayed at least three years overseas.

World-class education

The Rainbow school adopts the standards-based education system by being accredited by the Council of International Schools (CIS) and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).

“Standards-based education is an approach to grading that uses education standards, or goals for teaching and learning, and gives a more accurate picture of students' abilities in all subjects,” Huseynov said.

The standards-based curriculum and assessment used at RIS challenge its students to develop their analytical skills and communicate their learning verbally, in writing and in presentations.

They also learn how to be citizens of the world and make compassionate decisions through “character education” lessons which Huseynov believes are woven into the school’s core curriculum

The aim of character education is to produce a well rounded global citizen. According to the school’s mission statement, it strives to mould students into individuals who are well balanced to produce natural self-awareness and integrity.

“In their social studies units, which have been developed specifically for an international school, students become globally conscious and acclimate to our host country of Korea via experiential field trips and inquiry-based activities,” He said.

The activities involve “Gallery Walks,” which students, parents and teachers attend to celebrate student writing, and the “Winter Concert,” an event that highlights students' talents and skills via a whole-school ensemble performance.

Extracurricular activities

Learning extends beyond the normal school day as students actively participate in extracurricular activities including language courses, art classes and special athletics such as hip-hop and hapkido.

Continuously throughout the year, they engage in school programs such as competitions, debates, robot projects and inquiry-based learning via science fairs.

They also participate in community and global outreach projects that allow them to help others in need as well as to connect with other students of their age around the world.