Case Study on ‘Digital Learning’ – Elgin Academy

The following case study was provided by Shelagh Toonen, Librarian at Elgin Academy.

The library, as part of National Digital Learning Week in 2016, helped to highlight and publicise some innovative and exciting ways in which digital technologies are being used to support learners. During Digital Learning Week, the library launched Nibbles and Bytes. All pupils were invited to visit the café and learn how to make games, animations and join in with the Magnificent Minecraft Workshop. Pupils enjoyed the café’s activities, including magazines, books and biscuits and everyone had a great time dropping in and logging in at Nibbles and Bytes.

“The Nibbles and Bytes project wouldn’t have happened without Shelagh Toonen, our Librarian. Her committed and determined approach brought together ICT expertise from across the school to benefit our pupils.  In particular, our pupils were able to access mini projects on programming, film editing and animation in a relaxed atmosphere that fostered creativity and positive staff/pupil interactions.  There is no doubt that Shelagh’s forward thinking approach has supported digital literacy at Elgin Academy.”

Ian Ord, PT Business Education and Digital Literacy, Elgin Academy.

“I benefited from the Nibbles and Bytes experience because it gave me a chance to improve my skills with Pivot. The library was great, because although lots of activities happen there, this one had a certain aura. When Nibbles & Bytes was announced, me and my friends could hardly bear our excitement! It was great to go to the cafe every day and it was so exciting and fun and I hope it happens every year. Since then, we have always looked for things held in the library and go along to them.”

Rebecca Thorne. S2 pupil, Elgin Academy.