The Rantakylä Teacher Training School of the University of Eastern Finland has been selected as an Apple Distinguished School for the years 2024–2027. This marks a continuation, as the school has held the recognition for several years already.
According to the award statement, the latest recognition came from the school’s long-term work supporting innovation, as well as for its diverse use of Apple technology in teaching and learning.
Last spring, the Rantakylä Teacher Training School also appointed its very first class teacher whose job description focuses on educational technology. The appointee, Lecturer Tommi Nurmi, is a trained specialist in educational technology, and one of the field’s leading experts even on the national level.
Tools in daily use
According to School Principal Heli Lepistö, the reasons listed in Apple’s award statement are evident in the everyday life of the school in many ways.
“Every day, our students use the digital tools on iPads for creative work, such as projects, video editing, documentation and programming. Teachers, in turn, make versatile use of iPads and MacBooks in their teaching, which further encourages students’ critical thinking and innovation.”
AR and VR applications are also used in various subjects, allowing students to visually explore new environments.
According to Lecturer Kimmo Nyyssönen, the school’s focus on technology is based on a clear vision of how technology can enrich teaching and support learning.
“We are also committed to continuous development and experimentation. For several years, our school has been involved in the FCLab.fi project, which is a joint initiative of Finnish universities’ teacher training schools. The project develops new learning environments, educational technology and pedagogy.”
A research project related to digital skills, I Can DigIT, has also been implemented in the Rantakylä Teacher Training School, monitoring the development of students’ digital skills and collaboration skills, and self-efficacy, in two small classes. In the project, students needing special support learned digital skills using tools like Lego Spike, Microbit, artificial intelligence, Minecraft and smart textiles.
“We continuously experiment with, and adopt, new technological innovations and technology-based pedagogical solutions. We also systematically evaluate the functionality of various applications as part of our inclusive pedagogy. From the perspective of special education, different technological solutions offer an excellent opportunity to differentiate teaching to meet the specific needs of each student.”
The school’s focus on technology is based on a clear vision of how technology can enrich teaching and support learning.
Kimmo Nyyssönen
Lecturer
Student-centeredness and peer support play important roles
Technology is a very natural part of everyday life at the Rantakylä Teacher Training School.
“This emphasis is actually visible in all our activities, from the distribution of learning materials to our students’ own projects and teamwork,” Lepistö says.
For example, students are accustomed to using a digital learning platform, and many learning materials are digital. In addition, students and teachers can collaborate and share ideas online, which supports continuous learning even after the school day.
“Our goal is to use technology in a way that supports students’ learning and growth in a diverse manner. Our principles include student-centeredness and supporting students’ self-expression.”
The aim is for the use of technology to develop students’ collaboration skills and self-direction. According to the teachers, the goal is for students to understand the possibilities and implications of technology in society, which is why the syllabus also includes topics relating to the ethics and safety of information and communication technology.
”The role of peer support is also emphasised in the activities of our school. On the student level, this happens through the activities of digital agents. We’ve been paying special attention to this matter this fall, and enthusiastic students involved in the Digital Club, which meets on Mondays, have been trained to provide help and assistance to their younger peers,” Nyyssönen notes, pleased.
Older students train younger ones in working with iPads, using skilful and safe methods.
“For the grown-ups, peer support is available about once a month at locally organised Digital Cafes, where ideas and digital skills get shared.”
New recruitment brings in fresh ideas and insights
Last spring, the Rantakylä Teacher Training School wanted to strengthen the pedagogical development of educational technology use by recruiting a lecturer whose work focuses on educational technology.
“This also supports our school’s strategy and ensures that our students receive high-quality and relevant, up-to-date education. In addition, we believe that effective use of technology in teaching can improve learning outcomes and make learning more meaningful and motivating,” Lepistö explains.
Indeed, the newly recruited lecturer has brought in fresh ideas and insights on how to develop teaching.
“I have been interested in using technology in the classroom practically ever since the beginning of my teaching career. When iPads were introduced to the market, I felt a strong need to develop digital learning,” Tommi Nurmi says.
In 2015, Nurmi was recognised with the Apple Distinguished Educator certificate, ADE, and later also with the Apple Professional Learning Specialist certificate, APLS. Nowadays, the Apple Teacher and the Swift Playgrounds Teacher certificates are available, both from Apple.
“I continue to be an enthusiastic developer of digital teaching and learning, and I am very happy to train students, colleagues and student teachers.”
In particular, Nurmi appreciates the creative possibilities offered by Apple’s device ecosystem. Every student can express their creativity in various digital forms. Student-specific devices also enable individualised differentiation and help each student to better understand what is being taught.
“In my own classroom, I strive to make educational technology a natural part of teaching while enabling increasingly individualised learning for each student.”
An enthusiastic and development-driven atmosphere
Nurmi describes the Rantakylä Teacher Training School as the perfect place for competence development.
“I have plenty of experience working as a class teacher and as a university lecturer, both in the teaching sector and also as a supervisor of students’ teaching practice. At Rantakylä, it was possible to combine all my professional skills and passions: primary and lower secondary education, educational technology and its development, and the supervision of teaching practice.”
Nurmi particularly appreciates the staff of the Rantakylä Teacher Training School and their natural, inspired and enthusiastic atmosphere that fosters development.
“Here, things aren’t developed just for the sake of development, but with a big heart, working together to achieve better learning outcomes. My everyday work is marked by constant support and encouragement from my colleagues, which has been incredible. It is absolutely wonderful to be part of such a great community!”
For further information, please contact:
School Principal Heli Lepistö, heli.lepisto@uef.fi +358 50 342 3624
Lecturer Kimmo Nyyssönen kimmo.nyyssonen@uef.fi +358 50 440 1013
Lecturer Tommi Nurmi tommi.nurmi@uef.fi +358 50 471 6397
