Digital learning & educational tech at school

Digital learning has become more popular and more essential at Singapore international schools. Educational technology can be incredibly helpful for both teaching and learning. For example, it can be used to support learning in academics, as well as in school projects, outdoor expeditions and other activities. We take a look at how students are developing 21st-century skills – learning via technology.

Starting digital learning early at Brighton College (Singapore)

The use of innovation is considered a critical part of the Brighton College DNA. The school harnesses the power of digital learning to enhance the educational experience for their pupils. Pupils from the youngest years upwards use age-appropriate digital tools to enrich their studies. They receive support from a robust digital infrastructure. This includes interactive whiteboards, Apple TVs, a Digital Innovation Lab, a MakerLab with VR headsets, and 3D printers.

Through careful curriculum planning, pupils engage with a wide range of technologies. These range from creating stop-motion animations in the MakerLabs to learning the safe and effective use of AI tools, cloud computing and Microsoft Office applications. Every child from Year 2 onwards develops independence through personalised learning apps. Older pupils use iPads or MacBooks for creative, collaborative projects.

The Brighton team says that educational technology at the school boosts academic outcomes while fostering creativity, confidence and critical thinking. Learning becomes interactive and responsive with tools like Seesaw, Accelerated Reader, and formative assessment apps such as Kahoot and Mentimeter. Interdisciplinary STEM challenges and events like Safer Internet Day also help embed important digital citizenship lessons for students.

1 Chuan Lane
6505 9790 | brightoncollege.edu.sg

Enhancing 21st-century skills through digital learning at XCL World Academy

XCL World Academy (XWA) integrates digital literacy into daily learning from Kindergarten (KG2) through Grade 12. It also offers one of the most comprehensive AI programmes among Singapore’s international schools. Students purposefully use digital tools to enhance their education and build essential 21st-century skills.

In the Early Years, the focus is on developing core thinking skills before introducing educational technology. Through hands-on exploration and play-based learning, students build curiosity, logical reasoning and digital awareness. This lays the foundation for confident engagement with emerging technologies. By the Middle Years, this journey becomes more applied. In Grades 6 and 7, students guided by SureStart – a global programme that equips young learners with AI, technical and career-building skills – tackle real-world challenges such as climate action and mental wellness.

According to the XWA team, this learning is powered by cutting-edge facilities including robotics labs, 3D printing stations and Singapore’s first international school eSports arena. These are all housed in the Innovation Hub. The programme blends hands-on learning with the development of creativity, collaboration and ethical awareness – preparing students not just to use technology, but to lead in a digital world. The aim is for students to not just consume technology, but to be empowered to innovate, problem-solve and shape the future.

2 Yishun Street 42
6230 4230 | xwa.edu.sg

Educational technology at Dulwich College (Singapore)

Creative thinking drives the use of educational technology at Dulwich. The school says that it’s vision is to develop well-rounded and balanced students who are proficient in both online and offline environments. Students build on a core foundation of academic skills, including being able to write by hand. Technology enhances these – by also building a core foundation of digital literacy skills, students develop the agility required to take advantage of emerging new technologies.

The strategic and purposeful use of portable devices within the classroom at Dulwich allows children to independently engage in digital learning at school in different ways, using a range of media, applications, augmented reality and pen-enabled technology. In Kindergarten and Junior School, children have access to a wide range of school-owned devices and applications. As the students grow in independence and proficiency and transition into Senior School, they bring their own devices. In time, says Dulwich, they become confident, competent and responsible digital citizens who can enhance their own learning using technology skills, their own lives and the lives of others.

71 Bukit Batok West Avenue 8
6890 1000 | singapore.dulwich.org

Mastering new technologies and 21st-century skills at UWCSEA

As new technologies emerge and the risks and opportunities change over time, UWCSEA provides age-appropriate opportunities that support learning and nurture digital skills in students. The Digital and Information Literacy curriculum is embedded throughout the K-12 curriculum. It’s based on a large body of research that shows the benefits of technology-supported learning.

From Primary to Grade 12, students have access to individual devices. Upper Primary, Middle and High School students use laptops for a range of tasks in the classroom and at home. These include data analysis and presentation of information to computer-aided design and coding. Through the different stages of their development, students learn how to stay safe online, problem-solve like computer scientists, conduct research, critically engage with digital sources, collaborate and enact change in line with the College’s Mission. Importantly, they learn how to cultivate a balance between their digital and offline lives as guided by UWCSEA’s Wellbeing Principles.

Following the International Baccalaureate’s endorsement of the ethical and effective use of Artificial Intelligence (AI), the College says it is taking a thoughtful approach towards helping younger students develop an awareness of AI. With older students, it involves using generative AI tools while employing critical thinking skills. Students are taught to reflect on the relevance of the information generated, evaluate its appropriateness and consider the ethical questions around using such information.

Dover Campus: 1207 Dover Road | 6774 2653
East Campus: 1 Tampines Street 73 | 6305 5353
uwcsea.edu.sg

Australian International School technology integration

Technology is seamlessly integrated across every year level, department and area of the Australian International School in Singapore. According to the school, this forms three pillars of technology integration under the initiative of ‘Building A Community of Innovative Thinkers’:

• An Intelligent Ecosystem prioritises cross-functionality and synchronisation for maximising efficiency and streamlining systems for enhanced productivity and cohesiveness.
• Innovative Learning for Staff and Students targets technology adoption and upskilling that complements existing programmes for staff and students.
• Innovative Spaces for Innovation creates dedicated areas throughout the school. At the same time, every classroom transforms into an innovative digital learning space that empower students and teachers to effectively utilise technology to enhance learning.

The classrooms and dedicated technology rooms at AIS, called Innovation Labs, are key technologies. They include AR/VR headsets and platforms, robotics and coding kits, 3D printers and modelling software, interactive whiteboards and smart displays, online learning platforms and virtual classrooms, STEM kits and equipment, and multimedia production tools. According to AIS, its approach to educational technology empowers both staff and students: they become productive, creative and innovative in their everyday teaching and learning practices, and building 21st-century skills.

1 Lorong Chuan
6653 2958 | ais.com.sg

Digital learning at Nexus International School (Singapore)

Educational technology is integrated into the curriculum at Nexus with a digital journey that begins as early as Nursery to enhance learning experiences. Learners in Primary begin developing foundational coding and computational thinking skills. In Years 3 to 6, a dedicated Digital Learning Coach guides learners in regular digital skills classes where the practise core coding concepts. This helps them understand how to solve problems and build games or animations. Interactive tools like AR, simulations and Makerspace projects make digital learning hands-on and adaptive to different learning styles. AI is introduced in age-appropriate ways, including chatbot creation, image generation, and discussions about AI ethics and bias. Whether it’s bty exploring data visualisation, testing game prototypes, or designing AI-powered projects, learners can gain critical skills to thrive in a digital future.

As an Apple Distinguished School, Nexus runs a one-to-one programme. Learners use personal iPads from Year 5 onwards, with the option to switch to a MacBook in Year 10. The school says that these devices support research, collaboration and multimedia creations across subjects. Learners also use tools like Apple Focus and screen time widgets to help them manage their digital lives. Nexus also facilitates critical conversations around ethics, digital balance and responsible AI use within the curriculum. This helps guide learners in becoming capable and conscientious digital citizens.

Guest speakers – including designers, scientists and technology professionals – further enhance learning at the school. They so this by connecting classroom experiences to the real world. Nexus learners have undertaken projects that include the application of Machine Learning to decode pulsar star radiation, enhance radiotherapy through digital modelling and develop award-winning apps for social good. Other students have won national hackathons by designing tech solutions with real-world impact.

1 Aljunied Walk
6536 6566 | nexus.edu.sg

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