The first seven “Steve Jobs Schools” have opened in the Netherlands. Schools in the Dutch cities of Sneek, Breda, Almere, Emmen, Heenvliet and Amsterdam will start teaching students according to the principles of the O4NT, emphasizing the role of the iPad in the elementary classrooms.
The program, which was first proposed by Dutch officials back in March 2012, gives every child access to a “virtual school” through an iPad and helps them develop information and communication technology (ICT) and information processing skills, collaboration techniques and a critical, problem-solving and creative mind.
Teachers in the O4NT approach no longer act in the traditional teacher role, they instead act as coaches, supporting the child with individual and group projects. Via usage of educational apps, the learning process is completely adapted to the individual child’s learning style.
An international version of the O4NT is being planned, in order to allow Dutch expatriate children around the world to attend full-time education via iPads. The program, O4NT International, is expected to launch in early 2014.
