“Kaka-computer” (always on the computer) has become a familiar phrase in many Filipino households. It is what parents often say when they catch their children spending too much time in front of a screen. For today’s digital-native generation, however, life without gadgets or computers is almost impossible to imagine.
Technology is often seen as the culprit when students become distracted or spend too much time online. But some schools are trying a different approach. Instead of treating gadgets as a distraction, they are finding ways to turn them into learning tools that encourage creativity, teamwork, communication, and critical thinking.
One example is Sekolah Berasrama Penuh Integrasi Gombak (INTEGOMB), a boarding school in Malaysia. There, iPads are used in almost every subject, from mathematics and languages to physical education and science projects.
The school has 596 students, 58 teachers, and more than 500 iPads. According to INTEGOMB, it gradually expanded the use of iPads in the classroom before rolling out a one-to-one program in 2018, giving nearly every student access to a device during lessons.
Walking around the campus, it quickly became clear that the iPad is no longer just another gadget. It has become part of the way students learn every day.
During a media visit, students showed how they use iPads across different subjects. In mathematics, they photographed everyday objects to learn about circles and angles. In Japanese class, they built their own picture dictionaries while practicing pronunciation. In physical education, they recorded exercises such as squats and jumps to track their progress and improve their movements.
The technology was there, but the lessons remained the focus.
Some of the most interesting projects happened outside regular classroom activities. One student team created iMarine, an app prototype that encourages people to help protect the oceans through pollution tracking and community activities such as beach cleanups. The project won first place at the Tun Fatimah Ideas Challenge 2026, an international STEM competition.
Another surprise came at the end of the visit. Instead of picking up guitars or keyboards, the school’s student band performed using iPads, showing that the same devices used in the classroom could also be used to create music.
Behind many of these activities is the school’s Apple Tech Leaders program. Around 100 participants receive additional training so they can help others use different apps and devices. They also conduct workshops and share what they learned, making technology more accessible for both teachers and learners.
Teachers continue to sharpen their own digital skills as well. INTEGOMB now has 48 Apple Teachers, while many educators also take part in Apple’s Learning Coach program, which is recognized by Malaysia’s Ministry of Education as part of teachers’ professional development.
Whether technology belongs in the classroom remains a topic of debate. But at INTEGOMB, the focus is less on the devices themselves and more on how they are used. There, the iPad is simply another classroom tool, one that helps students learn, collaborate, and turn ideas into projects they can share beyond the school.
