Weekes' News
Learning, growing and celebrating together...
Dear Sacred Heart Kew Families,
There are many pros and cons of Digital Technology, not just in society, but also, within education, and in the primary school setting. How much technology is too much technology? What is the best technology? So many questions and so many different answers from parents, staff, students and experts.
Some of the Pros
Enhanced Learning Experience - Interactive tools like tablets, apps, and educational games make learning fun and engaging. Multimedia content (videos, animations, simulations) helps explain complex ideas in an easy-to-understand way.
Personalised Learning - Software can adapt to each student's pace and learning style. Students who need extra help can review materials, while advanced learners can move ahead.
Improved Access to Information - Students can explore topics beyond the textbook using online resources. Access to global information and up-to-date content fosters curiosity and independent learning.
Skill Development - Helps build essential 21st-century skills like: Digital literacy, problem-solving, critical thinking and typing and basic computer skills.
Support for Students with Additional Learning Needs - Assistive technologies (e.g. speech-to-text, screen readers) can support students with disabilities or students with additional learning needs.
More effective approach to Learning and Teaching - Assistance with lesson planning with digital tools. Immediate feedback and assessments through learning platforms.
Some of the Cons
Distraction and Reduced Attention Span - Games or internet access can divert attention away from lessons. Children may struggle with focus and self-regulation.
Overreliance on Technology - Risk of students depending too much on tech rather than developing basic skills like handwriting or mental arithmetic.
Digital Divide - Not all students have equal access to devices or the internet at home, creating inequality. Schools in lower-income areas may struggle to afford updated tech.
Health Concerns - Excessive screen time can affect eyesight, posture, and sleep. Reduced physical activity due to sedentary learning.
Cybersecurity and Online Safety - Risk of exposure to inappropriate content or unsafe online platforms if not properly supervised. Data privacy concerns around student information.
Teacher Training and Workload - Teachers may not be adequately trained to use digital tools effectively. Initial setup and troubleshooting can be time-consuming and frustrating.
What does MACS (Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools) think about it?
In February 2023, a Digital Summit convened bringing together key stakeholders across VCEA, the four dioceses and CRMV. The purpose of the summit was to discuss the future state of technology for Catholic education in Victoria by understanding where we are today, where we'd like to head in the future and gain agreement on how to move forward to achieve our digital ambitions. As a result of the summit, VCEA and the school governing bodies aligned on a shared ambition. This ambition is being delivered by the Digital Reimagination Program, which is sponsored and led by MACS. You can read more about the MACS Digital Ambition below.
MACS Digital Ambition
The MACS Digital Ambition outlines our commitment to realising the MACS 2030 strategy through a contemporary technological journey that is accessible to all. This vision entails providing students, staff, and whole school communities with safe, simple, intuitive, and innovative digital experiences.
Our aim with the MACS Digital Ambition is to leverage the power of technology and information, in support of forming lives of faith, hope and love in the light of Jesus Christ. Our goal is to empower each student to be inspired and enabled to flourish and enrich the world around them. Guided by ethical considerations, our ambition is to ensure protection of ourselves, our data, and to promote fairness for all. The themes within our ambition mirror the outcomes we aspire to achieve, aimed at offering a contemporary technological experience for every community member. Additionally, the principles within the MACS Digital Ambition govern our decision-making processes and technology oversight.
Here at Sacred Heart Kew...
Yes, it is true that Digital technology can greatly enhance primary school education when used thoughtfully. However, it needs to be balanced with traditional teaching methods, monitored closely for safety, and supported with proper training and infrastructure to ensure equity and effectiveness.
As part of the MACS Digital Reimagination, and in line with the MACS Digital Ambition, as a school, we will be reviewing our current use of Digital Technology, as we begin to plan for any changes that MACS might introduce to schools’ in the future. We are currently auditing our IT resources and will be reviewing our use of different digital technologies across the school. This includes our Year 4 - 6 iPad program, which has been in place for several years now. Next term, as a school staff we will continue to discuss the pros and cons associated with the use of Digital Technology, in particular, within the Senior School learning and teaching space (Year Five and Six). We will also ask for parent feedback and thoughts in the form of an Operoo survey. Whatever changes we may end up making to Digital Technology here at our school, we will ensure that our community is fully educated on the responsible use of technology, the importance of digital wellbeing, how to engage with technology respectfully, and measures to protect ourselves and each other in a digital space.
Wishing everyone a lovely weekend and week ahead.
Kind Regards,
Ed Weekes
School Principal