Digital Learning

(Repeat)

Hi everyone, 

Term 2 is flying along; it is hard to believe we are over halfway through the term already! Over the past few weeks, our Grade 3 students completed their first of four online digital safety lessons for the year. Part of our lessons was revising and discussing how to keep our devices and ourselves safe online. The below tips are suitable for all students and their families. You may like to share and discuss these with your child. 

Help keep your devices and you safe online!

• Password protect your device — on mobiles and tablets set a PIN or passcode and on laptops or computers use a password.
• Don’t use unknown or free wi-fi connections — if there is no password to get online, cybercriminals can steal your data and personal information.
• Use in-built security features — make sure functions like ‘find my phone’ and other apps are set up on your device.
• Update your operating system, software and apps — this will ensure you have the most up to date security features.
• Install security or anti-virus software — this will help to keep your devices free of viruses and malware.
• Back up your data — always back up data from your phone, computer or tablet.
• Explore together — ask your mum, dad, carer or a trusted adult to play new games or apps with you at first.
• Stay close by — when you use a phone, tablet or computer by yourself, make sure your mum, dad or carer is nearby so you can get help if you need it.
  Bonus tip — don’t use your device alone in your bedroom.
• Ask before you download, install or buy anything — check with your mum, dad or carer first.
• Keep your personal information private — don’t give out your address, which school you go to, phone number or passwords. 
• Check your privacy settings and talk about what to share — make your online accounts private and talk to your mum, dad or carer about the kinds of photos and information it is OK for you to share online.
  Find out more in the eSafety Guide.

In recent days, there has been lots of discussion about the age at which children should have access to social media and other online platforms. Currently, most, if not all, social media apps are aged at least 13+. There are many resources online that parents/carers can access to help make an informed decision if an online platform or game is suitable for their child. You can refer to the guide set out by the eSafety Commission to help guide you and your child’s decision on what app or game is suitable for them.

https://www.esafety.gov.au/key-topics/esafety-guide 

Have a great week,

Regards,

Steven Puhar

Leading Teacher - Curriculum Leader

Apps List 2024

Digital Statement

Williamstown Primary School acknowledges the recent Human Rights Watch report on Edutech in privacy violations and findings. 

Williamstown Primary works closely with the DET’s Digital Learning and privacy teams to ensure that all DET guidelines regarding the implementation of digital devices are followed.

Attached is the school’s digital statement outlining the online platforms and their privacy policies that the school uses on a day-to-day basis. 

As part of the school’s ongoing student education, the school will further enhance key understandings around user privacy, as well as the tools available on selected devices.

This will be embedded within the current school’s eSafety program that currently sees students undertake numerous digital workshops run by both school leadership, classroom teachers and external providers such as the Alannah and Madeline Foundation’s eSmart organisation.

Parents are advised of a key iPad feature to turn tracking off. This feature will be explicitly demonstrated to students within the school-based workshops.

Go to Settings > Privacy > Tracking.

The list shows the apps that requested permission to track you. You can turn permission on or off for any app on the list.

To stop all apps from asking permission to track you, turn off Allow Apps to Request to Track (at the top of the screen).

Williamstown Primary Digital Information

Below is a link to the schools Digital Learning page. This page contains key information about the school's implementation of the digital technology curriculum as a tool within a blended learning environment.

JB HiFi Digital Purchase Portal 2024

The JB HiFi purchase portal is again available for Willy PS families. The schools recommended minimum specification device is the iPad Gen 9, but the portal does also offer a range of iPad models and accessories. Although students have access to bluetooth keyboards we also recommend the Smart Keyboard or a 3rd party keyboard incorporated within the cover. This accessory will add value to the users experience.

Please also note the change in School Code.

Although the portal is set up through JB HI-FI on behalf of the school, we encourage families to explore all purchase options.

School Code: WilliamstownPS2024

Further GoogleSuite for Education Information 

Please find attached documents released by DET.

The first document gives a deeper understanding of the DET licences G Suite for Education, how it is set up and how it differs from the public Google platform.

The second document provides families with supporting resources on how to protect individuals privacy online.

The Department of Education information pack for parents is available from the following link:

https://www.williamstownps.vic.edu.au/source/Build/2020-GoogleSuite-Parent-Information.pdf