Tech Talk
Bring Your Own Device
During Term 1, we have encouraged a greater number of students to bring their own devices. We have connected over 50 devices (11% of school) to our Internet Service in Years 3-7. This has involved installing a digital certificate to ensure that filtering software is applied to their device while at school.
We have developed a Learning With Technologies Parent Portal so families can investigate suitable devices. Parents are reminded that devices are examples and families are under no obligation to purchase from the Portal. Click HEREto investigate these devices.
As an example of the devices we have connected... Torrens Y3/4 students have been bringing their devices and iPads make up 70% of the total and are currently students preferred device.
The most suitable apps for iPads are Book Creator, iMovie, Garage Band, Puppet Pals and Explain Everything as they provide multiple opportunities for children to apply learning and share their understanding. For a simple App to develop an understanding of coding - investigate The Foos (FREE). It's a simple game to play with procedures to move a character. Apps that students may already use include Key Note (Presentation) and Video Star (for a bit of FUN)!
Internet Safety
With greater use of the Internet at home and school, we have an increasing responsibility to keep children safe online. The role of schools is to educate students to use the Internet and connected devices safely and respectfully. They regularly discuss what is considered acceptable behaviour when speaking face to face and equally need to be educated in how to be a responsible online citizen.
We had a ThinkUKnow workshop last term where presenters discussed Internet Safety and as a follow up to that here are some links for adults to investigate...
Cyber SMART has some useful resources about online safety which students can access at school and home but the following links are to keep families informed...
Resources which your child will access at school as part of Bullying NO WAY! National Day of Action Friday 20th March 2015...
Cyberbullying is on the increase but is not limited to children and their interactions with others - wouldn't it be a great world if everyone spoke to people about their grumbles instead of resorting to Facebook and Twitter to vent their annoyances. With your continued support, we can help to make our world a better place for children to grow into.
Here are links for ages 4-7 and 8-12 but some children may cross over depending on their level of maturity.
Educational Evolution
What will revolutionise education? Or will it be a continuing evolution?
An interesting YouTube Movie from Veritasium