Middle Years 

Laptops as a learning tool

Our Middle Years students have their own school supplied laptop. While this can be a wonderful learning and organisation tool, it can also become a massive distraction. I encourage students to look at the use of their laptop as creating a series of good habits. In class, they should only open their laptop when needed/requested by the teacher. Only use their school laptop for school-based tasks. Ideally keep games and social media on a different device. Their school laptop is then associated with school work and learning. Finally, ensure that their laptop use is within the school’s computer and Internet Services Acceptable Use Policy.

A few years ago, we developed a Positive Digital Citizenship framework, based on Dr Reuben Rusk and Professor Lea Waters’ Five Domains of Positive Functioning. The five domains are each listed below with a key question (or two) that students can ask themselves when using their laptops or digital devices: 

1. Attention and Awareness - Where should my attention be?
2. Emotions - How will this make me feel? And how will this make others feel?
3. Comprehension and Coping - Do I understand the implications of my actions? And Do I need to seek help?
4. Goals and Habits - Am I building constructive habits for my future?
5. Virtues and Relationships - Am I being my best self? And Am I building positive relationships? 

The ancient adage (made popular by Spiderman), “with great power comes great responsibility” rings true for our Middle Years students use of Laptops. Having access to a powerful device (laptop) comes with the responsibility of using it appropriately for learning and not allowing it to be a distraction. 

Ben Hawthorne

Head of Middle Years