Inside Ivanhoe

2023 Digital Learning Technologies

This is not a request for payment of a $120 Digital Technology Co-contribution as it was already documented as a voluntary payment in the recent round of parent payment materials previously sent to all families. 

Digital Learning Technologies at IPS!

Ivanhoe Primary School has made a significant investment in technology and significantly increased the ratio of devices to students. At the end of last year we replaced two banks of laptops at various year levels  which had  reached the end of life and were replaced. Through attrition and wear and tear some resources just wear out and require replacing.

 

In 2021 we purchased mobile smart TV units that are used for teacher planning, student support and for student presentations. Thank you to the Lampard family for their guidance. The school bought two 65 inch mobile interactive touch screens which were installed in the Beehive. The school also replaced a number of coding and robotics devices (Dot and Dash, Bluebots, Sphero) which reached the end of their lifespan. 

 

This year we hope to purchase a large portable screen and computer that can allow us to use our hall for significant events from fundraising movie evenings, parent professional learning, cross class activities and graduation ceremonies.

We have a wishlist of furniture and devices that encourage student collaboration and group work but cost significantly more money than we are funded for.

 

Our school has a reputation for delivering great results for many reasons and being able to resource our programs, delivered by expert teachers and staff is but one of those. 

 

Skilling up staff and providing technical support is also a big part of the work.

 

The Digital Learning Technology (DLT) program at Ivanhoe Primary School continues to be an exciting initiative across both the teaching and student populations and is a part of the core curriculum. 

 

Our DLT Vision:

 

"Digital Learning at IPS will be irresistibly engaging for students and teachers across all learning areas and domains.  Our students will become innovative and confident users of digital technologies, using technology to communicate, collaborate, curate and create, while fostering higher order thinking skills and real life problem solving."

 

Several years ago we introduced the Digital Learning Technology Co-contribution so that we could build some strong foundations for the achievement of enhanced learning outcomes across the curriculum. I believe 2020/2021 tested this goal and we came through because of the support of the community, the enthusiasm of the students and the commitment of staff.  Also the value we all place on keeping the learning happening.

 

In 2023 we will be continuing to invest in the tools and knowledge required for teachers and students across all year levels.  Our primary focus for this year is:

  1. Increase access to regular technical support.
  2. Support and training for staff to increase their skills and capacity to use technology in the classroom with your children. 
  3. Replacement of student accessed devices (iPads and notebooks) that are reaching the end of their effective lifespan. 
  4. Upgrade and replacement of some of the school’s classroom data projectors that have reached the end of their serviceable lifespan. 
  5. Funding of parent information/support sessions focussing on cybersafe practices 
  6. Increase student access to Innovative furniture for collaboration and project work. 

Since we began the DLT initiative, feedback from parents of students entering Year 7 is that IPS students are beginning  secondary school with the right technological skills, aptitude and attitude to learn. Eight years ago technologically speaking IPS was in the lowest quartile compared to the other government schools and now we are somewhere near the top. 

 

This is thanks to the dedication of our staff, the enthusiasm of our students and your support through the co-contribution.

 

We are absolutely committed to providing the tools and building the capacity of our teachers and your children so they can make our DLT vision a reality.  I look forward to keeping you up to date with further additional resources.

 

Your contribution plays a vital role in helping all students become innovative and confident users of digital technologies. Who knows what they will achieve.

 

Mark Kent

Principal