I.T. and Digital Learning
INTRODUCTION
Holy Family Catholic Primary School values the importance of its I.T. environment. We teach 'Digital Technologies' within our I.T. learning environment. In recent times, the school has been highly active in developing and improving an effective I.T. environment. The school recognizes that I.T. provides important educational opportunities for the students.
REFLECTION
“Technology education has an essential place if students
are to be prepared for life in the 21st Century.”
AIMS OF COMPUTER EDUCATION & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
- To develop an awareness of technology in each student.
- To assist students and teachers to become competent and confident users of a computer.
- To enhance each student’s appreciation of the uses and limitations of computers.
- To provide opportunities for students to gain “hands on” experience with a computer.
“Technology education recognises the need to provide students with experiences which assist them to understand computers by using them”.
(Science and Technology K-6 Syllabus p.2)
EDUCATIONAL CONTEXT OF COMPUTER EDUCATION
“Technology education embraces computer and communication technology.”
(Science and Technology K-6 Syllabus, p.2)
GOOGLE CLASSROOM
Our school uses a 'Google Classroom' digital learning environment. The use of Google Classroom supports our emphasis on '21st Century Learning'. Our students develop excellent digital learning capabilities.
STEM
Our school's digital learning programs include a special focus on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Maths). Student learning in STEM includes collaborative problem solving. Our STEM activities engage students in robotics, coding and digital learning. Enagement of students in STEM learning supports our emphasis on '21st Century Learning'.
SOFTWARE
A variety of software packages are available for school use. The school is continually upgrading the software for students and teachers. Our software programs include:
- Word Processing
- History / Geography
- Science & Technology
- Problem Solving
- Mapping
- Data Bases
- Desktop Publishing
- Reading
- Alphabet
- English
- Mathematics
- Spelling
The school intends to continually upgrade the quality and quantity of computer packages available for students and staff.
INTERACTIVE WHITEBOARDS
All classrooms at Holy Family Catholic Primary School have interactive whiteboards to enhance student learning. "Interactive panels" are used to provide stimulating and motivating learning environments for our students. The "interactive" facilitiy enables students to engage in lesson presentation.
The implementation of IWB's at the school provides high level digital learning across all levels at our school.
COMPUTER LABORATORY
A comprehensive computer lab is set up at Holy Family School. Approximately 30 computers and printers are set up for weekly use. All classes K-6 use the computer lab. As well, a pod of Mac laptops, iPads and Chromebooks are available for use with interactive panels in the classrooms.
The school includes specialist teaching in the computer lab. One of our staff members carries out this weekly specialist teaching in the lab. As well, all teachers have access to the lab with their class.
INTERNET
The school has comprehensive internet facilitites. A high quality WIFI system and a 'dark fibre' cable network is used. The internet is used widely across the school. We teach 'responsible use' of the internet.
FUNDING
All students use computer facilities at the school and IT requires significant funding. A component of the 'School Fee' goes torwards IT resources within the school. This funding assists the school with hardware, software and technical support costs and ensures a reasonable revenue stream to keep our school up to date.
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Holy Family School integrates I.T. into the broader curriculum taught at the school. As well, the school strives to develop strong I.T. literacy in the students. The development of I.T. programs is an ongoing priority at Holy Family Catholic Primary School.
Modern IT equipment in our Computer Lab at Holy Family.
