At Lara Lake Primary School we believe that digital technology is an integral component of the teaching and learning program. iPads are used to foster a collaborative culture where learners can create, inquire and communicate through developing authentic learning partnerships. We believe in developing our students’ understanding of global citizenship, which includes being a safe and aware user in an ever changing online environment.
School Commitment for 2021 and beyond:
Beginning in 2021 the school invested in school owned devices at a ratio of 1-2 (1 device between every 2 students). The initial investment was for the Grade 3 cohort in 2021.
Grades senior grades will remain BYO iPads as they have already purchased devices and are accustomed with the rules and expectations around usage.
Phased Approach:
2021: Grade 3 School owned - Grades 4-6 BYOD
2022: Grade 3&4 School owned - Grade 5&6 BYOD
2023: Grade 3-5 School owned - Grade 6 BYOD
2024: All devices are school owned – no personal devices can be brought to school.
There are a number of reasons for this change of direction, they include:
- Limiting costs for families during times of hardship
- Ensuring equal and fair access to devices for all students
- Reducing screen time and focussing on blended learning
- Ensuring that devices that are onsite are safely managed and contain no inappropriate content/accounts/apps (including prohibited social media accounts such as TikTok, Snapchat etc.)
- Removing the issue of damage to personal devices
- Student safety as an absolute priority.
Rationale
In the 21st century students spend increasing amounts of time online; learning and collaborating. To be safe online and to gain the greatest benefit from the opportunities provided through an online environment, students need to do the right thing by themselves and others online, particularly when no one is watching.
Lara Lake Primary School believes the teaching of cyber safety and responsible online behaviour is essential in the lives of students and is best taught in partnership between home and school.
Safe and responsible behaviour is explicitly taught at our school and parents/carers are requested to reinforce this behaviour at home. Some online activities are illegal and as such, may be reported to police.
Lara Lake Primary School uses the Internet and Digital Technologies as teaching and learning tools. We see them as valuable resources but acknowledge they must be used responsibly.
Children use Google Education Accounts, provided by the Department of Education, to safely store and access their information. Each device will be managed by the school using Jamf. This allows our technicians to effectively add applications and troubleshoot issues with devices.
At Lara Lake we believe in BLENDED learning. iPads will be used sparingly and conventional learning tools such as books, rulers, pens and pencils will predominate.