Using digital technologies allows our learners to design, create, publish and consume in meaningful and purposeful ways. They learn the importance of protecting themselves and others online whilst creating a positive digital footprint and learning to collaborate and communicate with consideration and respect.
For our youngest learners, digital devices form part of the many manipulative and interactive tools our children use to access learning opportunities. Working collaboratively, our teachers guide our youngest learners to:
- Explore and experiment
- Work creatively
- Create and present their content
- Collect, evaluate and share information
The natural aptitude often seen in younger children when using technology comes with repeated practice. Often gained through structured, playful experimentation, these skills lay the foundation for later. The main focus is therefore helping them to develop rudimentary skills in order to be able to use devices. Once these skills are acquired, technology can be applied more effectively to enhance, engage and extend learning.
Curriculum Overview
By Grade 1, our learners begin to transition towards becoming more confident and capable users of technology and work with their homeroom teachers and digital coaches in ways that are more reflective of our other learners.
- Our Learner Goals below help guide our teachers and digital coaches in planning authentic learning opportunities for our students. These goals permeate and direct learning through Grades 1 to 6.
- As a 'Knowledge Constructor', our children will learn to critically curate various resources using digital tools to help build their understanding of different subjects. They will learn to use search technologies effectively and be discerning in evaluating digital content.
- As a 'Computational Thinker', our children will learn how to understand and approach solving problems logically, forming plans to accomplish specific goals. They will practise these skills by understanding core programming principles, building resilience and using their creativity to become creators of digital technologies, not just consumers.
- As a 'Creative Designer', our children make decisions about creating, manipulating, storing, retrieving and sharing digital content appropriate to their goals. In doing so, they can identify and understand digital devices' purpose and potential applications.
- As a 'Global Collaborator', our children can use digital tools to broaden their perspectives and enrich their learning by collaborating with others and working effectively in local and global teams.
- As a 'Digital Citizen', our children will be able to recognise the rights, responsibilities and opportunities of living, learning and working in an interconnected digital world. They will know how to act in safe, legal and ethical ways, modelling this for others. Children will be able to use digital tools to help manage social issues.
Digital technology skill development takes place when and where it is most beneficial for the children’s learning with a flexible timetable.