Welcome to Chilwell PS

1. Welcome to Chilwell PS 1:1 info session Date TBC: 2012

2. Victoria as a Learning CommunityThe Hon. Martin Dixon. MP Minister for Education Tuesday 29 November 2011 at the Melbourne Graduate School of Education,The University of Melbourne.

3. The Hon. Martin Dixon “Ensuring our children and young people are ready to engage and contribute to an ever-changing world is no small task. Today’s students will need to be flexible, adaptable, outward looking, active, confident and creative if they are to thrive in the 21st century.”

4. The Goal: Student Outcomes Improving student outcomes is about equipping our children and young people so that they can thrive throughout their lives. Any consideration of student outcomes then begs the question, who do we want our students to be as adults? In a world of changing technologies and increased mobility our young people must be adaptable and have readily transferable skills. It is imperative that our students to have the capacity for highly specialised work without losing their inherent creativity. Preparing our students for life in the 21st century requires an education system that is strong in the following areas: • core academic skills based on sound literacy and numeracy, and ICT skills • self-motivated learning and the capacity for leadership and decision making • integrity and responsibility to one’s community • health and wellbeing as part of a positive outlook on life • creativity and problem-solving capacity • intercultural and language capabilities. As educators we must accept responsibility for providing an education which is focused on the whole child. http://www.eduweb.vic.gov.au/edulibrary/public/commrel/about/learningcommuityspeech29NOV.pdf

5. ICT @ Chilwell Where does it fit within the bigger picture?

6. History We have tried to keep up with technology as a tool for the teaching and learning program in the school. We have always been conscious of the need to not have technology as anything other than a resource / tool to assist our teaching & learning. As with any resource in education we must be careful not to take the teacher out of teaching. The time to plot the path for the next 3 years is now.

7. History continued DEECD did undertake a trial of the use of netbooks in year 5/6 in 2008-10. Chilwell was one of the trial schools. The trial did have some problems but overall it was a success. Many of the schools in the trial continue on the 1:1 path. We chose to look at placing a bank of netbooks in the year 5/6 area for their use. One of the major reasons for us is the costs in supporting such a program. This was also the reason the Department did not implement the program state wide.

8. Present position: Our current computers are not keeping pace with the opportunities which technologies can supply. 40% of our computers over 4 years old. This by the DEECD’s estimate is too old to keep up. We also find the work that Scott is undertaking in the lab cannot be taken back into the classroom because the hardware is not able to run the programs.

9. So what have we been doing? We have been trialling the iPad technologies in the Prep - 2 area since November last year which was endorsed and supported by School Council. The teachers in the area have presented a report to staff, School Council and hosted an open day session. Significant work has already been undertaken with our Integration childrenand the beginning of the iPad coffee club started by Sarah & Sharon to support other Integration Aides and teachers in the use of iPads. Schools out further in the Bellarine Network have replicated the ‘iPad Coffee Club’ We have also had a bank of iPads available through the library for borrowing to use in classrooms and for staff to borrow during holidays to research and enhance their iPad skills.

10. Staff Staff are keen to continue the work and use technologies on a one to one basis. There has been some earnest discussions regarding the work and how to proceed. (This is most reassuring as I am not keen on a quick fad being implemented) Professional Development is paramount and is an ongoing aspect of our culture at CPS.

11. Other Schools We have had staff visit other schools who are implementing similar programs: Braemar College, Woodend – 750 iPads, Warringa Park, Drysdale, Ocean Grove, Winchelsea, Ashburton, Canterbury, Point Cook College, Manor Lakes College, etc School Councillors have researched the evidence and contacted other schools too (Camberwell PS, Livingstone PS, etc) with similar demographics and results to ours. They have spoken with teachers and School Leaders about the programs implemented.

12. The Committee A committee consisting of 3 reps (from each teaching unit in the school), any other interested staff, 3 school council members including Council President and school leadership. The committee reps have children in years 6, 4 (X2), 3 (x2), 2, 1(x2) and have met to discuss options. We were also careful to have a staff member on the committee who also has children attending the school. Reports have been given to Council and staff on progress.

13. School Council The last School Council meeting agreed to go ahead with the 1:1 proposal but…. Further research and consideration to be undertaken into which device is best. Issues include costs, durability, ease of handling, meeting the educational needs of both pupils and staff. Discussion about the need to inform and seek support for the initiative. If families do not support a 1:1 program then as always we will go to a plan b or c.

14. Decisions The decision to proceed in this fashion was to first seek the issues from a representative group, fleshing out questions, issues etc, before we went to the whole school with any proposal. If the proposal did not "pass" this group then it stood no hope of being accepted by the whole school. The initiative is a whole school decision not just year 4 parents in 2013.

15. Parents – You…and me! We need our community to support the initiative to proceed.

16. Teachers Recommendation • Staff were presented with 4 options as outlined above with accompanying information. Preferences listed in column on the right • Results: • 13/15 staff that voted opted for iPads • 7 staff nominated a combined option of 2 & 4 (Option 5 created) which would indicate that staff would like to have iPads (BYO device) in year 4, with iPads in 5 & 6 in 2013 optional. Maintain current netbooks too until they become redundant to access Mathletics (app released on October 9th, 2012), Reading Eggs etc until apps are designed.

17. Overall Recommendation – StaffOption 5 1:1 iPad program commencing in year 4 in 2013 BYO iPad device (iPad 2 or 3) Optional for Years 5 & 6 Maintain current netbooks in 5/6 too, until they become redundant. Set a limit of $50 per device for app purchasing School will also have access to the “Volume Purchasing Program” (bulk buying of apps)

18. So what does this mean? Any changes? The current school Lab will continue to operate as a teaching area for both classroom teachers and Scott McCumber in his role as I.C.T. coordinator– Windows based PC Desktops P-3 classrooms will have iPads and Desktops Year 4 classes – iPads Year 5/6 40 netbooks (until they are exhausted) plus optional iPads

19. Why? We live in an era where us as parents and teachers, have had to adapt to technological changes (Records, tapes, CD’s, VCR, DVD, Blueray, Walkman, Discman, MP3 player, ipad, ipod, mobile phones etc). Our children have not! Children are born into this digital world. They create, make, think, share, collaborate, swipe, touch, engage, communicate, email, submit work, store/save, buy on line, etc

20. Concerns & Questions Can the children take the devises home at night? YES, but they do not have to. What about insurances against Breakages, theft, loss, damage etc? With a BYO device option, families are responsible for checking their insurance policy to ensure that the device is covered.

21. Q & A Will the students be able to access Social media sites – not just Facebook, but those less known, (but rapidly on the increase), including Qhoo me, Instagram, Snapchat etc. etc. And Internet Access? DEECD restrict access to certain sites such as Facebook (must be 13 years or over). We also have filters on at school that prevent students accessing certain sites. Typically, teachers research the topic in planning week and our ICT techs check the links and link to our Intranet so students do not have to access the net unless there is a need. Internet access will be the same as it is now.

22. How do we keep students safe online? We are aware of the "dangers" involved in the technological world we live in. The school has been proactive in this area through: • implementing a Bully Incident Notice program in the school whereby students can report any bullying through cyber or elsewhere via the intranet. • being accredited as an e-Smart school. This involved all staff in on line training and work in the community. Cathy Burns heads our work in this area as well as Student Engagement. • Providing cyber safety sessions for children, staff and parents by Susan McLean. • using the DEECD's filters on our network. • Publishing current information in the school newsletter to inform parents. • Professional Development for staff • Allannah & Madeleine Foundation are using Chilwell PS as an exemplary school in their corporate publications due to the programs we run.

23. Educational concerns? Has extensive consideration been given to the impact on the children’s handwriting, spelling, grammar, imagination, concentration, fine motor skills? Yes. High Levels of Student Engagement is strongly linked to the use of ICT but our school holds itself in high regard for developing the whole child. We see the use of technology as a 21st Century tool, a pencil case if you like, that we access when required. Some days we may use it more than others and some days, perhaps not at all. A little like our mobile phones, cars and our own computing devices. Instead of needing a calculator, a dictionary, thesaurus, web browser, etc, students can access the device when needed.

24. Has the committee/school set up clear timetabling with regard to use of these tablets/notebooks/iPads? No. We see technology as an integrated part of the curriculum. Our inquiry based learning approach allows student’s choice with direction and instruction from the teacher. ICT is an element that is used when required. It will be used in Literacy and Numeracy and hopefully other aspects of the curriculum to enhance the learning our digital natives are experiencing.

25. Will they be used for literacy? numeracy? writing? .... and to what extent? • Yes & No… With the rate of development in educational apps, we would be doing our students a disservice if we were not looking for opportunities to enhance what we already do. We are always looking for ways to continually improve. This does not necessarily mean that we only use technology in these areas. Teachers look for the best resources to get the best outcome – technology is one of these resources.

26. Exactly how will the devices be used, and to what extent? What in the current curriculum will be replaced? As teachers, we are constantly learning. Like other professionals whose practice has changed due to research, evidence and technology, so will ours. 5 years ago, we didn’t have IWBs, the iPhone and iPad did not exist. The fundamentals of teaching will not change but the vehicle we deliver it in will – when the teacher sees the opportunity. Would we want our doctors still operating like they did in 1960 in 2012? Do we want our teachers to teach the same as in 1960?

27. Is this an evidence based practice we are embarking on? Our school’s webpage has links to a range of educational research that School Councillors and the ICT committee have poured through to ensure we have made the best decision – at this point in time. Please take a look at the school webpage for links. Deakin Uni Warrnambool and Woolsthorpe PS are embarking on further research with the 2013 Preps, called iPreps. www.woolsthorpeps.global2.vic.edu.au/ipads-ipods

28. Where to now? We have let all know of the proposal in schematic form ie. we support a 1:1 program. We have not decided on a devise and again without family support we will not and cannot go any further. The proposal was communicated to parents via a written handout which was explained to the year 3 children because we felt they would read the document anyway so it was best to at least schematically discuss.

29. Currently in 2012…......and aiming for in 2013 • DEECD state 40% of our computers ‘too old’ • Old computers in P-4 classrooms (some up to 8 years old) • Lab with 30 desktops (2011) • P-2 have 1 x iPad2 per class • 8 x iPad2 via library • 40 netbooks/110 students in 5/6 area • New Lab in 2013 with 2011 stock rolled out to P-2 classes 5-6 units each • Year 3 6 iPads and 6-8 desktops (2009? Lab) • Year 4 1:1 iPad BYO • Year 5/6 – 40 netbooks (3 years old) and optional BYO iPad

30. Infrastructure 2012: Current wireless is OK but needs upgrading to cater for increased Wireless devices Large number of data points per classroom for cabling if needed Server capacity increased in Term 3 2012 2013: Planned and budgeted for and may be completed by end 2012 Future is in wireless technology, controller to manage wireless devices so access anywhere within school

31. How much? This depends totally on your preferences. An iPad2 16GB wifi can be purchased for $370 ex GST. Some may prefer a larger capacity device. If you have any financial concerns around this, please speak with Gavan & Scott   • Where can I get one from? • Just about anywhere! • New Wave Systems on Ormond Rd will provide extra support if you purchase from them. • Speak to Matt

32. Can my child take it home? With the BYOD model, it is your device. Of course you can take it home. You can also leave it at school if you wish. While at school, school policies and acceptable use agreements are in place. School internet access will be provided.

33. Questions Will my child still write - handwrite? ABSOLUTELY. Like our mobile phones, we use it when we need to. What if we leave the school? If you own the device, it is yours! Take it with you. If you are in an agreement with the school, a buyout option may be available. Discuss with Gavan & Scott

34. Questions What happens when/if it gets damaged? Insurance? The school strongly encourages families to seek advice from your contents insurer to cover the device while at school. Tech support? Michael is employed by DEECD for 7.6 hours per week. Dale Rippon is also employed for an additional 5 hours by DEECD and a further 6-8 hours/week by the school. Both great resources!