Digital Technologies

Digital Technologies at MHPS

The Victorian school curriculum as set out by the Department of Education includes Digital Technologies as a key learning area.  This part of the curriculum recognises the increasing role digital technology plays in our society both in a professional and a social context.

At Manifold Heights PS (MHPS) we seek to incorporate digital technologies in order to develop our student’s technical competencies and to enable students to become smart, responsible and safe digital citizens.

MHPS is an accredited eSmart school and we educate our students on cyber-safe practices.  Our teaching staff stay connected to the latest cyber-safety trends and information as required by the Department of Education and Training guidelines.

We believe that digital tools are not a replacement for established learning techniques and remain committed to developing traditional skills including reading, handwriting, and mathematics.  Digital technologies can be used to augment and assist learning in many areas and we seek to ensure the right balance is achieved through careful lesson / unit planning.

Digital support tools

Monitoring applications and online learning tools are used to support and enhance the educational experiences of all students.  Access to online tools allows students to develop contemporary skills that are valuable in an increasingly digitised environment.  This includes the ability to research, communicate, collaborate and be creative using digital technologies. It is through the use of online tools that staff give students the opportunity to explore learning beyond the walls of the classroom, and in doing so, also teach them important skills about how to be critical consumers and ethical users of the information and websites that they encounter.

MHPS use Google Apps for Education.  These applications provide a fast and easy way to collaborate and learn. The programs within Google Apps for Education offer real-time editing, powerful sharing capabilities, and seamless compatibility which help prepare our students for future schooling, work and social environments where these types of tools are prevalent.  These tools also help teachers to enhance individualised student support and provide timely feedback on digital work assignments.

Key features of our Digital Technologies program

The following is a summary of the key elements used at MHPS to deliver our Digital Technologies curriculum.

  • Voluntary Bring-Your-Own-Device (BYOD) program for Grades 3/4
  • BYOD program for Grade 5/6
  • Access to school-owned iPads for all levels
  • Application subscriptions to Minecraft, Mathletics, Reading Eggs, Sunshine Online, Epic etc.
  • Acceptable Use Agreement (Digital Licence) signed by students and parents
  • Commitment to implementing and sustaining the eSmart Schools framework
  • Ongoing staff education programs that focus on pedagogical practices that enable and support positive ICT use
  • LCD TVs in key learning hubs as well as every classroom
  • Parental support for device setup and management
  • Annual parent’s information session focused on Digital Technologies

Teaching frameworks

Effective use of digital technologies is more than just devices in classrooms. Our teachers use a range of teaching strategies and models.  One in use at MHPS is the SAMR model by Ruben R. Puentedura.

At its core, the SAMR model is designed to encourage technology users to ‘redefine’ tasks. This means that through the use of technology, previously inconceivable results can be achieved. This includes ways of connecting with others, sharing information, collaboration, research and problem solving.

Relevant links

If you would like to learn more about the use of digital technologies at Manifold Heights PS, please contact Mr Sam Valentine via email at Sam.Valentine@education.vic.gov.au or contact the school office on 03 5229 9643.