Curriculum : ICT
Contact Details - ICT
The importance of the role of technology in education is well recognised throughout Australia. In order to be informed and active participants in our changing society, the boys now will need to be self-directed learners, able to identify issues, pose questions, synthesise ideas and develop solutions to problems.
Knox Grammar Preparatory School is extremely well resourced in the area of Information Communication Technology (ICT) with the program overseen by the ICT Coordinator, supported by a fulltime technician based in the Preparatory School. The well-equipped Computer Laboratory is used by K-Yr4 on a timetabled basis,with an allocation of two periods a week. The Yrs 3 and 4 English groups also use the lab for six periods a week. The Lab is used for additional lessons by some classes on a negotiated basis when the lab is free. The Lab is also available to all boys (K-6) on a first-come-first-served basis before school (7.40-8.20am) four days a week and after school (3.15-4.15pm) two days a week. All other teaching areas have networked desktop computers and printers (see the Technical Set-Up section).
In consultation with the classroom teacher, the Lab teacher implements a program incorporating topics being covered in class, which build on the students' computing skills. The classroom teacher is expected to attend all computer lessons with their class. The main software used includes Encarta Encyclopaedia, Kid Pix Studio De Luxe, Microworlds Pro with particular emphasis placed on XP Office. All boys from Yrs 1-6 learn keyboard skills using the TypeQuick typing course. |
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Boys in Yrs 5 and 6 participate in the Technology Immersion Learning Program, which is a continuation of the School's ICT Program. However, as every boy has access to his notebook anywhere anytime, the educational outcomes are far greater. The program allows the opportunity to develop a more active learning approach with higher thinking and collaboration skills.
The notebook program has all boys using a notebook in the classroom for relevant subject material across the six Key Learning Areas as well as at home. All computers are networked using a wireless system and run on a Windows XP platform. The number of computers in the Preparatory School now totals over 300 notebooks and over 100 desktop machines. All fulltime staff are supplied with a notebook. The School also provides access to the internet and networked files for work at home. |
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Approach
ICT has a critical role in enhancing the learning process at all levels and across a broad range of activities in each of the six KLAs. Through the use of ICT in the curriculum, we are helping the boys become knowledgeable about the nature of information, comfortable with the new technology and able to exploit its potential. The overall philosophy is to use ICT whenever its speed, power, graphics or interactive potential can enhance and extend the quality of work being undertaken by the boys. It is used to develop logical thinking, problem solving and control techniques and also to give confidence and the capability to use ICT in later life.
Aims and objectives
The boys will participate in activities that assist in the development of their ability to:
- Use computer-based technologies to locate, access, evaluate, interpret, manipulate, record, store and retrieve information
- Learn through experimentation and solve problems
- Work together while sharing and developing ideas
- Express ideas and communicate with others, using computer-based technologies
- Develop an awareness of the range of applications of computer-based technologies in society
- Discriminate in the choice and use of computer-based technologies for a given purpose
- Develop confidence to explore, adapt and shape technological understandings and skills in response to challenges now and in the future
- Develop familiarity with a range of hardware including computers and peripherals, scanners, digital cameras, digital video cameras etc
We also aim to:
- Develop positive attitudes towards Information Communication Technology
- Develop a balance between teaching ICT skills and their application in other curriculum areas
- Develop an appreciation of the role and importance of ICT in our everyday lives
- Help our boys reflect critically on their ideas and solutions to problems, and to find more effective ways of doing things
- Encourage our boys to use the computer as a source of information
- Ensure that each boy has connected to the internet to source information
- Ensure that each boy has communicated with another school or organisation using email
- Help the boys develop the necessary social skills to work as part of a team
- Give the boys a taste of changing technology
Integration
To teach ICT effectively it must be integrated into each of the KLAs and must be considered by the teachers when programming each KLA.
Curriculum differentiation
ICT is a subject that easily allows differentiation. Many of tasks and activities are designed in such a way that each boy is able to work at his own pace or produce work appropriate to his ability. We also cater for boys with disabilities, for examples, through the magnification of the screen.
Assessment
Assessment of the boys' skills and attitudes towards ICT will take place in all stages. This will be an important part of evaluation of units of work and includes:
- Observation
- Boys explanation and demonstration
- Listening
- Samples of work
- Tests
The boys' ICT skills and attitudes are reported to the parents in the two semester reports where an effort grade is given with a comment.
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