Information & Communication Technology now forms a vital part of a high quality, fully rounded education in the 21st century. Young people are using technology to assist them in life and learning. Students must be able to access digital information, tools and resources from anywhere, any time and in ways that lead to a deeper engagement and understanding.
With the introduction of tablet computing and mobile device technology, we need to ensure that our students are using rich and relevant technology to complement their learning.
With the introduction of mobile device technology we have seen a greater shift in learning and education moving from inside the classroom to out, and the development of students as more independent and self initiated learners.
“If we teach today as we taught yesterday, we rob our children of tomorrow.”
John Dewey
The use of technology in our setting has certainly taken us on an amazing journey since we implemented our first 1:1 netbook program in 2009. To develop and foster a whole college culture of technology integration from the start has certainly led us to where we are now: educational leaders in technology integration.
Even though the students of today will know nothing less than the technology that is always available to them we need to ensure that we are delivering the best teaching practices to our students. We are fully aware that the students we are now teaching are:
- more self-directed
- better equipped to capture information
- more reliant on feedback from peers
- more inclined to collaborate
- more orientated to being their own ‘modes of production’
Lorne Aireys Inlet P-12 College has one device per student policy for Years 4- 12 on a Bring Your Own Device basis. For students in Years 4-8 an iPad is the preferred device. Senior students can bring whatever device best suits their needs, whether it be an iPad, or an Apple or Windows laptop.
With students having 1:1 access to their own device, they can utilise their technology to support the above.
Students also have access to class desktops and class netbook sets. The Lorne Campus has an iMac lab which is used for 7-12 ICT, Media and Music subjects.