Why we will use ICTs

To make learning motivating and fun

To foster communication development

To assist students to develop lifelong skills

The Melbourne Declaration on the Educational Goals for Young Australians discusses that as we live in a digital age of rapidly changing technologies, students today need to have the knowledge, skills and confidence to use ICTs in all areas of life. One of these goals describes the way successful students should become creative and productive users of technology, especially ICT. For optional reading, you may like to read about this here.

In addition to this, The Australian Curriculum addresses these goals through general capabilities designed to help students live and work successfully in the twenty-first century. The general capabilities describe the way students will use ICTs in their learning across all subject areas and competently use a wide range of digital technologies. These general capabilities can be viewed here if you would like to know more.

In our classroom, the use of technology is based on the theories of Vygotsky which describe the active participation of students through hands-on learning. Use of a range of technologies will give your child the chance to engage in motivating activities designed for their individual learning needs. For optional reading, you can visit here.

Selwyn, Potter & Cranmer (2010) cite educational research noting increased enjoyment, enthusiasm for learning and fun experienced by students when using ICTs in class.

Why?

great for helping students learn
holds interest
allows students to work at their own pace and level
provides immediate feedback
builds independence

For optional viewing, click on this video.

A research project conducted in 2004 explains the way ICTs can be effectively used in special school settings, enabling students to communicate at a fundamental level through the use of ICT based access devices. For optional reading you can see this useful report here.

Why?

encourage interaction with others
develop personal communication skills
aid social development
increase confidence

If you wish, you can view the video on the right.

The need to equip students to become global citizens of the twenty-first century requires me to include ICTs to enhance teaching and learning across all subject areas. There are two underlying themes - learning to use ICTs and learning with ICTs. In this way, students will develop the knowledge and skills to participate in society and reach their full potential.

Why?

overcome barriers to participation
increase levels of participation in social and leisure activities
develop skills and competencies beyond the school environment into home and community
develop methods of communication for interaction
promote problem-solving abilities

For optional additional information, you may read this publication or view the video on the left.

Why we will do this in our classroom

To make learning motivating and fun
To foster communication development
To assist students to develop lifelong skills