ICT Policy
Introductory Statement
This document is a statement of the aims and objectives, principles and strategies for ICT in Cloontuskert National School. The policy was revised and reviewed during the academic year 2020/21 through a process of consultation with all teaching staff, in keeping with our current E-Learning Plan and bearing in mind challenges in learning brought on by the current pandemic, Covid 19.
Mission Statement
As well as being an important educational resource, the ability to use ICT effectively is a vital life skill in modern society. Our aim is to produce learners (pupils and staff) who are confident and effective users of ICT. We strive to achieve this aim by:
Vision for ICT
ICT is now a powerful tool which is central to the educational process. The staff of Cloontuskert National School recognises the potential of ICT at the heart of the curriculum in terms of learning and teaching and as a core competence for the pupils. We recognise the success of ICT training in raising the profile of ICT within our school and in enthusing teachers. We aim to develop and strengthen the use of ICT to support learning and teaching. We want our pupils to become independent, autonomous learners who are confident and competent using technology.
Rationale:
In Cloontuskert National School we believe that technology, if used properly, has great potential to improve teaching and learning, including distance learning. IT is being used widely by teachers in the school as a teaching tool, through our interactive whiteboards and use of the common platform Google Classroom. Teachers also use technology for their own planning, preparation, record keeping and reporting. It is imperative that we develop skills in our pupils to enable them to live and work in an ever-changing world and it is primarily with this in mind that this ICT plan is being drawn up.
We would like
Aims of ICT in the Primary Curriculum
The aims of ICT in education are:
We will strive to achieve these by
From September 2020, we will implement the Action Plan on Continuity of Schooling during a period of partial or full school closure and our ICT Plan 2020, both of which are attached to this policy. The ICT Plan will be implemented in two phases.
Current Infrastructure
Current Usage of Facilities
Safety, Security and Behaviour Issues
Special Educational Needs
As a school we are deeply committed to providing the best possible learning experiences for children with special educational needs. ICT has an important role to play in this commitment, as it facilitates deep engagement with the curriculum and caters for a variety of learning styles. The laptops, ipads and tablets are available in the Learning Support Rooms and children are facilitated to use them extensively. The Board of Management is happy to fund the purchase of special software or other equipment as necessary.
Equality of Access
All children will have equal access to the use of ICT across the curriculum. Children of all ages, ability levels and backgrounds will have equal access to ICT resources.
Continuing Professional Development
Staff development in ICT is ongoing within the school. It is our aim to raise the level of teacher competence and confidence in ICT by:
Teacher Planning and Reporting
Cloontuskert National School recognises the advantages of using ICT as a tool for teacher planning, preparation, record keeping and reporting. All teachers use ICT to prepare yearly and fortnightly plans. Additionally, the school has access to a number of educational companies’ online resources for planning including cjfallon.ie and folensonline.ie.
Implementation/Ratification and Review
This policy was reviewed in November 2020. It will be presented to the Board with a view to having it ratified at the next Board of Management meeting.
As ICT is such a valuable tool for learning and curriculum implementation, its use is continuously under review by the teaching staff. Matters such as the website, new software, time-tabling, or difficulties with equipment are discussed at almost every staff meeting.
A formal review and updating of the policy will be undertaken every year by the staff. The aim of this review will be to ensure that the potential for ICT is maximised in the school and that the considerable funds invested are not wasted. The Board of Management will discuss the outcome of such reviews and ratify them as it sees fit.
Introductory Statement
This document is a statement of the aims and objectives, principles and strategies for ICT in Cloontuskert National School. The policy was revised and reviewed during the academic year 2020/21 through a process of consultation with all teaching staff, in keeping with our current E-Learning Plan and bearing in mind challenges in learning brought on by the current pandemic, Covid 19.
Mission Statement
As well as being an important educational resource, the ability to use ICT effectively is a vital life skill in modern society. Our aim is to produce learners (pupils and staff) who are confident and effective users of ICT. We strive to achieve this aim by:
- Helping all staff and pupils to explore the learning resources provided by ICT
- Helping all children to use ICT with purpose and enjoyment
- Helping all children to develop the necessary skills to exploit ICT
- Helping children to become autonomous users of ICT
- Helping all children to evaluate the benefits of ICT and its impact on society
- Celebrating success in the use of ICT
- Providing IT to the children for use at home in certain circumstances
Vision for ICT
ICT is now a powerful tool which is central to the educational process. The staff of Cloontuskert National School recognises the potential of ICT at the heart of the curriculum in terms of learning and teaching and as a core competence for the pupils. We recognise the success of ICT training in raising the profile of ICT within our school and in enthusing teachers. We aim to develop and strengthen the use of ICT to support learning and teaching. We want our pupils to become independent, autonomous learners who are confident and competent using technology.
Rationale:
In Cloontuskert National School we believe that technology, if used properly, has great potential to improve teaching and learning, including distance learning. IT is being used widely by teachers in the school as a teaching tool, through our interactive whiteboards and use of the common platform Google Classroom. Teachers also use technology for their own planning, preparation, record keeping and reporting. It is imperative that we develop skills in our pupils to enable them to live and work in an ever-changing world and it is primarily with this in mind that this ICT plan is being drawn up.
We would like
- To promote a positive attitude to technology
- To use computers as tools to enhance further learning
- To facilitate cross-curricular learning
- To develop basic keyboard skills.
- To promote imagination and creativity.
- To develop problem-solving skills.
- To motivate children to collect, enter and interpret data.
- To encourage children to communicate effectively.
- To develop project management and presentational skills
- To develop co-operative skills through participation in ICT projects which demand the pooling of skills and interactive development of ideas and material.
Aims of ICT in the Primary Curriculum
The aims of ICT in education are:
- To develop knowledge, skills and attitudes that will enable the child to use ICT to support his/her learning in appropriate ways.
- To enable the child to acquire and apply ICT skills in the attainment of appropriate curriculum objectives across the range of subjects.
- To enable the child to experience a wide range of ICT tools and resources in relevant curriculum contexts.
- To encourage the child to use ICTs critically and creatively and to be discriminating in the selection, analysis and presentation of information.
- To enable the child to gain hands-on experience of a range of available technologies and to explore their potential in the classroom.
- To foster confidence in the use of ICT through enjoyable collaborative learning experiences in which each child can experience success.
- To raise the child’s awareness of the significance and impact of modern technology on the social, economic, cultural and other dimensions of society.
- To develop the child’s understanding of ICT as a valuable “life-skill” that can enhance living and learning right throughout an individual’s life.
We will strive to achieve these by
- Using ICT where possible to enhance children’s learning in all areas of the curriculum.
- Introducing the children to a wide range of ICT applications and ICT tools.
- Helping pupils acquire the skills to use appropriate ICT tools effectively, with purpose and enjoyment.
- Using ICT to develop partnership beyond the school through the use of the Internet, Google Classroom and e-mail.
- Celebrating success in the use of ICT.
- Encouraging all teachers to develop an awareness of the ways in which ICT might contribute to the achievement of both their subject-teaching and their wider educational aims.
- Encouraging all teachers to develop their own ICT confidence and competence.
- Allowing opportunities for work to be printed for display, evidence, publishing on the school website etc.
From September 2020, we will implement the Action Plan on Continuity of Schooling during a period of partial or full school closure and our ICT Plan 2020, both of which are attached to this policy. The ICT Plan will be implemented in two phases.
Current Infrastructure
- In keeping with our mission, we perceive ICT technologies being used as a tool of teaching and learning in each classroom. All computers are networked to our own internal network including networked printing.
- Our current broadband provider is Ripplecom, as dictated by Department of Education and Skills Schools Broadband scheme. We have e-fibre broadband and a/c wireless access points circulated around the school to maximise coverage.
- Each of the 3 main classrooms have an interactive whiteboard and laptop. Our two SEN teachers also have their own laptops.
- There are 3 digital cameras in the school for use by the classes.
- The principal’s office is equipped with a PC, colour printer and a photocopier/scanner.
- We currently have 4 iPads, 4 tablets and 6 common use laptops in the school with one storage/charging trolley.
- We have 2 desktops, one is in the Principal’s Office and the other is in the Infant Room.
- There is a school website in place www.cloontuskertns.ie
- The school has an active Facebook page.
- All teachers are actively using Google Classroom with their pupils
Current Usage of Facilities
- IT is used as a medium of teaching and learning in all the classrooms on a daily basis.
- Current usage includes early reading work and early number work; mathematical application; development of thinking and problem solving skills; word processing, desktop publishing; use of multimedia encyclopaedia and typing skills; internet work; presentation of project work; creating art work; spelling; development of fine motor skills; music composition and recording and language skills.
- At present, the school is working toward the installation of Room specific Apps (ie; Junior, Middle and Senior Room) on all laptops, ipads and tablets. A list of these apps has been attached to this policy.
- Each room has wireless internet access and laptops are networked to the Office printer.
- Staff are encouraged and frequently engage in ICT courses for up-skilling and continuous professional development.
Safety, Security and Behaviour Issues
- With regard to the Internet, an Acceptable Use policy has been in place for many years and has served the school well. Children only use computers while supervised and the school uses the school’s broadband service, which has a stringent “net nanny”.
- Students are not permitted to access social networking or shopping sites.
- The computer trolley is stored in a secure storage room. Teachers must ensure that computers are safely locked away after use.
- Eating and drinking while using the computer are forbidden, and desk space should be tidy with no food, liquid or other items (clay, glue etc.) present while the computer is being used.
- Other ICT equipment such as digital cameras may only be used under supervision.
- ICT equipment may not be removed from the school except with the permission of the Board of Management. Exception: Digital cameras may be taken on school trips. Children who do not have access to IT at home may borrow a device in the event of a school closure.
Special Educational Needs
As a school we are deeply committed to providing the best possible learning experiences for children with special educational needs. ICT has an important role to play in this commitment, as it facilitates deep engagement with the curriculum and caters for a variety of learning styles. The laptops, ipads and tablets are available in the Learning Support Rooms and children are facilitated to use them extensively. The Board of Management is happy to fund the purchase of special software or other equipment as necessary.
Equality of Access
All children will have equal access to the use of ICT across the curriculum. Children of all ages, ability levels and backgrounds will have equal access to ICT resources.
Continuing Professional Development
Staff development in ICT is ongoing within the school. It is our aim to raise the level of teacher competence and confidence in ICT by:
- Becoming familiar with digital and online platforms and technologies.
- Continuing to have Professional Development training where possible during Croke Park Hours
- Making provision for ICT in-service training.
- Providing in–school support for teachers requiring assistance in developing particular aspects of ICT skills knowledge and understanding.
- Displaying information on the staff notice board for ICT courses.
Teacher Planning and Reporting
Cloontuskert National School recognises the advantages of using ICT as a tool for teacher planning, preparation, record keeping and reporting. All teachers use ICT to prepare yearly and fortnightly plans. Additionally, the school has access to a number of educational companies’ online resources for planning including cjfallon.ie and folensonline.ie.
Implementation/Ratification and Review
This policy was reviewed in November 2020. It will be presented to the Board with a view to having it ratified at the next Board of Management meeting.
As ICT is such a valuable tool for learning and curriculum implementation, its use is continuously under review by the teaching staff. Matters such as the website, new software, time-tabling, or difficulties with equipment are discussed at almost every staff meeting.
A formal review and updating of the policy will be undertaken every year by the staff. The aim of this review will be to ensure that the potential for ICT is maximised in the school and that the considerable funds invested are not wasted. The Board of Management will discuss the outcome of such reviews and ratify them as it sees fit.