Digital Learning Strategy 2015 – 2017

The Vision Every young New Zealander is a confident, connected, lifelong learner equipped to live a full and active life, and contribute to a thriving and prosperous economy.

Our Mission To provide a learning environment that prepares children for life.

Digital Learning Goals Plimmerton School will provide a learning environment where connected, confident, active learners work together to prepare for their futures.

Learning outcomes for all Plimmerton School students will be improved through the use of digital technologies. Connected Learners Strategy Evidence Plimmerton School students will have: 1. A fast and reliable wireless internet connection • A sustainable and effective ICT 2. Modern and functional digital equipment infrastructure that meets digital 3. Appropriate hardware and software learning and administrative needs 4. Sufficient access to student devices

• Access to effective ICT support 1. Readily available technical support 2. Training in self support 3. Guidance and mentoring 4. An effective “help” mechanism

• Access to an Ultra Fast Broadband 1. An ultra-fast broadband connection managed through connection N4L

• Appropriate security and privacy 1. Students, staff and parents educated about cyber- mechanisms safety 2. Internet Safety Policy & Procedures for students and teachers 3. Individual log-ins for Year’s 5-8 students 4. Student digital work and traffic monitored and controlled 5. A mechanism for frequent reliable back-ups • An effective student information 1. Expanded teacher capability in use of the school’s management system student management system 2. E-Portfolios/ blogs investigated and progressed 3. Assessment processes use SMS for ongoing analysis of student data and progress Confident Learners

Strategy Evidence Plimmerton School students will 1. Ongoing professional development for teachers on have: new technologies as they are introduced to the school • Confident and capable teachers who 2. Teachers supported with planning and assessment effectively integrate digital learning into 3. Early adopters used to guide and mentor others their professional practice 4. Techniques for sharing resources across the school developed and progressed

• The confidence and capability to 1. A school culture of peer tutoring in digital learning effectively engage in digital learning 2. Students have a voice in the planning for digital across the curriculum learning • Improved learning outcomes through 3. Opportunities for tuakana-teina evident throughout the appropriate use of digital the school technologies to support learning and 4. Alignment of digital learning and devices with local digital citizenship secondary schools 5. Student capabilities used to support teachers and other students • Leaders who have the confidence and 1. A digital learning team with representatives from capability to effectively lead and across all year levels leading development manage digital learning professional 2. Current pedagogy in digital learning investigated development and pursued • School leaders who lead and support 3. Links with other schools harnessed the integration of digital learning 4. Digital learning integrated into teacher appraisal system • An informed and supportive Board of 1. Board of Trustees fully informed and engaged Trustees and community 2. Governance decisions progressive and supportive 3. Budgets and plans approved and monitored 4. Parents fully informed through notices and parent information evenings 5. Parents have access to student digital learning 6. Student achievement reported to the Board of Trustees Active Learners

Strategy Evidence Plimmerton School students will have: 1. With the support of parents, the school will provide a range of digital devices, software and The opportunity to use, seek and • guidance to allow students to use the best tool create knowledge through the use of available for the learning task in hand digital technologies 2. Digital learning is planned for in authentic and Relevant and engaging educational • deliberate ways to provide opportunities to enhance contexts provided through the use of learning high quality digital content 3. Collaboration between classes, teachers and • Teacher and students who can work communities promoted collaboratively online whilst at school or 4. Teams of expert students with delegated elsewhere using a range of platforms responsibilities provide technical and instructional support

Learners Working Together

Evidence Strategy Plimmerton School students will have: 1. Current research and links to websites and articles • Increased understanding of the shared with staff importance of digital learning 2. Networking with other schools encouraged • Increased community participation 3. Platforms for sharing between staff provided in learning through the use of digital 4. Staff provided with time to become familiar with new sharing tools applications 5. Success stories shared through newsletters and on blogs and the website 6. Student’s use of digital learning regularly shared and celebrated 7. Blogs, podcasts, Google drive and on-line publishing used for children to share their learning with parents and others investigated and progressed 8. Parents encouraged to be actively involved Objectives Aligned to the Strategic Aims of the School 1. Excellent Student Achievement Ensure that all students achieve their highest possible potential in literacy, numeracy and other learning areas. All students are able to access the NZ curriculum as evidenced by the National Standards.  Recognise ‘digital leaders’ and use them to foster enthusiasm and share learning  Students effectively using digital technology to enhance learning across the curriculum  Continue implementation of digital story telling across the school

2. Effective Planning and Reporting To continually improve through effective planning, implementing, reporting and review of school-wide activities.  Integrate digital learning into both staff and student appraisals  Regular reporting to staff on progress with ICT plan  Annual report to BOT on progress with ICT plan  Include ICT development targets in all syndicate goals and unit planning

3. Engaged Staff To have a dynamic, motivated and committed team, focused on the school’s vision and values.  Identify the need and priorities for professional development  Develop a plan for professional development, giving a timeframe and clear focus to meet the needs  Assess need for digital learning support  Develop a programme of ongoing professional development to teachers on new technologies as they are introduced to the school  Provide support to teachers for planning  Identify staff who are effectively using digital learning and encourage sharing of examples of learning  Develop a tool to share resources effectively throughout the school 4. Efficient use of Resources To achieve value for money from efficient management of the school’s assets and finances.  Establish a BYOD policy and procedures  Develop a three year purchase plan and budget identifying the cost for purchase of ICT resources including software, technical support and security  Identify the resources required for professional development  Review the asset replacement timeframe for ICT and ensure it is appropriate 5. Safe and Healthy Environment To provide a safe and healthy environment that promotes high self-esteem and responsible, respectful and right choices.  Create a safe online environment for our students  Engage students on the subject of cyber safety  Regularly review internet safety policies  Use N4L to monitor and control sites being accessed  Establish policy and procedures for secure backup of appropriate data  Agreement signed by all parents and students on use of digital technologies  Security of student information will be paramount  Promote cyber safety messages to the wider Plimmerton School community 6. Strong Community Engagement To foster strong relationships with parents and the community to achieve and maintain high levels of school support.  Ensure Plimmerton School website is user and family friendly and the recognised ‘go-to’ place for information  Providing families online access to student achievement on a timely, reasonable and sustainable basis (cost effective)  Promote the use of blogs, newsletters and the school website to parents and other students to achieve effective two-way communication 7. Sustainable School To respect our environment and work towards a sustainable school community for current and future generations.  Visit other schools and attend workshops to enhance learning of ‘best practice’ in digital learning  Review international literature on emerging technologies and trends

8. Resilient Learners To develop life-long learners who have inner strength and who can bounce back from adversity.  Create an environment where learners are able to accept feedback (positive and negative) from teachers and peers and benefit from it  Enhance peer tutoring in digital learning