Information Communication Technology (ICT)
Why is it important for students to learn to use the latest technology?
In today’s society technology is advancing at a rapid rate. Workplaces are increasingly embracing the many new opportunities that new technology offers. Technology will, inevitably, play an increasingly significant role in the future of our society. Not only is it crucial that we embrace existing technological tools to engage and promote best learning practices for our students, but we must also be preparing them for a future where our work and social lives will be increasingly enhanced and saturated by technology.
Why use technology in the classroom?
Embracing the possibilities that new technology presents ensures that students are far more engaged and motivated in their learning. Students are able to learn more closely aligned with their learning style and intelligence. Teaching and learning no longer has to be one-dimensional with students having access to images, videos, audio and interactive learning activities. The classroom becomes a launchpad where students can launch into an entire new world of digital learning experiences. Through embracing technology in the classroom, students are able to develop the skills and knowledge essential to the twenty first century.
Features of Berwick College’s E-Learning plan:
Berwick College seeks to embrace the future and believes in equipping students for the world of tomorrow. There is a range of new technologies accessible to students in the classroom. We are close to reaching our aim of 1:1 computer access for all students. This is mainly through our BYOD (‘Bring Your Own Device’) scheme, where students bring a laptop, along with our computer laboratories. All staff have their own school-based Google account for online and collaborative communication, organisation and document creation. This ensures students can be learning anywhere, anytime on their device. Teachers are continually being updated on the latest ways they can use technology in the classroom. Students can also select specialist subjects like ICT, media and photography which allow for specialisation in subject areas of their interest.
Bring Your Own Device
When choosing your child’s device please refer here for the 2023 Edunet Information Sheets
It is compulsory for all students at Berwick College to bring their own IT laptop to school as part of their essential booklist. The type of device is left to the parents’/carers’ discretion, but cannot be a mobile phone, due to DET regulations, or iPad. Where possible, required textbooks for each subject will be in a digital format. Using an IT device in conjunction with digital textbooks is very cost effective for parents when compared to the traditional textbook model.
Through their device, students can access a vast range of information and educational apps. It opens up a world of learning where tasks and activities can be tailored to individual students interest and learning styles. Students will have anytime, anywhere access to a suite of digital tools and will be able to communicate and collaborate far more efficiently. They will be able to connect with people and issues all across the globe with a global classroom, whilst completing learning tasks in creative and innovative ways. Ultimately, embracing cutting edge technology in the classroom today will help students develop the skills required for success in their real-world futures.
The device needs to meet the following requirements:
Wi-Fi operating speed of 5 GHz to be able to operate on the College’s network.
A minimum storage of 16GB is required (this is enough for school use – if a student will be using the device for videos or gaming out of school, more storage may be required).
A suitable case – should be sturdy enough to withstand daily use and transport in and out of school.
The following are not required but highly recommended:
Accidental damage and theft insurance is optional but is not provided by the school
8 hr battery life
Solid State Drive
An intel i5 or equivalent CPU and Windows 10 (previous operating system not supported by Microsoft)
Digital Learning Coordinator: Ms Devi Aruna