Digital Technology Program at Ripponlea Primary School

At Ripponlea Primary School, we are committed to providing a safe, supportive, and enriching digital learning environment for all students. We recognise the importance of integrating technology into our curriculum to foster creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration, while also ensuring that students understand the responsible and safe use of digital tools.

Our Commitment to Responsible Digital Use

We believe that technology should enhance the learning experience while promoting a safe online environment. Our program aims to help students develop the digital literacy skills necessary to navigate the digital world responsibly. As part of this commitment, we partner with families to promote safe, respectful, and responsible use of technology both at school and at home.

We integrate digital tools thoughtfully into the curriculum, balancing screen time with offline learning experiences. We use educational software such as Mathletics, Seesaw, Reading Eggs, and Microsoft 365 to enhance student engagement and support personalised learning pathways.

Key Aspects of Our Digital Technology Program

1. Cyber Safety Education
   Our school explicitly teaches students about cyber safety, including online privacy, intellectual property, and the risks of cyberbullying. We educate students on how to stay safe, respect others, and be responsible online. Programs such as Project Rockit, Bully Zero, and Inform and Empower Digital Safety & Wellbeing are used to reinforce these important lessons.

2. Clear Expectations and Consequences
   We have established clear guidelines regarding the use of digital technologies. Our expectations for students include respecting others online, protecting personal information, and being mindful of screen time. Students are taught how to use digital devices responsibly, and inappropriate behaviour is addressed in line with our Student Wellbeing and Engagement Policy.

3. Supervision and Security
   At Ripponlea Primary School, we ensure that students are supervised while using digital technologies. We provide a filtered internet service to block inappropriate content, though we acknowledge that no system is completely foolproof. Our technicians monitor all school networks, and we have protocols in place for reporting and responding to any cyber safety incidents.

4. Access to Educational Software
   Students have access to a variety of educational programs, including Google Workspace, Adobe Creative Cloud, and Minecraft Education. These tools are used to enhance learning across subjects, providing students with the opportunity to engage in interactive and personalised lessons.

5. Parent and Carer Involvement
   We believe in working closely with families to promote the responsible use of technology. We encourage parents and carers to discuss the use of digital devices at home, setting clear expectations about when, where, and how technology should be used. We also provide support materials to help families navigate the challenges of digital technology and online safety.

What We Expect from Students

At Ripponlea Primary School, we expect students to be safe, respectful, responsible, and proactive when using digital technologies. Our guidelines include:

• Be Safe: Protecting personal information and using technology in a way that ensures safety.

• Be Respectful: Treating others with kindness, avoiding cyberbullying, and ensuring that all online interactions are appropriate.

• Be Responsible: Handling technology with care, using devices as instructed, and following school rules.

• Ask for Help: Encouraging students to speak to a trusted adult if they encounter something inappropriate or need assistance with using technology.

How Parents Can Support

Parents and carers play a crucial role in supporting safe and responsible technology use at home. We recommend:

• Setting clear boundaries for screen time and ensuring that devices are used in common areas.

• Using parental controls to limit access to inappropriate content.

• Engaging in open discussions about online safety and the importance of protecting personal information.

Ripponlea Primary School is committed to preparing students for the digital age, equipping them with the skills to thrive while remaining safe and respectful online. We invite parents and carers to join us in this important journey by staying informed and engaged in their child's digital learning and safety. Together, we can foster a safe, responsible, and empowering digital experience for all students.

For more information on our Digital Technology Program, please feel free to contact the school or visit our Cyber Safety and Use of Digital Technologies Policy.