Digital Learning at Ripponlea Primary School
At Ripponlea Primary School, digital technologies are used to enhance learning, build essential skills, and support students to become safe, responsible and capable users of technology.
Our approach is guided by the Victorian Department of Education Digital Learning Policy and reflects our commitment to high-quality teaching, student wellbeing and strong partnerships with families.
Our Approach
We use digital technologies in a purposeful and balanced way to:
- support explicit teaching in literacy and numeracy
- enhance creativity, inquiry and problem-solving
- provide opportunities for collaboration and student voice
- personalise learning to meet diverse needs
Technology is always used to support learning—not replace it.
Access to Devices
Ripponlea Primary School provides all students with access to the digital technologies required for learning.
- Students use school-owned devices to support classroom programs
- This ensures equitable access for all students, in line with Department policy
Important Update (From 2027)
- Primary schools will no longer operate Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) programs
- Families will not be asked to purchase or supply devices for school use
Exemptions:
Students with disability may use a personal device where it is a reasonable adjustment.
Time on Devices
We design learning programs to reflect Department guidance on healthy and appropriate use:
- Foundation – Year 2: Minimal use, focused on learning about and with digital technologies
- Years 3 – 6: Up to 90 minutes per day, where it enhances learning
This ensures students experience a balanced day of learning, including hands-on, collaborative and outdoor activities.
Digital Citizenship and Online Safety
We explicitly teach students how to use technology in a safe, respectful and responsible way.
Students learn to:
- communicate respectfully online
- protect personal information
- respond to unsafe or uncomfortable situations
- demonstrate kindness and inclusion in digital spaces
We reinforce that:
- cyberbullying and inappropriate online behaviour are not tolerated
- students should always seek help from a trusted adult
Online safety education is embedded in our curriculum and wellbeing programs.
Acceptable Use Agreement (AUA)
All students and families are required to review and agree to our Acceptable Use Agreement (AUA).
This outlines:
- expectations for safe, responsible and intentional use of technology
- student responsibilities when using digital devices
- how the school responds to inappropriate use
The AUA is:
- shared with families and available on our website
- reviewed regularly in consultation with our school community
- aligned with our Student Wellbeing and Engagement practices
F-2 Acceptable Use of Technology Agreement
3-6 Acceptable Use of Technology Agreement
Use of Digital Platforms
We use secure, Department-approved platforms to support learning and communication:
- Compass – communication, updates and permissions
- Google Classroom (Years 5/6) – learning tasks and home learning
- My Numeracy Portal Years 1-6 - Maths Leaning Tasks
- Approved educational applications aligned with curriculum goals
All platforms are used in line with privacy and safety requirements.
Expectations for Use
We expect all students to use digital technologies in a way that reflects our school values and ensures they can be safe online, respectful, responsible and seek help:
If inappropriate use occurs, the school will respond in line with our Student Engagement and Wellbeing Policy and Digital Learning Policy, which may include staged consequences depending on the situation.
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Be safe
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At Ripponlea PS, we protect personal information and keep safe online.
We do this by:
· Not sharing our password or using someone else’s username or password.
· Logging out of our devices when they are not in use.
· Restricting the personal information we post online, including images and videos.
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| Be respectful |
At Ripponlea PS, we are kind and show respect to others when using technology.
We do this by:
· Acting with kindness and never bullying others online.
· Thinking about how our words might make others feel before we say or write them.
· Only taking photos or recordings of others when they are aware and have given us permission to do so.
· Seeking permission before sharing others’ information online.
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| Be responsible |
At Ripponlea PS, we are honest, handle technology with care and follow the school rules.
We do this by:
· Handling devices with care.
· Not interfering with devices, school systems, or other students’ work.
· Not downloading or using inappropriate programs like games.
· Not using technology to cheat or steal, and always acknowledging when we use information sourced from others.
· Turning off and securely storing our mobile phone during school hours.
· Not using age-restricted social media, ex to access appropriate content that is available without an account.
· Ensuring a healthy balance between screen time and offline activities at school.
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| Ask for help |
At Ripponlea PS, we ask for help if we feel unsure or see something inappropriate.
We do this by talking to a teacher or a trusted adult if:
· We feel uncomfortable or unsafe.
· We see others participating in unsafe, inappropriate, or hurtful online behaviour.
· We notice any damage to school technologies.
· We need help understanding about a digital tool or how it can be used.
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Our Commitment
At Ripponlea Primary School, we are committed to using digital technologies in ways that:
- maximise learning outcomes
- support student wellbeing
- prioritise safety and privacy
- build strong digital citizenship
We will continue to review and refine our approach to ensure it reflects best practice and meets the needs of our students and community.
Digital Technology Hub - Helps families understand the use of Digital Technology in schools.
