Digital Learning
What is Digital Literacy?
Digital Literacy is the ability to use practical knowledge and critical thinking to safely, effectively and responsibly create digital content using a range of technologies. Our pupils first learn to effectively navigate the internet; understand the nuances of search, discern good content from bad, and comprehend the importance of e-safety. Digital Literacy is more than touch typing and word processing, it now includes being able to make effective presentations, understanding digital note taking, creating digital posters and books, mind mapping, photography and moviemaking just to name a few!
Why Digital Learning?
The digital world provides a platform that allows us to connect, collaborate and create. It opens up opportunities to learn about new and important issues, and it empowers innovation in ways that were unimaginable just a few years ago. Digital literacy is necessary to become digital citizens; individuals are responsible for how they use technology to interact with the world around them.
Whilst most pupils may be adept at using digital tools (quick swipes, open browsers, play games, watch videos) through passive use, their understanding of what these tools can do actively as a learning tool is often limited. We aim to shift our pupils from being ‘passive users’ of technology to ‘active users’ of technology. Technology enables pupil driven choice and differentiation in the kind of work they create for sharing their learning and understanding, such as a video, audio, or written story.
How does Digital Learning look at SMHP?
Pupils are encouraged to use technology as a tool for learning in all aspects of the curriculum. We have one computing suite which houses a combination of PCs and laptops. Pupils have 1:2 iPad devices in Years 1, 2, 4 and 5. All children in Years 3 and 6 have 1:1 iPads. Our EYFS pupils incorporate iPads into their daily learning activities often working in small groups. All pupils use learning platforms which allow pupils to upload files and access resources both in and outside of the school.
Today the immense power of digital media enables us to explore, connect, create, and learn in ways never before imagined. With this power, there are extraordinary opportunities, and yet they face many potential pitfalls that can only be overcome through learning of how to use technology as a tool to learn. Digital Literacy enables our children to be thoughtful, confident, safe and independent learners.
With the rapidness and excitement of technology continually changing and evolving, our Digital Literacy curriculum, software and resources are regularly updated to meet the ongoing demands of a dynamic technological world.