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:
• A sustainable and effective ICT
infrastructure that meets digital
learning and administrative needs
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A fast and reliable wireless internet connection
Modern and functional digital equipment
Appropriate hardware and software
Sufficient access to student devices
•
Access to effective ICT support
1.
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Readily available technical support
Training in self support
Guidance and mentoring
An effective “help” mechanism
•
Access to an Ultra Fast Broadband
connection
1. An ultra-fast broadband connection managed through
N4L
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Appropriate security and privacy
mechanisms
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An effective student information
management system
1. Students, staff and parents educated about cybersafety
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
1. Expanded teacher capability in use of the school’s
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 have:
• Confident and capable teachers who
effectively integrate digital learning into
their professional practice
1. Ongoing professional development for teachers on
new technologies as they are introduced to the school
2. Teachers supported with planning and assessment
3. Early adopters used to guide and mentor others
4. Techniques for sharing resources across the school
developed and progressed
•
1. A school culture of peer tutoring in digital learning
2. Students have a voice in the planning for digital
learning
3. Opportunities for tuakana-teina evident throughout
the school
4. Alignment of digital learning and devices with local
secondary schools
5. Student capabilities used to support teachers and
other students
1. A digital learning team with representatives from
across all year levels leading development
2. Current pedagogy in digital learning investigated and
pursued
3. Links with other schools harnessed
4. Digital learning integrated into teacher appraisal
system
1. Board of Trustees fully informed and engaged
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
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The confidence and capability to
effectively engage in digital learning
across the curriculum
Improved learning outcomes through
the appropriate use of digital
technologies to support learning and
digital citizenship
Leaders who have the confidence and
capability to effectively lead and
manage digital learning professional
development
School leaders who lead and support
the integration of digital learning
An informed and supportive Board of
Trustees and community
Active Learners
Strategy
Plimmerton School students will have:
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The opportunity to use, seek and create
knowledge through the use of digital
technologies
Relevant and engaging educational
contexts provided through the use of
high quality digital content
Teacher and students who can work
collaboratively online whilst at school or
elsewhere using a range of platforms
Evidence
1. With the support of parents, the school will provide a
range of digital devices, software and guidance to
allow students to use the best tool available for the
learning task in hand
2. Digital learning is planned for in authentic and
deliberate ways to provide opportunities to enhance
learning
3. Collaboration between classes, teachers and
communities promoted
4. Teams of expert students with delegated
responsibilities provide technical and instructional
support
Learners Working Together
Strategy
Plimmerton School students will have:
•
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Increased understanding of the
importance of digital learning
Increased community participation in
learning through the use of digital
sharing tools
Evidence
1. Current research and links to websites and articles
shared with staff
2. Networking with other schools encouraged
3. Platforms for sharing between staff provided
4. Staff provided with time to become familiar with new
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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