Devices for Learning
Technology is an integral part of education for today’s learners. It is important, however, that students learn how to use technology in a responsible and constructive way that enhances learning, rather than as the driving and sole model of instruction. At St Matthews we recognise the importance of building each student's ability to live in a digital world, whilst also striving to balance the use of technology with other modes of learning. This helps us to ensure that students are able to develop the communication and literacy skills they need for their journey through school and beyond.
Providing students with access to devices such as tablets and laptops enables learning to go beyond the school walls and provide access to worldwide resources. Students in our Primary school have access to shared class sets of Chromebooks and students in Year 7 to 10 participate in a 1:1 Chromebook Program that provides students with access to their own personal device for use at school and at home.
Chromebooks have been chosen as our designated device as they are one of the most powerful technological tools available in education. They offer several advantages, including affordability, quick startup, excellent battery life, seamless integration with Google services, and strong security features. They are also known for their portability and ease of use.
Once a student reaches the end of Year 10, they are then able to select a device of their choosing to use at school so that they can better tailor the technology to the needs of their particular pattern of study in the senior school.
Cyber safety
Supporting students as they learn to be responsible digital citizens is an ongoing task that requires collaboration between families and the school.
During their time at St Matthews, students have significant opportunities to learn about what it means to be responsible and safe online. Families are also encouraged to develop practices within their own homes that support children to make positive choices, particularly in relation to their use of social media.
As a school, we frequently share information with families about internet safety and in particular, we urge parents to access the eSafety website which has many resources to help both parents and students deal with online security, safety and concerns.