Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Policy
As well as being an important educational resource, the ability to use
ICT effectively is a vital life skill in modern society. Our aim is to produce learners (pupils and
staff) who are confident and effective users of ICT. We strive to achieve this aim by:
- Helping all staff and pupils to explore the learning resources provided by ICT
- Helping all children to use ICT with purpose and enjoyment
- Helping all children to develop the necessary skills to exploit ICT
- Helping children to become autonomous users of ICT
- Helping all children to evaluate the benefits of ICT and its impact on society
- Using ICT to develop partnerships beyond the school
- Celebrating success in the use of ICT
- Using ICT as a cross-curricular tool in a positive and productive manner
- Developing critical skills for safe internet use
Rationale
Why does our school require ICT?
- To provide the best possible education for all our pupils
- To provide a powerful and up to date teaching resource for all our teachers
- To allow for more effective administration
- To help provide more effective communication with staff and parents
- To communicate with teachers and pupils in
- To facilitate project work.
- To prepare children for life in a technologically advanced world.
To what use will ICT be put?
- School Administration
- Research
- Adventure games that stimulate higher order thinking skills and problem solving e.g. Nessy Learning
- Literacy and Numeracy
- Textbook sharing in classrooms
- Jolly Phonics teaching
- Word Processing and display of children’s work
- Research on the internet
- Communication via email
- Music composition and digital recording
- Storage of Records of achievement/portfolio assessment
- Special Needs pupils software,
- Typing skills and effective ICT use
- Critical awareness of social networking and its correct use
- Visual presentation (Power Point) on flat screen T.V. regularly in entrance hall
- Aladdin Schools System
·
Attendance records
·
Pupil Test
results/Report Cards
·
In School
Communication
·
Class Lists
·
Financial records
-Pupil intake monies
·
Texts and emails
Actual usage of ICT in School
Children will
acquire a certain level of competency at using computers. Skills to be learned are outlined below:
Junior and Senior
Infants:
·
Be able to turn on and off (shut down) the
computer
·
Insert and eject discs and CDs
·
Manipulate mouse and keyboard
·
Become familiar with basic computer terms –
monitor, keyboard, mouse, enter, return, space bar, delete
·
Through curriculum integration improve
reading/writing/maths/art skills through games etc.
·
Interaction with the IWB—manipulation and
control of a wide range of controls
First and Second
Classes:
·
Basic word-processing skills
·
Understand the use of basic function keys –
caps, space, delete, fada etc
·
Format text e.g. Change to bold, underline
etc
·
Change fonts and font size
·
Print and save their work
·
Use drop-down menus and select function
·
Integrate with reading words such as
enter/click/double-click/delete/return
·
Curriculum integration reading and writing
(word processing), maths, spelling, tables etc.
Third to Sixth
Classes:
·
Keyboard skills
·
File management
·
Editing
·
Word processing
·
Spread sheets
·
Printing
·
Use internet for information gathering
·
Data representation
Summary of School Audit
An E
learning audit is also available as part of the school’s e-learning plan. This
audit will be updated and maintained by Mr. Denis O’Sullivan
Current Infrastructure
- In keeping with our mission, we perceive computers being used as a tool of teaching and learning in each classroom And in the Computer Room/Library.
- All computers are connected to the internet.
- Central Printer/Copier is located in main office.
- Each teacher has a school supplied laptop.
- Licences are renewed and internet security systems upgraded on a rgularl basis
- Our current broadband provider is Eircom, as dictated by Department of Education and Skills Schools Broadband scheme
- All classroom computers purchased to have Microsoft Office latest version
- Current licenses are up to date for the use of Microsoft Office on all computers and laptops
- Most up-to-date operating system are chosen when purchasing new computers
- The principal’s office and secretary’s office are also equipped with a PC, Two desktops and networked colour printer
- Two digital cameras, one digital stills camera, are in the school for use by the classes while many teachers use their own camera or an SD card for school photos
- Digital sound recorder
- Interactive Whiteboards are provided in all the classrooms and in one learning support room.
- One Data projector is available for use in the school GP room.There is a screen in the G.P. Room for such use
- Most classrooms are equipped with a visualiser and teachers are encouraged to maximise the combined use of IWBs and visualiser in the delivery of the new numeracy and literacy strategies
- Information is provided for teachers via the Aladdin Schools messaging system..
- See E-learning plan for computer hardware inventory.
Current Software Provision
- Software is stored in the class that it is appropriate to and listed on that class’ inventory.
- Much of the software is no longer suitable for use in modern machines. General IT books and CDs are stored in the Office, along with computer installation software and folder relating to the use of IT in the classroom.
- While the school relied on software in the past, current trends are towards the use of online material which is regularly updated and relevant
- Scoilnet is the portal which is used throughout the school for accessing regularly used sites
- Webwise is used for Internet safety lessons
- The NCCA and PDST sites are used for curriculum planning
- The main software used in the school includes
- Wordshark 4 in the SEN department
- Jolly Phonics in the infant classes
- Nessy Learning
Current Usage of Facilities
- Computers are used as a medium of teaching and learning in all the classrooms and in the Computer room and Current usage includes pre-reading and early reading work; pre-number and early number work; mathematical application; development of thinking and problem solving skills; word processing, desktop publishing; use of multimedia encyclopaedia and typing skills; internet work; presentation of project work; creating art work; spelling; development of fine motor skills. This is not an exhaustive list
- Communication is via Aladdin Schools system.
- Photos, art manipulation, research, scanning, e books and Display are among the many uses for iCT in relation to the project work
Additional Information
ICT Co-ordination
- The Post Holder responsible for ICT as part of a designated schedule of responsibilities is Denis O’Sullivan
- Any IT faults which cannot be rectified by hardware user are to be reported to the ICT co-ordinator who then makes principal or IT technician Eoin Casey aware of problem.
- Norton Anti-virus Protection is installed on all computers with access to broadband.
Access
Teachers have permanent access to ICT. Teachers are asked to check Aladdin each day
Special Needs
One Learning Support/Resource room has an interactive whiteboard, all
Ls/Rt teachers have their own laptops and there is a desktop for use by pupils
in three LS/RT rooms
Computers and printer are provided in the learning support rooms, and resource
rooms, as we recognise the potential of ICT to enhance the learning
opportunities for pupils with special needs.
Children with specific writing, reading and numeracy needs are using ICT
to provide alternative and complementary educational experiences. Laptops and specialised keyboards are also
provided where appropriate. A typing tutor is used with a number of children
who have recommendations for ICT use. Peripherals like camera, voice recorders
and flip cams are used in some resource rooms. This is in line with the view
that each child should be afforded the opportunity to access the curriculum in
a meaningful way.
Exceptional Students
ICT is used in all classrooms to challenge and extend
the educational opportunities for pupils with above average attainment.
Maintenance
- Each teacher is asked to take care of their laptop at the end of the day and during the holidays
- Each teacher is asked to delete any confidential information before passing it on to another member of staff
- The laptops are with the teacher and move with them from year-to-year.
Health and Safety Aspects
All new computers purchased will comply with European regulations
regarding radiation.
Dedicated power points are/will be installed for all computers, and
fused plugs used.
Appropriate seating is made available.
Communications Costs
Eircom ISDN line is supplied to the school at present.
.
Planning for the future
The fifteen desktops in the computer room /library
were bought from funds provided by Department of Ed. And Skills for IT in
schools. The School’s Board of Management, the Parents’ Association and the
school staff were all involved in the provision of the current ICT provision.
Financial assistance was provided by the BOM, the IWBs were mainly bought from
B.O.M, funds the Staff of the school embraced the new developments in
technology with enthusiasm and appropriate training and upskilling.
A summary of the hardware infrastructure is included
in the e learning audit.
- ICT provider and technical support, Eoin Casey
- Denis O’Sullivan, ICT co-ordinator
Internet Safety
School personnel are very aware of the issues
surrounding Internet Safety. Talks have been given to parents and children are
reminded of responsible internet use on a regular basis. If any incidents of a
bullying nature are reported the Principal or teacher makes contact with the
parents of those involved
Each family is presented with the school’s AUP and
agrees to abide by the rules and guidelines which it contains.
Attention is drawn to websites such as www.webwise.ie
which provide information for parents, children and the wider community on safe
internet use. www.ncte.ie is another source of advice and provides links to
videos and good practice for teachers in the classroom. There are ready made
lessons available on line also for this purpose.
REVIEW
ROLES
AND RESPONSIBLITIES
The post holder in consultation with the class
teachers will be responsible for the review of this plan. It will be necessary to review this plan so
as to have a discussion on the plan and incorporate any new ideas.
Signed:
______________________
Signed: ____________________
(Chairperson of Board of Management) (Principal)
Date:
________________________
Date: ____________________
Ratified by Board of
Management 8th April, 2014
Date of next review: 2016 – 2017 School Year
Addendum – Inventory of
IT equipment (May 2016)
AUP
Policy
Acceptable
Use Policy
(Internet)
Holy
Family National School
The
aim of this Acceptable Use Policy is to ensure that pupils will benefit from
learning opportunities offered by the school’s Internet resources in a safe and
effective manner. Internet use and access is considered a school resource and
privilege. Therefore, if the school AUP is not adhered to this privilege will
be withdrawn and appropriate sanctions — as outlined in the AUP — will be
imposed.
It is
envisaged that school and parent representatives will revise the AUP annually.
Before signing, the AUP should be read carefully to ensure that the conditions
of use are accepted and understood.
This
version of the AUP was created on 16th November, 2009
by all teachers.
School’s Strategy
The
school will employ a number of strategies in order to
maximise learning opportunities and reduce risks associated with the Internet.
These strategies are as follows:
General
• Internet sessions will always
be supervised by a teacher.
• Filtering
software and/or equivalent systems will be used in order to minimise the risk
of exposure to inappropriate material.
• The school will regularly monitor pupils’ Internet usage.
• Uploading
and downloading of non-approved software will not be permitted.
• Virus protection software will be used and
updated on a regular basis.
• The
use of personal floppy disks or CD-ROMs in school requires a teacher’s
permission.
• Students will observe good “netiquette" (i.e., etiquette on
the Internet) at all times and will not undertake any actions that may bring
the school into disrepute.
World
Wide Web
• Students will use the internet for educational purposes only.
• Students will be familiar with copyright issues relating to online
learning.
• Students will never disclose or publicise personal information.
Email
. Students will
note that sending and receiving emails/attachments is subject to permission
from their teacher.
Holy Family National
School,
Rathmore,
Co. Kerry.
Tel. No: (064) 7758492
Fax
No. (064) 7758499
e-mail: hfnsrathmore@eircom.net
Dear Parent,
13th April, 2011.
Re: Internet Permission Form
As
part of the school’s education programme, we offer pupils supervised access to
the Internet. This allows students access to a large array of online
educational resources that we believe can greatly enhance students’ learning
experience.
However, access to and use of
the Internet requires responsibility on the part of the user and the school.
These responsibilities are outlined in the school’s Acceptable Uses Policy
(enclosed). It is important that this enclosed document is read carefully,
signed by a parent or guardian and returned to the school.
Although the school takes
active steps to promote safe use of the Internet, it recognises the possibility
that students may accidentally or deliberately access inappropriate or
objectionable material.
The school respects each
family’s right to decide whether or not to allow their children access to the
Internet as defined by the school’s Acceptable Use Policy. Having read the
terms of our school’s Acceptable Use Policy, you may like to take a moment to
consider how the Internet is used in your own home, and see if there is any way
you could make it safer for your own family.
FACEBOOK: Parents need to be very vigilant if their
children are on Facebook. Children need to be 13 years before they can
have a Facebook profile. Children need
to know that what they write on Facebook can be seen by others and they should
never write comments that maybe hurtful to any member of the school
community. In the event of such an
occurrence we will notify facebook that the account is held by a person under
13 years of age and they will cancel the account immediately. We are supported
by the National Centre for Technology in Education in this. If Facebook fail to remove the profile then
we can report the matter to the National Centre for Technology in Education and
they will deal with the matter.
Please read the attached
documentation on Online Safety which we hope you will find helpful.
Yours Sincerely,
_____________________
Diarmuid
McCarthy
Principal
Permission
Form
Please review the attached school Internet Acceptable Use Policy, sign
and return this permission form to the Principal.
Name of Pupil: _____________________ Class:_____________
Name of Pupil:
____________________ Class:
_____________
Name of Pupil: ____________________ Class: _____________
Parent/Guardian:
As the parent or legal guardian of the above pupils, I have read the
Acceptable Use Policy and grant permission for my son or daughter to access the
Internet. I understand that Internet access is intended for educational
purposes. I also understand that every reasonable precaution has been taken by
the school to provide for online safety but the school cannot be held
responsible if pupils access unsuitable websites.
 |
I
accept the above paragraph I do not
accept the above paragraph
(Please tick as appropriate)
Signature: __________________
Date: _____________
Address: ___________________ Telephone: ________
AUP Checklist
For an AUP to be robust it needs to be reviewed and updated regularly,
taking into consideration implementation issues that may arise. The following
is a checklist that may be used when developing or revising an AUP.
1.
Have AUP implementation issues arisen since the AUP
was designed/revised?
2.
Have these issues been discussed with parents,
students and teachers and incorporated into an updated AUP?
3.
Given that an AUP is in place, can the school
confidently address the following scenarios?
§
A child is found using a chat room to arrange a
face-to-face meeting with a friend.
§ The school uses
filtering software but a child accidentally accesses a pornographic website
while in your care.
§ A child publishes
defamatory information on a personal website about a peer.
4.
Has the AUP had a positive impact on curriculum
delivery?
5. Has internal or external expertise assisted the
formulation or reformulation of
the AUP?
6. Has the school discussed the use of the Internet
with parents and guardians?
7.
Has the AUP as a code of Internet use transferred to
home use?
8.
Does an open dialogue exist between students and
teachers relating to
internet misuse and
safety issues?
9.
Are teachers’ and students’ Internet safety training
needs being met?
Holy
Family National School,
Rathmore,
Co. Kerry.
Tel. No: (064) 7758492
Fax
No. (064) 7758499
e-mail: hfnsrathmore@eircom.net
10th December,
2009.
To each member of the Board of Management
Please read attached Internet Policy.
Please comment in writing should anything be added or removed, or any
other suggestions.
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
____________________________
Diarmuid
McCarthy,
Principal.