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ICT Policy
St. Rynagh's N.S.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents............................................................ 2
Information..................................................................... 3
Mission Statement of St. Rynagh's N.S............................ ....4
Rationale for St. Rynagh's N.S............................................ 5
Why does our school require ICT?................................... 5
ICT and the New Curriculum........................................... 5
Advantages of ICT........................................................ 6
Disadvantages............................................................. 6
To what use will ICT be put?.......................................... 7
Summary of School Audit................................................... 8
Current Infrastructure.................................................... 8
Current Software Provision..............................................9
Progression of Skills..................................................... 10
Current Usage of Facilities............................................. 11
Teaching Staff.................................................................. 12
Teacher Training........................................................... 12
ICT Co-Ordination......................................................... 12
Access......................................................................... 12
Special Needs............................................................... 12
Exceptional Students...................................................... 12
Sustainability................................................................ 12
Health and Safety Aspects ...............................................12
Rules................................................................................ 13
Curricular Relevant Websites................................................ 14
English.......................................................................... 14
General......................................................................... 14
Maths............................................................................ 14
Music............................................................................. 14
SESE - Geography............................................................ 15
SESE - History................................................................. 15
SESE - Science................................................................ 15
SPHE............................................................................. 15
Visual Arts..................................................................... 15
Acceptable Usage Policy...................................................... 16
Pupil Access to the Internet:............................................. 16
General Internet Use Guidelines......................................... 16
St Rynaghs N.S. ICT Permission Forms.................................... 18
Information
School
St Rynagh's N.S.
Roll No
18157J
Phone
057 9151419
E-Mail
strynaghsns.ias@eircom.net
Revision Date:
To reflect the evolving nature of technology whilst affording a realistic timeframe it has been agreed to review this plan biannually.
Plan History
Draft 1: November 21st 1995
Draft 2: December 4th 1997
Draft 3: February 14th 2000
Draft 4: March 15th 2002
Draft 5: January 16th 2004
Draft 6: May 29th 2006
Scheduled Revision Date:
May 2008
Revised September 2009
Placement of Computers
It is our policy to keep computers placed in every Classroom and Resource/Learning Support Room. While we are aware that with this model it will not be possible for an entire class to access the computer simultaneously we feel that the benefits of integrating the computer into all curricular work and into all subjects is a greater model. Our model places computers in real settings where they can be used as educational tools.
Mission Statement of St. Rynagh's N.S.
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 teachers) who are confident and effective users of ICT. We strive to achieve this aim by:
Rationale for St. Rynagh's N.S.
Why does our school require ICT?
1. To provide the best possible education for all our pupils
2. To provide a powerful and up to date teaching resource for all our teachers
3. To allow for more effective administration
4. To help provide more effective communication with parents in the future.
5. To communicate with teachers and pupils in Europe and further a field.
6. To prepare children for life in a technologically advanced workplace.
7. To supply a different means of teaching instead of "Chalk and talk"
8. To keep up to date with the most modern teaching methods.
9. To have a greater means of communication with other gaelscoileanna.
10. To provide the students with a means to publish their own work in a professional manner.
11. To provide the student with a research tool that will be of use to them during their whole life.
12. To aid all children in producing works of which they will be proud.
ICT and the New Curriculum
The Primary School Curriculum lists the following as its principles of learning.
The use of ICT can enhance many of these principles.
Advantages of ICT
1. The most up to date information may be accessed speedily
2. Presentation of work is greatly enhanced
3. Pupils with special needs are greatly empowered though use of ICT
4. The computer has endless patience when used for drill and practice applications
5. The computer can allow for individual differences, and can tailor programmes to the child's progress
6. All children find computers a fascinating and fun source of learning
7. The computer can supply children with a view outside the classroom.
8. The computer provides the children with a different learning environment
9. The data projector means that children can view Internet and research information as a class.
10. The data projector can also be used for power point presentations at school meetings as well as for educational DVD's or videos.
11. The computer classes also supply children with an essential skill for today's working life.
12. Digital Camera shots contextualize the child's life and experience within their learning.
Disadvantages
1. There are major financial implications in equipping a school with ICT
2. Curriculum overload is an ever present problem
3. Introduction of ICT to a school greatly increases the workload, and thereby the stress levels of the teachers
4. Teachers need to continually update their ICT skills
5. Computers are open to viruses and even with 'net nanny 'software can sometimes still be susceptible to harmful images.
To what use will ICT be put?
School Administration
1. Storage of Records of Achievement / Portfolio Assessment
2. Production of notes, Confirmation/Communion booklets and school policies.
3. Communication via email for school purposes only by staff.
4. Storage of photographs, files and booklets for the school.
Student Use
1. Research software, e.g. Encarta Encyclopedia, World Atlas etc.
2. Drill and Practice software, e.g. Computer Classroom, Mavis Beacon etc.
3. Adventure games that stimulate higher order thinking skills and problem solving
4. Word Processing of children's work, Creative Writer 2, An Scribhneoir Óg
5. Research on the internet
6. Special Needs pupils
7. Productions of projects and other publications by the students.
8. Production of flyers and posters by the students advertising school events
9. Digital images for integration within curricular areas.
Summary of School Audit
Current Infrastructure
In keeping with our mission, we perceive the computers being used as a tool of teaching and learning for all classes therefore we have supplied each classroom with computers
o 9 Dell 530 Vista
o 2 laptops 1 Toshiba 2008 1 Dell older?
o 3 Fijitsu 2000 XP
o 2 Philips IQON XP
o 2 Dell 3100 Vista
o 1 Fujitsu Scenic
o 1 Compaq XP
o 1 Dell 2400 X
o 1 OCS 95
Current Software Provision
1. Childsafe - Be safe on the Farm
2. ICT & the Primary Curriculum Resource CD
3 The Kids Encyclopaedia.
4. Getting your computer up and running
5. The Illustrated Catholic Bible
6. Thinkin' things 3
7. Trudy's time & place House
8. Ancient Lands
9. The Learning Advantage Library
- 3 pack (1) Maths Workshop
(2) Living Books - The Tortoise & the Hare
(3) Where in the world is Carmen Sandiego?
10. Teachers Resource Pack - Jump ahead starting Reading.
11. Family Tree - 20 C D's
12. Fuzzbuzz Level 1
13. Fuzzbuzz Level 2 (books 7,8,9)
14. Maths Test for Success (ages 11- 14 Irish Pre-Junior Cert.)
15. Science Fair (Sherston 98)
16. Teachers' Cupboard 2000 (Sherston)
17. Amazing Maths 2000 (2000 Cambridgeshire Software House 95/98/ME)
18. The Number Works (Sherston 1999)
19. Number Train (Sherston)
20. Science Keywords - The Living World (Sherston 1999)
21. Number Shark - 30 games for numeracy 6 to adult. (Windows 95/98/ME)
22. Thinking Things - Collection 3 (Edmark Iona Software)
23. Rhyme & Analogy - activity software B (Oxford uni. Press Sherston)
24. Starspell 2001 (Fisher Marriott Educational win. 95/98 + NT)
25. Matti Mole's Summer Holiday (Sherston)
26. Tizzy's Toybox (Sherston 1997)
27. Stage 4 Talking Stories (Oxford Reading Tree)
28. The Map Detectives (Sherston 97)
29. Crystal Rain Forest 2000
30. Crystal Rain Forest 2 (Mission Control -Sherston)
31. All My Words
32. Rafiki (Trocaire)
33. Word Shark 2L
34. Maths Made Easy Disc 2
35. Text Help - Type & Talk version 4
36. Computer Classroom 2
37. Maths Made Easy 2
38. Computer Classroom 1
39. Reading for Literacy 1
40. Lexia Reading System
41. Computer Classroom 3
42. Computer Classroom 4
Progression of Skills
The school has acquired a comprehensive library of computer software and also depends and relies on a wide array of freeware and shareware software as well as online drill, games, exercises and curricular supportive sites.
The progression of skills as listed below are incremental in nature as each further subsequent step depends on and enhances knowledge of previous steps
Jun Inf - Computer Familiarity
Sen Inf - Computer Familiarity
1st - Computer Familiarity; Competency Using Mouse; Competency using Drill Software
2nd - Computer Familiarity; Competency Using Mouse and keyboard; File Open/Save; Write Stories; Competency using Drill Software
3rd - Computer Familiarity; Competency Using Mouse and keyboard; File Open/Save; Write Stories with Mixed Cases; Competency using Drill Software; Internet Research, Data Manipulation
4th - Computer Familiarity; Competency Using Mouse and keyboard; File Open/Save; Write Stories with Mixed Cases; Competency using Drill Software; Internet Research, Data Manipulation
5th - Computer Familiarity; Competency Using Mouse and keyboard; File Open/Save; Write Stories with Mixed Cases; Competency using Drill Software; Internet Research, Search Engines, Data Manipulation
6th - Computer Familiarity; Competency Using Mouse and keyboard; File Open/Save; Write Stories with Mixed Cases; Competency using Drill Software; Internet Research, Search Engines, Data Manipulation,
Publication of Work
Resource - Drill Software
Current Usage of Facilities
Computers are used as a medium of teaching and learning for all the classes there is a timetable for use of the computer room.
Current usage includes:
Teaching Staff
Teacher Training
The teachers have attended special courses or have all received computer demonstrations during staff meetings.
ICT Co-Ordination
The school has a Special Duties Teacher, who holds responsibility for ICT as part of a designated schedule of responsibilities.
Access
Pupils and teachers have permanent access to ICT.
Special Needs
2 computers and a 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.
Exceptional Students
ICT is used in all classes to challenge and extend the educational opportunities for pupils with above average attainment.
Sustainability
It is our goal to establish an ICT infrastructure which is user friendly, and a level of competence and confidence among the staff which will allow us to embrace ICT jut as effectively as other change has been embraced in the past
Health and Safety Aspects
All monitors comply with European regulations regarding radiation.
Dedicated power points have been installed for all computers, and fused plugs used.
Appropriate seating is being made available
The children are not allowed access Internet sights without supervised permission.
The children are prohibited from sending emails and accessing chat rooms.
Rules
1. Students are not allowed to use computers without supervision.
2. The children must have signed permission to use the Internet.
3. Children are not allowed access chat rooms or access or send emails.
4. The children are not allowed to go on line without supervised permission.
5. Students are not allowed change settings on computers.
6. Students may not enter a website with out permission
7. Children are not allowed in chat rooms or to access or send emails under any circumstances.
8. Students must show due respect to machines, any graffiti or vandalism is prohibited
9. No food or drink is allowed in the Library with the Whiteboard.
10. Students should leave the Library with Whiteboard in good condition.
11. The laptop may not be removed from the school without permission
Curricular Relevant Websites
English
BBC - Schools - Words and Pictures
BBC - Starship - English - Homepage
BBC - The Magic Key - Homepage
BookPALS Storyline Online
Phingertip Fonics
PrimaryGames - Reading and Literacy
Read On - Beenleigh State School
Superteach - English Grammar Online
General
BBC - Schools - 4 to 11 Years
channel4.com - learning
DiscoverySchool offers teacher resources and tools for creating classroom materials.
EdHelper - Theme Units, Lesson Plans, Worksheets and Teacher Tools!
Education World® The Educator's Best Friend
Home School Math - Free Math Worksheets for basic operations, fractions, decimals, and percents from Homeschool Math
Learning Page - Lesson plans and worksheets from learningpage.com
Math Fact Cafe
NCCA
NCTE (National Centre for Technology in Education) - Home
Primary Curriculum Support Program
Primary Resources - Free lesson plans, teaching ideas & worksheets for primary and elementary teachers
Scoilnet
SCoTENS - Standing Conference On Teacher Education North and South - Special Needs Education
SEN Teacher Resources Special needs teaching materials, software and worksheets Autism, PMLD and severe learning disabili
Sunshine Online Literacy Hour
Teaching Ideas for Primary Teachers
TeachNet
The MathWork Site -- On-line math worksheet generator
Maths
A Maths Dictionary for Kids
BBC - Digger and the Gang - Adventure - Maths, English and Science
BBC - Number Time- Homepage
BBC - Schools - Mathsfile
BBC - Starship - Maths - Homepage
Megamaths - Tables
PrimaryGames - Math Games
Smile Mathematics - Matching fractions, fraction flags, magic squares, exploring geometry
Music
BBC Education (NI - Schools) - Musical Mysteries - Home Page
Music for Fun
The Reel Thing - Bringing Traditional Irish Music into the classroom
The San Francisco Symphony Kids Site - Welcome to SFSKIDS
SESE - Geography
BBC - Schools - Barnaby Bear
BBC - Schools - Two Cities
BBC - Schools - what is weather
BBC Schools - Rivers and Coasts - Main menu
Comet - Aim a Hurricane
Comet - Create-a-Cane
Edheads - Weather Activities
Hurricane Preparedness - Basics
Somethingfishy
SESE - History
Buildings, sites, or ruins in my locality - Tamhlacht
Egyptians - Civilization.ca - Mysteries of Egypt
Egyptians - The British Museum
Famous People - BBC Schools
Feasts and Festivals in the Past
Games and Pastimes in the Past - Children's games and toys - the past - Perkasie, PA
Greeks - 4L - History Essentials - Who were the ancient Greeks
Greeks - BBC - Schools - Ancient Greece
Ireland's Last Nomadic People
Life During World War 2 - BBC - Children of World War 2
Life in the 19th Century - BBC - Victorians - Home Page
Life in the 19th Century - Channel Four Victorian Children
The Celts - BBC Wales - Education - Iron Age Celts
The Irish Famine - www.irishpotatofamine.org
The Romans - BBC - Romans - Homepage
The Vikings - BBC - Vikings - Homepage
SESE - Science
Edheads - Simple Machines Activities - Lever - Pulley - Wedge - Screw - Inclined Plane - Wheel and Axle - Gear
From Skerrydoo to Carrickfadda - A Study of Sligo's Coastline
Scence - Spy - Sci-Spy - Exploring the World of Science
The Eden Project - an educational site from learn.co.uk - learn all about Plants
SPHE
Harcourt School Publishers - Disaster Kitchen
Harcourt School Publishers - Skeleton Shakedown
Healthy Teeth
Internet Safety - SAFT.ie - Safety, Awarness, Facts & Tools
KidsHealth - for Kids
Meals Matter - Interactive Nutrition activities for kids - pizza game, food guide pyramid game, breakfast game
Visual Arts
I Am An Artist - Visual Arts in the Primary Schools
Acceptable Usage Policy
Pupil Access to the Internet:
Internet access is now available to pupils. The school is pleased to offer this tool as an available resource to both pupils and teachers for reference purposes and for researching project materials. Pupils will now have ready access to thousands of libraries and databases on every subject written.
Electronic information research skills are now fundamental to preparation for living and working in the coming Information Age. The school will integrate such information as appropriate within the curriculum and staff will provide guidance and instruction to pupils in the appropriate use of such resources.
Pupil use of telecommunications and electronic information will be provided and only permitted upon submission of permission and agreement forms by parents of pupils and pupils themselves.
General Internet Use Guidelines
To ensure that pupils will benefit from the school's Internet resources, all users are expected to adhere to the following rules and guidelines.
1. Pupils will not use the Internet to seek, read, print or download any information in any media that would be considered harmful or in any way detrimental to the health, well being or positive development of the pupil by the school staff or by the pupil's parents or guardians. To ensure that pupils will benefit from the school's Internet resources, all users are expected to adhere to the following rules and guidelines.
2. Pupils will be provided with appropriate guidance as they make use of telecommunications and electronic information to conduct research and other studies.
3. All members of staff need to be aware of possible misuses of on-line access and their responsibilities towards pupils.
4. The school rules for Internet use and their implications should be explained to pupils and parents.
5. Ensure that appropriate blocking/filtering software is installed in conjunction with the computer's Internet access software. This software, while not entirely foolproof will greatly reduce the risk of deliberate or inadvertent access to undesirable material.
6. Internet use is not permitted without close monitoring of the children's activities. There is no access to chat rooms.
7. The amount of time spent on-line by pupils will be limited and, where possible, specific tasks will be given to pupils to carry out while on the internet.
8. Where possible teachers should preview sites which are intended for use as a part of a lesson.
9. The use of search engines by pupils will be closely monitored.
Filtering:
The school will avail of the filtering system offered by the National Centre for Technology in education which is described here.
Option A A wide range of websites including educational, cultural and general interest categories.
A further description of the filtering system is available in the N.C.T.E. Guidelines that are enclosed with this policy.
School Website
Sanctions
Misuse of the Internet may result in disciplinary action in compliance with the schools Code of Behaviour Policy.
St Rynaghs N.S. ICT Permission Forms
Internet Parent Permission Form:
Please complete and return this form to the Principal:
Name of pupil: ____________________ Class: ___________
Pupil:
I agree to comply with the school rules on the use of the internet. I will use the network in a responsible way and observe all the restrictions explained to me by the school.
Pupil Signature: _____________________ Date: ___________
Parent:
As the parent/Guardian of the above pupil, 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 designed for educational purposes. I also understand that the school cannot be held responsible if pupils access unsuitable websites, but that every reasonable precaution has been taken by the school to provide for online safety.
Parent Signature: ______________________ Date: ____________
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