Parents and older members of our community will no doubt remember the limited access they had to computers at school. When I was in Year Five (in the 1980s), we had one classroom Apple Mac for the whole class! How times have changed…In Year Five at THAC, each student has access to their own laptop to assist in learning. We use our laptops regularly to improve our typing skills, reading comprehension and maths skills. The internet helps us to create amazing posters and videos and allows us to research any topic in seconds. Our Year 5 NAPLAN tests next week will also be fully online, allowing for easy access, organisation and marking. Amazing!
With this increased online activity there is a need to teach our students how to be responsible and safe. Already this term each class has devised a class agreement to be “Safe, Savvy and Social” on our devices. “Manners Matter” sessions have also focused on internet etiquette and how much online time is healthy. This week we had a visit from a police officer, Constable Briggs, who shared some important information about safety and appropriate behaviour on social media.
Technology is such a powerful educational tool. We are committed to continuing to help our students learn how to use the internet in ways that will assist their lifelong learning, work and leisure.
Mr Peter Butchatsky
Year 5 Team Leader
