ICT Integration Policy

CONTENTS

1. Rationale

2. Purpose

3. Application and Scope

4. Aims

5. Teaching and Learning

6. Training

7. Resources

8. Inclusion

9. Internet Use

1.  Rationale

Information and communication technology (ICT) prepares learners to participate in a rapidly changing world in which work and other activities are increasingly transformed by access to varied and developing technology. Learners use ICT tools to find, explore, analyse, exchange and present information responsibly and creatively. They learn how to employ ICT to enable rapid access to ideas and experiences from a wide range of people, communities and cultures. Increased capability in the use of ICT promotes initiative and independent learning; with learners being able to make informed judgements about when and where to use ICT to best effect, and consider its implications for home and work both now and in the future.

2.  Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to outline the school’s approach to use ICT for management, administration and teaching and learning in the school. 

3.  Application and scope

This policy applies to all learners, educators, administrative staff and SMT members.

4.  Aims

The overall aim for Information and Communication Technology Integration is to enrich learning for all learners and to ensure that educators develop confidence and competence to use Information and Communication Technology in the effective teaching of their subject.

ICT Integration will offer learners the opportunity to:

• Take advantage of ICT opportunities to promote learning outside the classroom.

• Develop the confidence and capability to use IT and computing throughout their later life.

• Develop their skills in using hardware and software so as to enable them to manipulate information.

• Develop their ability to apply ICT capability and ICT to support their use of language and communication.

ICT integration will offer educators the opportunity to:

• Use IT and computing as a tool to enhance learning throughout the curriculum.

• Provide a relevant, challenging and enjoyable curriculum for learners.

• Equip pupils with the confidence and capability to use IT and computing throughout their later life.

5. Teaching and learning

• ICT processes will be used wherever possible and appropriate during teaching and learning at Mosebu Primary School.

• Each learner will be introduced to the basic ICT skills required to operate effectively with the computers and other gadgets at the school.

• Learners will use ICT to support curriculum areas including literacy, numeracy and other key Learning Areas.

• Teaching staff should endeavour to use a variety of teaching methods incorporating the use of ICT equipment.

• Educators should meet regularly to share ideas relating to the use of ICT in the classroom.

6. Training

Training shall encompass the following:

• Curriculum related training.

• Technical support and training for teachers including an induction process for new staff members to develop confidence in the use of ICT in the classroom.

• Management of ICT within the classroom environment.

7. Resources

• The effective use of ICT in the classroom requires that learners and teachers have appropriate access to a range of ICT equipment.

• ICT equipment should be maintained and updated as regularly as possible.

• Outdated computer equipment and software should be upgraded as often as possible to ensure that the learners work in ICT remains current.

8. Inclusion

All learners, regardless of race or gender, shall have the opportunity to develop ICT capability. The school will promote equal opportunities for computer usage and fairness of distribution of ICT resources.

9. Internet use

• Internet use by learners should be strictly controlled at all times. No learner may access the internet without the permission and close supervision of a teacher.

• Internet access will be for educational purposes only i.e.: research, lesson planning etc.