Digital Learning. A Guide for Year 7 Pupils & Parents

Digital Learning A guide for year 7 pupils and parents

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Introduction

Introduction Dear Parent, I am writing to you as the Head of Digital Learning to introduce myself and the Google Chromebooks.

We recognise that many of you will be totally up to speed with new technology, but we have designed this guide as a quick reference for those parents who may not be as familiar with the technology the school uses. I have also outlined the ways in which Latymer is using technology to create a dynamic teaching and learning experience at Latymer.

Chromebooks are the number one laptop sold to US and UK schools. They are fast, robust, easy to use and have access to an extensive library of educational websites and apps. We have carefully chosen these devices above other similarly powerful ones due to the particularly dynamic way they can be used to help maximise your child’s learning potential.

In order to ensure that the devices are used appropriately and effectively there are three stakeholders: the staff, the pupils and the parents. The responsibilities and roles of these stakeholders will be outlined in this booklet.

We are thrilled to be able to bring learning to life with these amazing devices and we look forward to working with you to ensure that, with their Chromebooks, our pupils learn appropriately, effectively and imaginatively.

Yours sincerely,

Max Devenport HEAD OF DIGITAL LEARNING

The basics 3

The basics 1. All Lower Schools pupils will receive a Google Chromebook.

2. The pupils will use Google Classroom as well as a variety of Google Workspace Apps.

3. The pupils will be further supported by a variety of departmental Google Sites.

4. The pupils will use an online learning platform called My School Portal (MSP) to help them organise their work.

In this section I will discuss Google Workspace, Google Sites and My School Portal in more detail.

4 Google Workspace

Google Workspace Latymer Upper School uses Google Workspace. Google Workspace is a collection of tools including Google Docs, Google Sheets and Google Slides that creates a more dynamic and collaborative working environment for the student.

The school Chromebooks are fully integrated with Google Workspace to allow far greater ease of access and fluidity between projects than any alternative laptop.

Below is a non-exhaustive list of the Google Workspace Apps:

Google Drive

Google Drive is very much the hub of all of the students’ work. It is where they store all of their learning resources.

Google Drive is also where they can share projects with their peers.

Google Classroom

A blended learning platform that integrates Google Workspace to allow teachers to assign and collect work from students.

Google Classroom creates a paperless environment and saves time, providing a way for teachers and students to communicate easily and stay organised.

Google Docs

A live dynamic word processor. This will probably be the most used app. Not only does it have the basic functionalities of the word processor but it has plenty of sophisticated inbuilt tools such as a footnote and reference creator, the ability to work as a group collaboratively on the same doc and to insert sound clips, images and video files.

Google Workspace

Google Sheets

Students can analyse patterns in mathematics or science. They can put together tables and diagrams for classwork or homework.

Google Slides

Google Slides allows students to present what they have learned. It is similar to Microsoft Powerpoint. They can collaborate on presentations as well as make use of some powerful inbuilt research functions.

Google Forms

Pupils can create forms, quizzes, and surveys to collect and analyse responses. It allows pupils to collect and collate data.

Google Sites

Google Sites is a simple, ready-made way for students to make a website.

This is particularly useful when piecing together portfolios in Art or Design. It is a way of showcasing all of the wonderful things they have done at Latymer. See below for further information regarding Google Sites.

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Google Workspace

A short word on My School Portal (MSP

MSP enables the students to have access to: Google Classroom, SOCS, the school calendar and their Google Drive all from the same platform. It is simple and integrates with software already in place as well as with students’ current logins. The students’ academic Google Sites will be accessible from MSP. A short word on Google Sites

Google Sites is a website that is linked directly to the Google Drive (the student’s organisational hub). Like the majority of other Google products, Google Sites are frequently used throughout the school. For example, in the Design Department it is not uncommon for pupils to showcase their work on a Google Site, similarly in English, students may construct a Google Site to collate media to enrich their understanding of a particular novel. From September 2022 all departments will have produced a Google Site with which to further support their learning.

Digital organisation

At Latymer, pupils are expected to organise their work using both a digital system involving Google Drive and an analogue system which could involve files or exercise books.

Of course, they will be supported by their classroom teachers to ensure that their Google Drive is kept up to date and organised. Naturally, this is something that needs to be taught and habits need to be formed. Whilst having a digital filing system can be useful, we accept that it is redundant unless it is properly curated and appropriately named. The naming of files is increasingly important when considering the ease of searching for relevant files on Google. Undoubtedly once they leave school, whether it be in tertiary education or beyond, they will be using a digital filing system and so it is essential that these skills are learned and developed throughout their time at LUS. You can watch a video regarding digital organisation here: www.youtube.com/ watch?v=Y-fQGSiVIIYe. All pupils will have seen this video during this training.

Chromebooks and School policies 7

Chromebooks and School policies So, why Chromebooks?

Plenty of research went into the decision to use Chromebooks for all pupils in Year 7 to Year 11.

Firstly, the computers can be set up really quickly which is crucial when pupils are regularly grabbing their Chromebooks mid-lesson. Once the computers are in use they are fully integrated with Google Workspace for Education and Classroom.

The devices can also be collectively managed and monitored by the School’s IT support.

Secondly, there is an extensive library of educational apps that help pupils engage deeply in their studies. This constant connectivity allows pupils’ learning to be current and dynamic.

Thirdly are the benefits of the Chromebooks to independent learning, particularly outside of the classroom.

What are the school policies on Chromebooks?

The School’s Chromebook Policies and Procedures Handbook LUS sets out pupils’ responsibilities regarding the use, management and care of their Chromebook including the procedure should it be lost, damaged or stolen.

The Handbook is available on the Parent Portal under ‘School Information/School Policies’. Some key requirements are listed below: 1. The Chromebook must be brought to school every day as it is a key resource for learning: notepad, research tool,

media player, collaborative tool etc.

If a student leaves their Chromebook at home, they are responsible for getting the course work completed as if they had had the Chromebook with them.

2. The Chromebook must be taken home each night. It should not be left in a student locker.

3. The Chromebook should be fully charged at the beginning of each school day so it should be charged every night.

There will be no charging facilities at school. No chargers or charger leads should be brought to school.

4. If not being used, during the School Day, the Chromebook must be locked securely in the student’s locker and must not have other items placed on top of it. The Chromebook must not be taken to Games – it must be locked securely in the student’s locker. The Chromebook must not be left in bags, on desks or on bag racks at break or lunchtime.

5. Year 7 students may not use their Chromebooks at certain times: • before tutors arrive for registration, or

• during lunch or morning break, except in the library.

6. If a Chromebook malfunctions or is damaged or stolen, the pupil must report this immediately to their form tutor and the IT Helpdesk.

7. If a Chromebook charger is lost/ misplaced, the cost of a replacement charger will be added to the student’s next term’s fee bill.

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Chromebooks and School policies

Homework

The School’s Homework Policy states that all homework will be set on Google Classroom. Whilst homework will always be set through Google Classroom, the Chromebooks will not be required for all homework and should not necessarily be used as a substitute for completing assignments by hand.

What happens if…

The Chromebook gets lost?

If the Chromebook (or charger) is lost either in school or away from school, the student should report it to their form tutor, who will then notify the IT Helpdesk.

The IT Helpdesk may not be able to offer a replacement device (or charger) for at least 24 hours. During this time the student may borrow a Chromebook from the library and must make endeavours to find the missing device. Your parents will be notified and charged for a replacement charger and in certain circumstances they will be charged for a replacement Chromebook.

The Chromebook gets damaged?

If pupils notice any damage to the Chromebook or charger, they must notify the IT Helpdesk immediately. Once reported and logged, the IT Helpdesk will then determine the best course of action.

If the charger stops working, pupils should not attempt to repair / open the charger; simply email the IT Helpdesk and collect a new charger. In the case of wilful damage, your parents will be notified and charged for a replacement charger.

The Chromebook gets stolen?

If the Chromebook or charger is stolen outside school or away from school, the student should report it to the police and obtain a crime reference number, and report it to their form tutor (providing the crime reference number), who will then notify the IT Helpdesk. The IT Helpdesk may not be able to offer a replacement Chromebook or charger for at least 24 hours. During this time, the pupil may borrow a Chromebook from the library.

If it can be shown that the theft was due to your negligence, e.g. leaving the Chromebook on a park bench, your parents will be notified and may be charged for a replacement Chromebook and/or charger.

Chromebooks and School policies 9

What is Smoothwall?

The School has filters in place to ensure that children are safe from inappropriate (sexual, terrorist and extremist) material when accessing the Internet in school. The filters differentiate between the age ranges of our pupils providing them with a safe environment in which to learn but without restricting what they can be taught with regard to online safety.

Smoothwall is software that is installed on all School devices used by students, including Chromebooks. It allows the School to monitor the Chromebooks to ensure that students are safe online. It is a statutory duty for schools to monitor their digital environment in order to identify any potential threats to a student’s welfare and wellbeing (See the School’s Safeguarding Policy paragraph 11.4).

Through Smoothwall, and the School’s filtering system, the School will be informed of any inappropriate activity on the Chromebooks. It is the Chromebooks themselves that will be monitored which

means that inappropriate sites viewed at home on a Chromebook by students will also be flagged. Sanctions could be issued for inappropriate use in accordance with the School’s Behaviour Policy.

Chromebook web access is filtered when connecting to the School’s wireless Internet. However, once offsite, so at home or when connected to a wireless hotspot, Internet access is restricted by the local Internet connection only and the School has no control over which websites are accessed. Smoothwall will continue to monitor activity for safeguarding reasons, but does not filter that Internet access.

The Chromebook Policies and Procedures Handbook LUS does contain advice specifically for parents on how their home Internet can be filtered, either on their home router or on their Internet Service Provider’s portal.

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Digital responsibility

Digital responsibility Screen time Screen time is a hot topic and sometimes it seems as though the young are permanently staring at a screen. At Latymer we are aware of how important it is for pupils to spend time away from their devices. Whilst homework is set on Google Classroom to help pupils with their organisation, we are not keen to adopt a fully immersive approach where our children are inundated by screens and reliant on their devices at all times of the day. Indeed, we believe that technology should be used only when it aids teaching and learning in a way in which the analogue alternative cannot.

We are able to manage the screen time at school but we are unable to do so when pupils are at home. Whilst eSafe monitors the use of Chromebooks at home, it does not stop the pupils looking at YouTube or other potentially distracting sites.

Below are listed some key points that we feel are conducive to more productive use of electronic devices, at home.

Guidelines for parents

• Act as a role model for your children in your own use of ‘smart’ mobile devices – switching them off, not using them during meal­times or while talking with children etc. Online resources like www.commonsensemedia.org can help you find out more.

• Discuss openly smartphone/Chromebook/ computer use (both yours and theirs) with your children and agree some self-­limits along the lines above. Get them to show you how to turn off banners and alerts etc.

Acknowledge the problem of distraction.

Further information at www.childnet.com/ resources/family-agreement • Agree a time that you will unplug the broadband router (this will stop the Chromebook access to e­mail, Instagram, Internet etc. whilst not preventing ‘off­line’ use).

• Use the potential of your broadband Internet settings (parental controls) to ‘control’ the devices used within the home.

Most home Internet routers, including BT Home Hub, SKY Wireless Router and Virgin Superhub have an Access Control Centre, where you can set individual schedules for devices based on their hardware/mac address, allowing access or blocking at different times of the day that you choose.

This can be used for Chromebooks or any mobile device as well as computers and game consoles. Check the user manual or search online for instructions on how to set this up on your home router. Further information at www.internetmatters.org/ parental-controls/internetmatters.org/ parental-controls/

Digital responsibility

Responsibilities for pupils

• Students will use the Chromebook in a responsible and ethical way.

• Students will respect the School’s Behaviour Policy and Anti-bullying Policy in using their Chromebook.

• Students will follow the School’s AUP for Pupils when using the Chromebook and applications thereon (they should take note in particular of all prohibited activities).

• Students will report to their form tutor and the IT Helpdesk any damage or technical or security issues regarding their Chromebook.

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• Students will not lend out or allow others to use their Chromebook or access any data/settings on it.

• Students must save their work/ information appropriately then turn off and secure their Chromebook after they have finished working with it to protect both it and their work/information.

• See the Chromebook Policies and Procedures Handbook LUS

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Protection at home

Protection at home How can you help ensure that your children are using their devices effectively and appropriately at home? This section goes beyond the Chromebooks and is considering general issues such as decreasing screen time at home, whether they are looking at their smartphone or any other device.

Filtering (or Firewalls)

This section looks to clarify filtering at both home and in school.

• Protection on a Chromebook has two elements.

1. Monitoring what happens on the Chromebook.

2. Filtering or restricting access to websites.

• Smoothwall is the monitoring program that is already installed on the Chromebook. It monitors all activities at home and at school and will alert the School if inappropriate content is accessed. It does not block websites.

• Filtering is what restricts access to websites, (sometimes referred to as parental controls or firewalls). In school we have robust filtering that blocks a number of sites that normally will be accessible at home. For example most game and shopping sites are blocked in school. More detail is set out in the School’s Online Safety Policy.

• At home you need to consider if you want to filter (restrict and block) the sites that can be accessed. It is important to remember that a filter in place could affect every device in your home, but this varies by broadband provider.

Some providers will allow you to bypass the restrictions with a username and password or setup scheduled times when the filters are applied.

• For advice on how to adjust and set up your home filtering settings click below. www.internetmatters.org/parentalcontrols/broadband-mobile/ • You will need to select your broadband provider.

• Latymer cannot offer technical support on how to configure your home filtering.

Apps for parents 13

Apps for parents Below is a list of apps which help parents and their children use the Chromebooks productively and safely at home. There are many apps on the market and at times this can be overwhelming. Below I have included the top three we would recommend.

StayFocusd

StayFocusd is a productivity extension for Google Chrome that helps you stay focused on work by restricting the amount of time you can spend on time-wasting websites. Once your allotted time has been used up, the sites you have blocked will be inaccessible for the rest of the day.

AppLock+

AppLock+ enables parents to set healthy limits on smartphone usage without being intrusive. Game apps can be blocked at the school door with geo-lock restrictions or after-school time limits set for social media with the premium version.

DinnerTime

DinnerTime fosters more quality time by reminding kids to put their phones away throughout the day. If they need a little extra ‘encouragement,’ advanced features can set time limits on usage and block apps.

14 Apps for parents

Mobicip

Mobicip can be set up on smartphones and computers to track browsing history and app usage, set time limits, and block content.

Filtering levels for strict, moderate, and mature internet access give kids just the right amount of freedom.

My Mobile Watchdog

From the app’s dashboard, access your child’s text messages, call logs, and location. My Mobile Watchdog lets you remove or block apps, allow or delete contacts, and be alerted of any unapproved communication.

Mamabear

Mamabear offers a variety of services to let you know where your kids are, monitor their social media accounts, and read any incoming and outgoing text messages. It also protects your children on the road by alerting you if they go above a certain speed limit.

Pumpic

Pumpic tracks text messages, calls, contacts, photos, and websites. It even provides control over Skype and WhatsApp communication. You can also monitor some content from the cloud and avoid downloading anything to your child’s physical device.

Qustodio’s

Qustodio’s monitoring features for social networking, games and apps, text messages and calls help manage your child’s internet experience.

Location tracking and a panic button for emergencies offer an extra level of protection.

Apps for parents 15

Screen Time

When left unmonitored, kids can spend hours online. Screen Time sets time limits or restricts access to apps during school or bedtime. From your phone, you can also pause your child’s device or grant bonus time.

TeenSafe

Designed to help supervise your teen, this service lets you view sent, received, and even deleted text messages. Basic features like location tracking are coupled with the ability to view your teen’s activity on apps like Instagram, Kik, and WhatsApp.

Kiddoware

Kiddoware has created a variety of apps to childproof your phone. The Parental Control Suite can filter web content and set up daily screen time limitations.

Net Nanny

Net Nanny helps you control your child’s internet usage with filtering options, social media monitoring, and time management features. With remote admin access, you can receive reports or change profile settings as long as you have an internet connection.

Max Devenport – June 2022 mjd@latymer-upper.org