Digital Education and Cyber Safety 

At St Columba’s we see technology as a powerful learning support.  As such, we aim to incorporate the latest ICT resources in order to enhance our teaching and learning environments.  Currently we have a student to device ratio of 1:1 in our 5/6 community, 1:2 in our 3/4 community and 1:3 in our junior grades, this includes a mix of iPads, Apple Mac Books (laptops) and chromebooks.

A key use of technology is in the support of collaborative learning.  To help facilitate this, each Grade 3-6 student has a Google for Education account.  This gives them the ability to email and use online applications such as Google Docs and Forms in a safe online environment to share their work with other students throughout the 3-6 area.  All students in Grades 3 to 6 have a one hour specialist technology lesson each week.

The learning environments throughout the school are fitted with either an Interactive Smartboard or a 55 inch flat screen TV that has an Apple Mac Mini to each of them.  Students make use of the large screens regularly, connecting to them via their device to share and collaborate on their work. 

The school also has a video conferencing unit that allows us to build connections and links throughout the world bringing experts into the classroom.

At St Columba’s smart, safe, responsible use of ICT is essential.  Students regularly participate in cyber safety sessions throughout the year and safe technology use is a key component of our school’s culture.  The students and parents are also required to sign the Digital Education policy, which is discussed with the students and at the start of each year