Information, Communication and Technology - Parents Page
Why Include Information Communication & Technology In Home Schooling
The problem here is that a number of our learners have been bullied by the bully using the technologies. Often we encounter families who have gone "dark" cutting off all social media in order to protect their child.
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The problem then becomes now that the software changes so fast - when you rejoin you are behind some extent dramatically changed.
For example, when I qualified as a teacher I was trained on the very latest ICT equipment and programmes - ready to teach it to the next generation. The only problem was I started my teaching career in the Early Years and the only ICT that was being used - a camera was being used by us to record the evidence of the pupils work.
Certain governmental policies about how ICT was to be taught in schools meant the equipment and programs fell behind the rest of the working world.
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When I eventually rejoined the adult world of work outside of Main Stream Education I was so far behind I would say to my NVQ students - "I remember that I could do this . . . - but where is the button in the ribbon to do it?" So many updates - Microsoft and Apply had upgraded so far ahead that I struggled to find the routes that I knew to achieve what I knew I could do.
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So if your tempted to go 'dark' for a while for safeguarding reasons, we will support you all the way. However, working inside programs like Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Publisher etc needs not to be neglected.
How to Record the Learning
Thankfully ICT means we end up with a finished product a Word Document, a Spreadsheet or a Powerpoint presentation. this we can simple file electronically in a folder for the Educational Welfare Officer to see. Dont forget to label it up with an appropriate title and date.
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The other advantageous thing about technology is we can use it across the our subjects, projects and topics and if you so wish all your homeschooling homework can be presented in Word, especially if you are dyslexic. however, please be aware you may be asked to handwrite assignments for official exam courses.
Including Information, Communication and Technology in to the Learning Routine
Here, at Orchard Training we try to embed ICT into our projects, where it sits naturally and can be enjoyed. For example, in a number of our project, we will ask the learners to make a PowerPoint. Each project will list websites you will need to visit. These are sites we have checked out before hand. Therefore, we look for ways in our projects to promote lawful behaviour and cover copyright law.
You don’t need any fancy; expensive equipment to teach ICT but you will need up-to-date upgrades on the programmes. A laptop or desk top computer is necessary to run Word, Excel, Powerpoint and Publisher.
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Some of our learners are under the age for a Facebook account so we do request parents follow us so they can see what is happening.
Following A Set Information, Communication & Technology Programme of Learning
As a NVQ assessor I visit lots of different work places and industries, the skills I have observed my NVQ students needing are Word, Excel, Powerpoint and Publisher and not being afraid of ICT.
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Using any of the above for the preparation of documents, presentations and communications is essential.
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Learning to type is the start of this, using all your fingers saves time and prevents repetitive strain. Knowing how to use spell checker and grammar check is key if dyslexic.
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There is no formal set program of study it just needs to be incorporated.
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If you are in to music there are a number of programs and kit to support that. You can even source old computer parts and build your own if you are that way inclined.
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I, myself, have asked my learners about what to include on this website and now that I have learnt how to make a website - websites will be added to our provision of skills.
Staying Safe Online
Here are the rules we promote with all our learners.
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1) Don’t post any personal information online – like your address, email address or mobile number.
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2) Think carefully before posting pictures or videos of yourself. Once you’ve put a picture of yourself online most people can see it and may be able to download it, it’s not just yours anymore.
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3) Keep your privacy settings as high as possible.
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4) Never give out your passwords.
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5) Don’t befriend people you don’t know.
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6) Don’t meet up with people you’ve met online. Speak to your parent or carer about people suggesting you to do anything that makes you uncomfortable.
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7) Remember that not everyone online is who they say they are.
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8) Think carefully about what you say before you post something online. Don't be a Troll!
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9) Respect other people’s views, even if you don’t agree with someone else’s views doesn’t mean you need to be rude. If you don't have anything nice to say - don't say anything at all.
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10) If you see something online that makes you feel uncomfortable, unsafe or worried: leave the website, turn off your computer if you want to and tell a trusted adult immediately.