Parental Outreach

Parental OutreachIlearn | Internet Safety | Tablets

eLearning Primary SupportTeachersMarica Saliba

Grazio Grixti

Our rolepromote eLearning in schoolshelp and support teachers in the use of eLearning and ICT across the Curriculumdeliver teacher traininginvolved in the use of tablets in schools

Digital and Traditional Learning

Learning can take place ANYTIME ANYWHERE!

Digital LearningiLearn platformAccessed by pupils and parentsTeachers upload work for pupils to access presentations, notes, worksheets, linksPupils have access to eBooks and additional resources

Type in the URL: ilearn.edu.mtAccessing iLearn

iLearn Platform

USERNAME: name.surnamePASSWORD: xxxxx

Student Account

Virtual Classroom

Rooms for Pupils

Digital Learning

Motivated to learn moreImmediate access to informationProblem-solving and game-based learning Reading eBooks, journals, magazines (choice & availability)Tools available make Project Based Learning easier especially for collaborationDigital tools help students to be more creative Enhanced presentation skills

Traditional methods may be boring (less motivating) than digital learning.Digital tools, like tablets, give immediate access to information. So students dont have to go to the library or buy books to access information.Games encourage motivation, fun and problem-solving skills.Reading ebooks may be more fun due to their interactivity as opposed to paper books.In traditional learning, it is more difficult to work on projects especially on a collaborative basisDigital tools help students be more creative, such as different appsDigital presentations help the speaker capture the audience attention.

Next year

Introducing tablets at school For Year 4 studentsAs a learning tool

Remember!

Charge your tablet!Keep your tablet in a proper case not in a plastic folder!

Dont forget your tablet at home or at school!

Important ConsiderationsInternet sites suggested by teachers and online HW are as relevant as traditional HWWriting can also be digital (eg: writing a composition on a tablet)Tablet is not going to replace pen and paper work

. Important Considerations Syllabus will remain the same but delivered in different waysUse of tablets encourages lifelong learning

Tablets ...An important tool for teaching and learning .CollaborationCommunicationCritical ThinkingCreativityCitizenship (digital)Character Education

CollaborationChildren can use technology and media to work in teams and collaborate in learning.They can collaborate with others to construct and create resources, knowledge and learning.

Communication .Communicating through a variety of digital devices (tablets, smartphones & applications). Choosing responsibly the types of communication according to the assigned task.Sharing knowledge, content and resources.The ability to engage with online learning communities effectively.

Critical Thinking

Using various tools to explore ideas, theories, relationships and procedures.Using digital tools to reflect and evaluate own learning. Being confident in using multiple eLearning management systems and platforms.

CreativityDigital tools are enabling users to increase artistic expression in ways that may have never before existed.The impact of tablets give the users the opportunity to express creatively their ideas and concepts through unconventional media.

Character EducationTrustworthiness Respect ResponsibilityFairness Caring

Trustworthiness - Build a good reputation.Respect - Be tolerant and accept differences. Use good manners and language. Be considerate of others feelings.Responsibility - Do what you are supposed to do. Think before you act. Consider the consequences. Be accountable for your words, actions and attitudes.Fairness - Take turns and share. Be open-minded. Listen to others. Dont take advantage of others. Treat all people fairly.Caring - Express gratitude. Offer a helping hand.

Citizenship (digital)Protect private information for themselves and othersRespect themselves and others in online communitiesStay safe online by listening to their gut feelingsStand up to cyberbullying when they see it happeningBalance the time they spend using media and doing other activities

Internet SafetyDigital footprintAnything you put online such as pictures, videos and comments are recorded and may be accessed from anyone anywhere and will remain available forever.What you put online can affect your reputation in the present and future.As parents we need to guide children by being involved ourselves and aware of their online activities .

Children need to be prepared to face online risks - education is the best tool. Good communication between children and parents is important.

Children need to know that the age of users that use social media is 13 years onwards because American Law states prohibit social websites from collecting information from children under 13 years old. It is important that children do not lie about their age when creating profiles as for example if they state that they are 18yrs, the websites and the users will treat them as adults.

Be careful what to upload and share as this may effect your reputation. Many employers search for your profile before the interview.get to know about the settings of the social network sites.Do not allow your kids to use your account to access social media and make sure to log out when youre ready. never access your accounts from the students tablets.

Online games can be considered as social media as children can communicate and play with any person around the world. This might be risky as children can communicate with unknown persons. Some games let you use microphones and webcams. Get to know what type of games the students are playing and try to spend some time playing with them to understand the interaction of the games.

CyberbullyingBehaviour which intentionally hurts, irritates or humiliates others on the internet such as using email or text messages.Actions:Printscreen of chat messages, inappropriate material etc...as proofSpeak up with a trustful adultReport abuse to www.besmartonline.org.mt www.childwebalert.gov.mt Video: 5 Ways to Stop Cyberbullies

www.commonsensemedia.org

Limit online socializing. Because there is more risk for bullying on sites where kids can openly communicate, avoid open and free chat sites and look for those that offer prescripted or prescreened chat options, like Webkinz or Club Penguin.

Explain the basics of good behavior online. Remind your kids that being mean, lying, or telling secrets hurts both online and offline. And remember to praise your child when you see good behavior.

Remind your kids not to share passwords with their friends. A common form of cyberbullying is when kids share passwords, log on to another childs account, and pretend to be that person. Kids can protect themselves by learning that passwords are strictly private, and they should be shared only with their parents.

Make sure they talk to someone (even if its not you). A child should tell a parent, teacher, or trusted adult if he or she is being bullied online. Tell your child that this isnt tattling, its standing up for him- or herself.

Advise them on how to handle cyberbullying. Even though they might be tempted to, your child should never retaliate against a cyberbully. They can stop the cycle by not responding to the bully. Also remind them to save the evidence rather than delete it.

Establish consequences for bullying behavior. If your child is mean to or humiliates another child, consider taking phone and computer privileges away and discuss what it means to be respectful to others.

Reference: https://www.commonsensemedia.org/educators/cyberbullying-toolkit

Continuous Monitoring

Internet Safety

Monitor - age appropriate content and as parents try to involve themselves in what the children are seeing.

Examples of Parental Control Apps

These are just examples. Dont specify apps to be used. Encourage parents to browse through the stores, read reviews and choose appropriate one for the family. Remind parents that new apps are always being launched and current apps may not be available in the future.

Internet Safety

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_o8auwnJtqE

Health Related ConcernsAmount of screen time

Screen time = The mobile nature of tablets mean they can be held closer than you would interact with say a PC. Screens on the tablets also are high gloss which can contribute towards eyestrain. Solution - Setting House rules or installing app if you feel your children are spending too much time on device. Limiting screen time enables students to socialize and engage in other non-tech activities eg. outdoor activities. Set an example - parents should lead by example.

Health Related Concerns

Posture

Posture - Take posture breaks every 20-30 minutes. Sit in an upright position taking care of your neck and back.