Computing
IT supports all areas of learning at Lanner School. Each of the classrooms has an interactive whiteboard to aid in the delivery of the curriculum as a whole. Every child has access to a shared set of iPads, laptops, PCs and other IT equipment located within the school to ensure that they receive a well-rounded learning experience.
Children are now able to have easy access to the online world in their own classroom. Many of the Apps children have access to, whilst on the school site, are also available for use at home to further their learning.
We teach a range of computing skills, including programming, to provide them with the proficiency to manage the technological advances and challenges of the future. We emphasise online safety and aim for children to feel confident and independent when using technology.
While we appreciate the importance of the internet as a learning tool for children today, we take internet safety very seriously. It provides children with the opportunity to access a wide range of educational tools , communicate with friends and investigate the world around them. We hope that the information provided below will help keep your children safe and ensure they use technology responsibly.
Always remember most social networking sites including Facebook, MySpace and Bebo are designed for the use of adults and children aged 13 and over. All require a date of birth and agreement to this in their terms of service. Access by children under 13 can only be given when falsifying their age.
Here are some useful links to support your child online:
http://parentinfo.org/article/staying-safe-on-minecraft
Kidsmart
http://www.chatdanger.com/
https://www.thinkuknow.co.uk/
Internet safety for infants
www.bullying.co.uk – One in five young people have experienced bullying by text message or via email. This web site gives advice for children and parents on bullying.
www.chatdanger.com/ – This website is about the potential dangers with interactive services online like chat, IM, online games, email and on mobiles. It provides information, advice, true stories and games. The resource page also contains a number of links to other useful websites.
http://parents.vodafone.com/ – Vodafone have developed this website in conjunction with mumsnet. It is very accessible and provides information and guidance to parents with understanding their child’s digital world and get more involved. There is even an on-line test to see how much you know!
www.internetmatters.org – Lots of guidance and articles for parents about keeping their children safe online
www.beatbullying.org – Advice for parents and young people about bullying, both online and off.
At Lanner we teach the children to follow the SMART steps for online safety. Click on each letter for an explanation video.
S is for safe
Keep your personal information safe. When chatting or posting online don’t give away things like your full name, password or home address. Remember personal information can be seen in images and videos you share too.
Keep them safe to keep yourself safe.
M is for meet
Meeting up with someone you only know online, even a friend of a friend, can be dangerous as this person is still a stranger. If someone you only know online ever asks you to meet up, for personal information or for photos/videos of you then tell an adult straight away and report them together on www.thinkuknow.co.uk
A is for accepting
Think carefully before you click on or open something online (e.g. links, adverts, friend requests, photos) as you never know where they may lead to or they may contain viruses. Do not accept something if you are unsure of who the person is or what they’ve sent you.
R is for reliable
You cannot trust everything you see online as some things can be out of date, inaccurate or not entirely true. To find reliable information compare at least three different websites, check in books and talk to someone about what you have found.
T is for tell
Tell a trusted adult if something or someone ever makes you feel upset, worried or confused. This could be if you or someone you know is being bullied online. There are lots of people who will be able to help you like your teachers, parents, carers or contact Childline – 0800 1111 or www.childline.org.uk
At Lanner, we teach online safety through Gooseberry Planet, which is an award-winning educational software platform that supports and enhances curriculum delivery for Online Safeguarding in Primary Schools. Gooseberry Planet has been developed with the whole school community in mind. The system can be accessed by the whole school community, so the software is accessible to everyone, both at school and at home via PC, Mobile & Tablet.
Using game-based learning, Gooseberry Planet is totally unique. It offers a fresh, engaging and innovative approach to teaching e-Safety. Pupils face real-life online scenarios to which they must respond, whilst simultaneously collecting stars and competing with their class mates. The game levels address a broad range of topics concerning current online threats and are tailored for different abilities, with audio support for those children who are less able.