Integration

It is important to integrate technology across all Key Learning Areas to give relevance to the technology skills being taught. We try to access technology to support all teaching areas, providing opportunities to explore subject areas and content in a variety of ways. We are currently in the process of reviewing and developing a whole school scope and sequence technology plan which aims to develop skills in:

• Understanding basic technology operations and concepts.
• Using technology responsibly and ethically.
• Using technology to communicate effectively and creatively.
• Using technology for thinking, learning and producing
• Using technology for research, problem solving and decision making.
  

Units of Work

Classes at our school participate in a number of on-line units of work. These interactive activites allow the children to extend their knowledge while developing essential technological skills. Most of these programs are accessed through the Country Areas Program.

Maths on the Net
MOTN provides fornightly mathematical problems for Stage 2 & 3 students. The problems are usually open ended allowing the children to explore possibilities. They must be able to explain the processes they used to find their answers.
At the the end of each term there is a three week challenge where the class competes against classes from across the state using their mathematical skills to help them in real life situations. In the past they have operated a virtual Lemonade Stand trying to make the biggest profit and they have also dabbled in the Stock Market using imaginary companies, responding to market forcasts.

Where's Collie?
Collie is an extremely naughty garden gnome who began his life travelling around Australia. Through research and a series of elimination clues using the internet, children had to track Collie in his travels. This fun activity allowed the children to develop a thorough knowledge of Australia's significant sites. Since his initial travels Collie has become a regular visitor in our classrooms and in classrooms of children from across Australia. Collie has travelled into space, had a garden party, explored Antarctica and more. Units of work have been developed for students in Stages 1, 2 and 3. Two of our school's teachers have been integral in the development of these highly motivating units of work.

On-line Modules
Again the internet is a key ingredient for these units of work which are aimed at developing higher order thinking skills. Units of work have been developed by teachers that require children to, not only gather information using a variety sources, but to evaluate and make decisions based on the data collected.

Murder Under the Microscope
Another interactive online unit of work that through a series of information gathering and clues requires students to solve ecological crimes plus develop management plans to remedy the problem.

Computer LAB and Laptops

Pambula has a lab of seventeen computers which is in regular use. Classes have one to two regular times booked per week and can make additional bookings when required. We also have two banks of laptops which can be booked to supplement classroom computers.

Multimedia

Students have the opportunity to present their work using technology. Digital movie making, digital photography and a variety of desktop publishing programs are available to allow students to extend themselves in these areas. Stage 3 Digital Story Telling and Digital Portfolios are very popular with the students.

Programs

We encourage the use of open ended computer programs which allow the students to drive them. Programs such as KidPix, Kidspiration, iMovie, iPhoto, Word, Appleworks, 2Simple provide the opportunity for students to provide the input and arrange it to produce high quality work which shows their understanding od concepts in all Key Learning Areas.