Technology

Technology is an important part of today’s society, it is a major tool that we use help keep us connected and informed. However, it is important to be mindful of how we manage our use of technology and ensure that its benefits aren’t outweighed by potential detrimental effects.

At Verdon College we prioritise the use of technology as an educational tool. Some uses include:

• Musac Edge - Timetable and attendance tracking (See link for parents below)

• Google Classroom - Used to access information, gain feedback on work, complete assignments, and communicate with teachers. (Link below)

• Education Perfect - Educational tool used across some specialist subjects

• Maths Buddy - Online Maths tutor utilised particularly at the junior level

• Te Kura - Some students may complete online courses through Te Kura if they are not able to be offered to our students at a senior level.

Year 7 & 8 Phone Policy

We have a strict no phones policy implemented in our junior block. Benefits that our students experience from less time on their devices includes: less distractions during class time resulting in increased academic performance, more opportunities to develop positive interactions during class time and breaks, providing a circuit breaker from the demands and addictions of social media, and most importantly a safer and more engaging learning environment for our rangatahi. If students require their phone at the end of the day they can hand their phone into their teacher at the start of the day and it will be stored away in a safe and secure lockbox.

Social Media

Social Media is one of the biggest tools that we have our disposal to stay connected with one another and with what is going on in the world. Despite this, it is really important that our children have guidelines to ensure that the content they are exposed to is appropriate, that they are maintaining a sense of privacy, and that they are able to act responsibly. Netsafe has compiled a list of helpful guidelines designed to help parents monitor their children’s use of social media:

• Understand: Read about the potential online risks, challenges and sometimes illegal behaviour young people face to understand what may happen

• Learn: Ask your child about what they do, how they use devices and who they talk to learn about their activities. Check in regularly to see what has changed

• Explore: Take the time yourself to explore the sites, apps and technologies your child uses to improve your knowledge and understand their experience

• Agree: Create a family code with your child to agree on what they can do online including sites to visit, appropriate behaviours, privacy settings and limits

• Teach: Recognise each child has unique needs, but some online safety concepts are universal. Start by teaching yours the Five tips to help your child thrive

• Model: Be a good example to your child. Make sure you role model the sort of behaviours you want to see your child use online and offline

• Plan: Make a plan so everybody knows what to do if something goes wrong and where you will be able to get advice and support in challenging times

If you are worried about the online safety of your child, you can report unsafe behaviour of others to Netsafe at the link below.