eSafety

Students recently partcipated in training with Futurelab, which in part focused on how we might harness digital media and new technologies to access a wider base of learner voice, and a wider variety of learning opportunities. What immediately became clear, was that we live in a world with many new opportunities for communication.

It's important then, that learners are supported to utilise these, but even more crucially, how to use these opportunities safely, appropriately and creatively.

A key skill for the future will be the ability to manage, organise and select useful information, what we refer to as being 'Reasoning'. Much of this information is likely to be digital in nature and may not be restricted to the written word. In a recent report (Knowledge, Creativity & Communication, April 2009), Dr. Carey Jewitt of the London Knowledge Lab suggested a number of trends that may define our experiences of the world in the next 20 years; such as dealing with increasing ease of access to increasing amounts of information, increased collaboration, its effects on communication and creativity, the ways in which literacy and information practices are changing, and its impact on the role of writing and the emergence of new forms of literacy.

We know that Web 2.0 tools have enormous potential for enhancing learning. We're really interested in ways new technologies can be used, especially as a way to harness, and develop creative learning, increase learner advocacy, and aid a move towards an enquiry pedagogy. Howevever, there are some very important safeguarding issues which need careful consideration before moving forward. Below are some links to sites which explore this further:

Primary Bits and Bytes - esafety

Ofsted Safe Use of New Technologies