Information literacy refers to the ability to find, evaluate, use, and communicate information effectively and responsibly, including the use of generative AI tools.
IT and The Marist Digital Vision
IT at The Marist and Our Digital Vision
21st Century Learning Skills are regarded as vital for all students. The world is changing rapidly, driven by technology and globalisation. To succeed in this new environment, students need to develop a new set of skills beyond traditional academic knowledge.
Digital literacy refers to the ability to use digital tools and technologies effectively to find, evaluate, and create information. This includes:
- Access to information: Allows individuals to access and evaluate information from a variety of sources, including online databases, websites, and social media.
- Communication: Enables individuals to communicate effectively using a variety of digital tools. This facilitates collaboration and helps individuals to work more efficiently.
- Employment: Digital literacy is increasingly important in the job market. Many jobs now require digital literacy skills, such as basic computer skills, online research, and AI proficiency.
- Creativeexpression: Allows individuals to express their creativity using digital tools such as graphics software, video editing software, and desktop publishing software.
- Onlinesafety: Individuals with digital literacy skills can identify and avoid online scams, protect their personal information, and use privacy settings to control their online presence.
Artificial Intelligence
Artificial intelligence (AI) refers to the ability of machines and software to mimic human cognitive functions, such as learning, problem-solving, and decision-making. AI has the potential to revolutionise the way we live and work, from self-driving cars to personalised healthcare, but it also presents new challenges and opportunities.
We believe pupils should learn how to use AI because it is rapidly becoming a critical part of our daily lives and has significant implications for their future careers. Understanding how AI works, its benefits and limitations, and how to use it responsibly and ethically is essential for students to thrive in a world that is increasingly shaped by technology.
By learning about AI, students can develop critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills that are essential for success in the 21st century. They can also learn how to use AI tools and applications to enhance their learning, streamline their workflows, and gain a competitive advantage in their future careers.
Student Laptops
As part of our drive to ensure our students are equipped for life in the 21st century we introduced laptops to Key Stage 3 students at the start of the 2021 – 2022 academic year. Staff and students received training in the use of both hardware and software. The laptops were selected for a variety of reasons:
- typically offer more processing power, storage capacity, and memory, making them better suited for demanding tasks like video editing or programming.
- laptops have a physical keyboard are touch screen and come with a stylus to allow student to write or draw on the screen
- laptops have more ports and connectivity options, allowing users to easily connect to external devices like printers or monitors.
- laptops tend to have larger screens than tablets, providing a better viewing experience for movies, games, and other media.
- They are light enough but also hardwearing
- They have a rubberised casing to prevent knocks
- They run on Windows which is what most businesses use
- They can be opened 360 degrees to allow them to be used as a standard laptop or as a tablet
- They have a camera on both sides so they can be used in tablet mode to record video
There are many benefits to students having the same type of laptop and we find that it makes teaching far easier when all the students are using the same devices.
Blended Learning “Marist Style” combines the best of traditional teaching with the best of technology.
Digital devices and digital resources are used in lessons when they enhance a student’s learning experience, aid in accessing resources, or provide an opportunity for deeper learning.
Marist Maker Space
In September 2023 we introduced a “Marist Maker Space”. This is a hands-on space where students can tinker, create, program, design, 3D print, create robots, take things apart.
Encourages creativity and innovation: A maker space provides students with the opportunity to explore and experiment with their creativity and innovative ideas. They can collaborate with their peers and create solutions to real-world problems or pursue personal projects.
Develops critical thinking and problem-solving skills: A maker space encourages pupils to think critically and solve problems by giving them the freedom to experiment and try out new ideas.
Fosters collaboration and teamwork: A maker space encourages collaboration and teamwork, as pupils work together to brainstorm ideas, design and build projects, and share feedback, helping them develop important communication and teamwork skills.
Supports 21st-century learning: A maker space provides students with opportunities to develop 21st-century skills, such as creativity, critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, and collaboration.
Provides hands-on learning experiences: Pupils can learn through trial and error, experiment with new technologies, and gain practical skills that can be applied in real-world situations.
The Computer Science and IT Curriculum
Key Stage 3 Students all have 1 lesson of Computer Science a week where they cover a range of skills. We offer GCSE Computer Science, which is a popular choice. Currently we offer a 1 year AS in Computer Science but may expand this in future depending on demand.
We follow a two-strand approach to Computer Science, covering modules in both ICT and Computer Science. ICT (Information and Communication Technology) and computer science are two related but distinct fields.
ICT is a broad term that encompasses all forms of technology used to communicate and process information, including computers, mobile devices, and the internet. ICT focuses on how technology can be used to enhance communication, collaboration, and productivity.
Computer Science is a specific field of study that focuses on the design, development, and use of computer software and hardware. Computer science involves studying programming languages, algorithms, data structures, computer architecture, and artificial intelligence, among other topics. It is a more technical field than ICT, with a greater emphasis on software engineering, computer programming, and computer hardware design.
ICT is a broader field that focuses on the use of technology for communication and information processing, computer science is a more specialized field that deals specifically with computer software and hardware development and use.
Online Safety
Internet Safety Week is an annual event that promotes awareness and education about online safety and responsible digital citizenship. It typically takes place during the first week of February and is celebrated globally. During Internet Safety Week students take part in various activities and events to raise awareness about the risks of the online world, such as cyberbullying, identity theft, and online predators. The week aims to educate people on how to stay safe online, how to use the internet responsibly, and how to protect their personal information. It is an important initiative that helps promote safe and responsible internet use and encourages individuals to become more aware of the potential risks of the online world and to prepare pupils to be responsible and ethical digital citizens in the 21st century.
Parent Awareness
Internet Safety Week is an ideal opportunity for parents to get involved in their child’s online safety. During this week we offer various activities and resources to promote awareness and education about online safety. By getting involved in Internet Safety Week, parents can gain a better understanding of the potential risks and dangers of the online world and learn practical strategies to help their children stay safe online. Additionally, parents can use this week to have open and honest conversations with their children about online safety and work together to establish responsible digital habits and routines.
