Laptop program

The Wenona Student Laptop Program, introduced in 1995, is reviewed regularly to ensure its ongoing effectiveness and to maximise the teaching and learning opportunities which technology provides across all K-12 key learning areas.

Teaching and learning programs rely on reliable and flexible access by all students to the Wenona network both inside and outside the classroom. Hence, a critical factor in the strength of our program is our ability to maintain a standard hardware and software platform which is easily updated and amended.

Each girl from Year 6 through to Year 12 and all academic staff are supplied with a laptop computer. These computers let students and staff enter a new world of curriculum possibilities, allowing authentic engagement in teaching and learning.

Student thinking, student participation and student interaction are much more accountable in the digitally equipped classroom. Laptop computers are customised to facilitate the exploration of key learning areas, resulting in more personalised learning.

This personalisation means that teachers can call on students electronically. They can ask students to cast a vote, express an opinion, answer a question, respond to a survey, or participate in a lively real-time, online class discussion.

Learning experiences are designed to develop the traits of a life-long learner. Each student develops the knowledge, skills, practices and attitudes necessary to be a successful citizen in the 21st Century.

The School's laptop program allows girls to access class materials and other resources via the Wenona Portal. Girls can collect, store, transfer and print material and submit work. Teachers can conduct forums with girls, leave lesson notes and other resources for them to access from anywhere in the world, at any time of the day.

Wenona's laptop program is supported by a campus-wide wireless network. Through wireless connectivity, laptop users can use the network wherever and whenever they need it – in a classroom, in the garden, in a student common room, in their Boarding House, at home, in a public library, and so on.

Laptop users have seamless access to the Internet, the Wenona Portal and other network software. Wireless connectivity lets our girls work collaboratively and share information quickly and easily between one another, their teachers and those beyond Wenona.

Integral to the planning and implementation of Wenona's ICT program are:

• a computer bridging course designed for new students starting at Wenona in Years 6 to 12, to familiarise them with their new laptops
• touch typing classes: touch typing promotes good posture, good keyboard techniques and, combined with regular breaks and appropriate exercises, reduce the incidence of injury and fatigue
• an ergonomic program designed to raise the awareness of staff and girls to the critical importance of good work practices when using laptops and computers
• staff professional development to enhance the integration of technology into the curriculum at all levels, to skill teachers and to encourage them to use technology in effective, innovative ways in the classroom
• educating girls and informing parents about Internet dangers and strategies for safe Internet use. Wenona has a comprehensive framework to manage these risks. Key parts of this framework include our Safe and Secure Environment Policy, our Laptop and Internet Acceptable Use Contract, our Student Email Policy, and filtered Internet access from school and the Wenona Portal. Wenona's guidelines about good Internet practice and safety precautions are supplied both to parents and girls in handbooks, and at regular information evenings.

Our emphasis on effective teaching and learning is, and will remain, the guiding influence in all decisions relating to Information and Communication Technologies.