Ready to Learn, Create and Innovate

As the new school year begins, children across Caterham Prep are revisiting how technology can support their learning and the responsibility that comes with using it safely, thoughtfully and purposefully. 

Across the school, children have been discussing our Acceptable Use rules, exploring not only what the rules are, but why they matter. From iPads and laptops to tools such as RileyBot, the focus is on understanding that technology is a learning tool: something to choose at the right time, for the right purpose and in the right way to support thinking rather than undermine it. 

In Years 5 and 6, children have been putting this thinking into practice by working collaboratively to create their own resources to teach others about responsible digital choices. Rather than simply repeating a list of rules, they have been considering the what, why, who and how: what advice matters, why it matters, who their audience is and how best to research, refine and communicate their message. This has prompted discussion around real situations, and the sometimes less clear-cut decisions children encounter online. 

This also connects closely with our wider approach to developing independent learners and innovators. Children in Years 4-6 have been using their EDGE lessons to focus on developing their metacognitive skills (thinking about their thinking). Through strategies such as the 5Bs (Brain, Book, Buddy, Bot, Boss), children learn to think first, draw on appropriate resources and people and, when appropriate, use tools such as RileyBot for feedback and quick clarification rather than simply asking for an answer (whether from an AI or a person). Being innovative is not just about using the newest technology, it is about having the confidence, judgement and creativity to choose the right tools, question what they produce and use them responsibly to help us learn, create and solve problems. 

Do keep asking talking to your children about the why and what of staying safe online and also about where they could use the 5Bs at home as we reinforce our children seeing themselves as the increasingly-independent problem-solvers they are!