In our ICT workshop we shared some of the main apps and how they are used across year levels in Primary for different purposes: Creating, collaborating, communication, reading, research, skill building and presenting. Another main focus was exploring the different points of view about the use of technology. We looked at data from our student surveys about their device use and shared both parent and teacher perspectives. Some of the key points we took away were the importance of taking time to discuss how screen time affects our feelings as well as the need to consider limits and finding balance. Here is some valuable wisdom shared by two of our workshop attendees: 

“Tech is helpful, yet it needs to be monitored. I see many parents fighting with their kids about them playing video games. I have learned my kids’ interests and have asked them to teach me about their games. We play together, it has become a connecting issue for us.” 

“ManageBac is a very important community tool that parents and teachers will need time and effort to get used to utilizing well.”