Information and Communication Technology (ICT)

At Luther College students are given a wide exposure to information and communication technologies in a blended learning approach across the curriculum. The College exploits wireless connectivity across the campus and many classrooms are equipped with data projectors to focus and showcase classroom learning and increasingly we are exploring the benefits of tablet computing, interactive whiteboards and mobile technologies. We have a strong commitment to embed digital literacies within developmentally sound pedagogy. The affordances of technology at Luther also help to offer scaffolding and enrichment opportunities, from which many students benefit. Our approach to eLearning rests comfortably with best practice curriculum models, namely that we use ICT for purposes of communicating, visualising thinking and creating.
 
As Lutheran educators we are keen to introduce students to emerging technologies within a cybersafe framework. Luther students emerge as ethical and adept users of a vast range of technologies including proprietary, educational and open-source software, multimedia, email, and a range of peripherals including digital and still video cameras and audio recording devices. Luther College educators make a constructive and critical use of the Internet to retrieve information and teach higher order thinking. We are also at the cusp of exploring powerful Web 2.0 technologies to collaborate on information production and information sharing. On a local level, students have access through our wireless network to an enviable array of resources such as our intranet, our library and our learning management system.

This learning management system, Scholaris, is a password protected portal to our collection of digital objects and collaborative forums. This portal is available to students both at home and at school and reinforces the College’s commitment to anytime, anywhere learning and also to learning beyond Year 12, in that many tertiary institutions rely on distributed learning through similar technologies.

In Years 7 and 8, students have routine access to computer rooms and also to computer hubs centrally located in the Middle School. The three computer rooms and the LRCL offer one-to-one computing to classes. In these early secondary years, Luther College lays the foundation for responsible student use and ownership of personal notebook computers, such as are issued in Year 9.  

In Year 9 students enter the notebook computer program and it is there that technology is used as a tool for personal and collaborative learning and for organisation and access to the extensive resources the College has to offer. Students in Years 9 – 12 are supported in their daily use of ICT in that they can enlist technical support and maintenance at the College from the responsive Technical Support Office open during school hours.

In summary, the students at Luther College are well prepared for 21st century learning!