Digital Technology

Digital Technology at Rosanna Primary School is designed to foster curiosity, problem-solving, and responsible digital citizenship. We believe that technology should be a purposeful addition to a child’s learning journey, utilised to enhance creativity and provide access to information in a safe, supportive environment.

A Balanced Approach to Screen Time

We understand that navigating screen time is a shared challenge for modern families. In alignment with Victorian Department of Education guidelines, technology use at Rosanna is intentional and balanced. We prioritising hands-on learning, physical activity, and face-to-face social connection, ensuring that digital tools are used to supplement, rather than replace, essential childhood experiences.

Graduation of Digital Use

As students progress through the year levels, their interaction with technology evolves to match their developmental readiness and learning needs.

Year Level	Primary Tool	Learning Focus
Prep	iPads	Developing fine motor skills through touch interfaces, exploring early literacy and numeracy apps, and understanding basic device care.
Years 1 & 2	Introduction to Laptops	Transitioning from touchscreens to keyboards and trackpads, developing basic typing skills, and navigating simple educational platforms.
Years 3 & 4	1:1 Shared Laptops	Using digital tools for research, collaborative document creation, and exploring the basics of coding and algorithmic thinking.
Years 5 & 6	1:1 Shared Laptop Access	Refined digital creation, managing personal files, and applying critical thinking to online information and "generative" tools.

Online Safety and Social Media

Student safety is our primary focus. We actively support the Australian Government's Social Media age limit (16+), which aims to protect young people from the potential risks associated with social media platforms.

Safe Search & Filters: Our school network employs robust filtering to ensure students access only age-appropriate content.
Digital Citizenship: We teach students how to be respectful, kind, and safe online through structured cyber-safety programmes.
No Phones / Connected Devices Policy: In line with government school requirements, connected devices are "off and away" during the school day to support focus and positive social interactions. These are "check in" at the office and stored safely through the day. If parents are required to make important or high priority contact with their children, this can be coordinated through the office with our adminstration staff.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you manage screen time during the day?

Screen use is intermittent and purposeful. A student might use a laptop for 20 minutes to draft a story or research a science topic, followed by hands-on experiments or collaborative group work that requires no technology at all.

Why do Preps use iPads instead of laptops?

iPads are highly intuitive for young children who are still developing the fine motor control required for typing. They allow for interactive, tactile learning that supports early phonics and number sense in a way that feels natural to their stage of development.

How does the school address social media?

We strictly adhere to the national age limit of 16 for social media use. Our curriculum focuses on "Digital Literacy"—teaching students how information is created and shared online—without the need for social media accounts.

What happens if my child encounters something inappropriate online?

We have clear protocols in place. Our staff are trained to support students through guided conversations, ensuring they feel safe to report concerns and helping them understand how to navigate the digital world responsibly.