Activity 2C: Your school's ICT policy

What I have learnt about whole ICT Policies so far

Creating a school's ICT policy encompasses a number of aspects. The main two in my opinion are: 1. The school's ICT Vision and The Acceptable ICT Use Agreement.

What I feel is my biggest challenge in developing/adapting an ICT policy for my school

I believe that the biggest challenge in developing and/or adapting an ICT policy for my school is the reality that we are without our own building, as a result, it impacts upon our decision making as to what to include in the policy since we have to think of everything that we need in order to make the use and integration of ICT and having and ICT policy relevant to our departments need.

How to achieve the vision of our school's ICT Policy?

There need to be first of all the staff belief in the vision. All must want to achieve the vision. Therefore, the reasons as to why we want to have an ICT Policy in our school need to be identified by all.

Rationale

Due to the ever evolving technology and the need to acquire, use and apply 21st century skills. It is of outmost importance that any institution that offers education, integrate ICT within its curriculum. Therefore, once ICT is part of the curriculum there ought to be proper guidelines and/or principles guiding: 1) ICT acceptable use 2) Obtaining, maintaining and discarding of hardware and software 3) E-safety and 3) Using and integrating ICT across the curriculum (teaching and learning)

Thus the need to have an ICT policy.

Steps to achieve the vision
Step 1. Discussion - This should involve the shared vision of our school.
Step 2. Identifying areas to put within the policy - Vision, Mission, Aim, Objectives, Rationale, Curriculum, Teaching and Learning, Assessment of ICT, Resources, Health and Safety, Roles and Responsibilities of users, Community Links, Sanctions and Infringements
Step 2. Development - Policy written, reviewed, and revised
Step 4. Dissemination of Policy - A draft the, pilot document will be given to all staff members for their perusal. Then after amended based on feedback, the final document sent to all within our department staff, and students.
Step 5. Implementation - Once all are aware of the ideal document they need to make it real, by applying appropriately the different aspects of the proposal.

All this involves knowing where we were before we had ICT, where we are with having ICT and where we want to be with ICT.