A Guide To EdTech Procurement for Schools

Invest in Teachers before Technology

Strategic ICT Procurement: A Guide for UK Computing Leads in Schools Digital literacy is essential, and schools must view technology not as a luxury but as a cornerstone of education. For computing leads, the challenge lies in navigating complex decisions to procure ICT equipment that supports learning, aligns with institutional goals, and remains sustainable over … Read more

Symbol-Supported Online Safety Resources for Pupils with SEN

More online safety Resources #SID2016

Online Safety Resources for Pupils with SEN  Here are some more symbol-supported online safety resources to use with students with SEN. They can be used for Safer Internet Day 2024 or general digital citizenship resources to prepare children for their digital future. They are in both PPT format and link to the widgit online site if … Read more

Why is Teaching Online Safety So Important?

teaching resources

Why is Teaching Online Safety to SEN Pupils so Important? n this blog I will look at why teaching online safety is so important to ensure that our most vulnerable students are supported. What is it that makes students with special educational needs so vulnerable? I am primarily talking about those students with complex needs … Read more

6 Apps for Creative Teachers.

SEN Ipad apps teachers

Graphic Design Apps for Teacher Graphic design for teachers, or at least those of us not blessed with artistic talents used to be limited to choosing Comic Sans or Times New Roman for worksheets. Now thanks to the wonders of modern technology we can use a range of tools to create engaging and interesting visuals. … Read more

Online Safety: Why We Need to Stop Saying “In Real Life’

Special education blog featured images

In Real Life: Devaluing Online Identity. This idea formed part of my presentation for the Wellbeing curriculum at the BETT show. I am going to say that the phrase “In Real Life”. Often used to distinguish between online activity and activity in our tangible immediate physical surroundings. Should be retired. The audio version below. Please … Read more

13 Signs you are not a Digital Native.

SEN and Inclusion teaching

Digital Natives is a phrase coined by Marc Prensky in his 2001 paper Digital Natives, Digital Immigrants. He suggests that there has been a huge shift in the way young people today learn, identify themselves etc. This is due to a huge event (or Singularity). The widespread dissemination of digital technology. As Today’s students have … Read more

Technology For SEN: Adaptations and Accessibility.

SEN and Inclusion teaching

Technology and SEN Children with additional needs do not have the same access to technology as their peers. Specialist equipment is very expensive. The school may have excellent provision, is this the same at home? In their residential provision? Will the same assistive technology or better be available to them in their future placements? I … Read more

Sensory Room Equipment: iPads

SEN and Inclusion teaching

Using iPads and Tablet Technology in Sensory Rooms There are many ways to make a sensory room and learning space more engaging, one of the quickest and most versatile is… the teacher. Running a close second is by using technology. In terms of interactivity specialist sensory room equipment cannot be beaten, it is hard-wearing and well-designed. However, … Read more

Inclusive Computing: Using the OZOBOT

special education free quote inclusion

Always on the lookout for computing technology that is accessible and engaging to all my students I invested in 1 Ozobot. A small programmable robot. It is, I would say the simplest device I have bought to support our computing curriculum, In less than 5 minutes I had it running around the maze supplied with … Read more

Using Plickers in Class (SEN)

Special education teaching resources

Plickers as an Engaging Assessment Tool Plickers is an interactive assessment tool that allows teachers to quickly gather and assess student responses. It uses a combination of paper cards with unique QR codes and a mobile device app to scan and collect data. Teachers can create multiple-choice or true/false questions on the Plickers website and … Read more

Online Safety Free CPD

Special education teaching resources

Online Safety CPD Training

I have attached the comprehensive PowerPoint presentation from the Online Safety training session that I conducted. This training was specifically designed for those who had expressed their interest in learning about online safety and digital security. It covers a wide range of essential topics, including best practices for protecting personal information, identifying potential online threats, and implementing effective security measures. The presentation is packed with valuable insights, practical tips, and engaging visuals to ensure that you gain a solid understanding of online safety. Feel free to explore and share this resource with others who may benefit from it!

KCSIE 2023 and Online Safety

Whilst we are not all digital natives we all need to keep up to date and aware of the changes in technology that present a risk to our pupils. Keeping Children Safe in Education 2023 has a strong emphasis on online safety. If you are a DSL here are some questions about KCSIE 2023 that you may be asked.

For all of us without exception, technology is a fundamental part of our professional lives, and for some of us our personal lives too..

Alan Mackenzie @esafetyadviser
  • Content has been added regarding expectations about content to be covered in relation to staff online safety training providing an ‘understanding of the expectations, applicable roles and responsibilities in relation to filtering and monitoring’.
  • Emphasis is added to clarify that designated safeguarding leads are responsible for online safety, including understanding the filtering and monitoring systems and processes in place.
  • It is expected that the school/college child protection policy should cover appropriate filtering and monitoring on school devices and networks.
  • Additional content to reflect that filtering and monitoring decisions should consider ‘those who are potentially at greater risk of harm and how often they access the IT system.’
  • New links to direct schools to consider how they are meeting the DfE ‘Filtering and monitoring standards for schools and colleges’ and ‘Cyber security standards for schools and colleges’.
  • In part three, it is clarified that schools and colleges must inform shortlisted candidates about the possibility of online searches as part of due diligence checks.
Online Safety What bother Children Online

SBS e-safety april 2015 Final – Click to download

I express my sincerest gratitude to the esteemed individuals whose invaluable expertise and input have played a pivotal role in elevating the quality and effectiveness of our Online Safety training program. Your profound insights, knowledge, and guidance have enriched this endeavour, making it not only engaging but also highly informative for all participants.

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Additional Information:

www.innovatemyschool.com

http://t.co/dKBqWV35gr – Lse.ac.uk

www.ditchthelabel.org 

@esafetyadviser  – Alan Mackenzie

www.digitallyconfident.org @simfin

Urban Teacher 

Our Other Articles on Online Safety

Online Safety & SEN 2: Why is it so important?