What are Digital Leaders?

At St Johns Mead C of E Primary School, the Digital leaders are committed to ensuring a safe online school environment. They give advice and try to help their peers and also staff. Digital leaders are pupil monitors for the technology that is used in school. They are children who are interested, enthusiastic and have the potential to be role models. Their job is to be advocates for good behaviour with technology, support teachers wherever possible and to showcase a range of digital skills. Most importantly, after some initial training they are able to develop their own skills. The hope is that they help to increase the impact of ICT within the school.

Who are the St Johns Mead Digital Leaders?

Two digital leaders are selected from each key stage 2 class.. The teacher will select children based on their ability and prowess shown in using digital technologies. The children will maintain their digital leader status until they leave the school.

The Responsibilities of our Digital Leaders

Ensure ICT in our school is of the highest standard by:

• Helping staff get computing equipment ready and organised (charging laptops and iPads)
• Setting up the computer for assembly
• Managing equipment such as iPads
• Reviewing, monitoring and evaluating new ICT developments
• Supporting other children and teachers in ICT lessons
• Showing staff how to use new and up-to-date software and apps

Promote E-Safety in our school by:

• Distributing a monthly e-safety newsletter to each class
• Ensuring each class has a SMART poster
• Delivering E safety assemblies
• Helping to organise safer internet day
• Sharing online safety knowledge and advice

Demonstrate expertise in ICT by:

• Attending digital leader meetings
• Becoming digital ambassadors promoting correct online behaviour
• Demonstrating Computing skills to children and teachers
• Taking photographs for school trips or special occasions
• Any other duties as requested by the ICT co-ordinators

Digital Leaders will oversee these responsibilities within the school, and come together during meetings to review their work, discuss any new ideas and suggestions, and to plan for the future.

Why do we need Digital Leaders?

The primary aim of the Digital Leader programme is to support teachers and the general use of technology in the classroom.

The classroom environment is changing and both learners and teachers need to access a wide range of technologies and master the appropriate digital skills. The presence of ‘experts’ in the classroom means that teachers can focus on supporting children and have to spend less time dealing with technological issues.

The hope is that the Digital Leaders can provide a safety net so the teacher doesn’t have to halt the lesson or to call another member of staff / IT support team. Consequently, teachers are more likely to try new applications knowing the Digital Leaders are trained to support them.