eLearning: Purposeful, Safe and Future-Focused Learning

It has been a busy and exciting year in the eLearning space, with our focus continuing to be on using technology purposefully to enhance learning, rather than simply adding more technology to the classroom.

Building confident digital learners

Across the School, students have continued to develop the digital skills they need to become confident, independent learners. Digital learning experiences have included Microsoft 365 tools, Canvas, OneDrive, Outlook, Canva and Padlet, alongside important skills such as digital organisation, communication and managing their online presence.

Dedicated Digital Skills sessions have complemented this work, helping students develop practical capabilities that support their learning both now and into the future.

Cybersafety and digital wellbeing

Cybersafety continues to be an important part of our eLearning program. Students have explored topics including digital footprints, cyberbullying, social media, online relationships, protecting personal information, deepfakes, AI and responsible online communication.

Dedicated cybersafety presentations have also provided opportunities for students to consider how their choices and behaviours contribute to safe, respectful and responsible digital communities.

Navigating AI with purpose

Artificial Intelligence has naturally been a significant part of our work this year. Our focus has moved beyond simply asking whether students should use AI to exploring how, when and why it should be used to support genuine learning.

Work has continued around responsible use, academic integrity, transparency and appropriate acknowledgement of AI. Subject-specific guidance is also being developed to help students understand that appropriate AI use can look different depending on the learning intention and assessment context.

Most importantly, we want students to understand the difference between using AI to support their thinking and using AI to replace their thinking.

Listening to our community

An important part of shaping the future of eLearning has been listening to the experiences and perspectives of our community. Student, staff and parent voice is helping inform conversations around AI, screens in the classroom, digital learning and the balance between technology and non-digital experiences.

These conversations recognise that decisions about technology are not simply technology decisions. They are decisions about learning, wellbeing, relationships and the skills our students will need for their future.

Supporting our teachers

Professional learning has continued to support staff in using technology thoughtfully and inclusively. This has included strategies for supporting diverse learners, particularly students with ADHD and different learning needs, as well as professional learning around Canvas, Canvas Studio, Microsoft 365, differentiation, AI and our transition to Compass.

A key focus has been ensuring that technology helps remove barriers, increase accessibility, support differentiation and provide students with meaningful ways to engage with their learning.

Strengthening our digital ecosystem

There has also been considerable work behind the scenes to strengthen our digital learning environment. This has included improvements to Canvas processes and integrations, preparation for Compass, practical staff resources and contingency planning to ensure teaching and learning can continue when a platform is temporarily unavailable.

The development of our Canvas Offline Survival Kit reinforced a simple but important message: learning does not stop when technology does. Teachers and students have a range of alternative digital and non-digital pathways available to keep learning moving.

Looking ahead

Perhaps our biggest shift this year has been in the questions we are asking. Rather than asking, ‘What technology can we use?’, we are increasingly asking:

What does this add to learning? When is technology the best choice, and when is it not? How do we preserve creativity, conversation, collaboration and independent thinking in an increasingly digital and AI-rich world?

As we look ahead, our goal remains clear: to create a digital learning environment that is safe, inclusive, balanced and future-focused, while keeping people, relationships and meaningful learning firmly at its centre.

– Marianna Carlino
Director of eLearning