Digital Learning at Marlborough by Marlborough College

Digital Learning at Marlborough

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Introduction At Marlborough, we are committed to preparing our pupils for the lives that they will lead in the future. We believe that a blend of traditional academic rigour and contemporary digital literacy equips our pupils with the skills and mindset necessary to thrive in an increasingly digital world. Over the past 12 months, we have undertaken a thorough review of our digital learning provision. This has involved pupil and staff surveys, visits to similar schools, the trial of a range of devices and engagement with research in educational technology. After careful consideration, we have taken the decision to move away from Apple Macbooks and introduce Microsoft Surfaces, starting from September 2024. Here, you will find the academic and pastoral rationale behind our decision, in addition to the key elements of our new devices programme.

Hannah Meehan-Staines Director of Digital Learning

Contents 2 Introduction 4 Preparing our pupils for the future 5 Ensuring a smooth transition 6 The devices - Lower School 8 The devices - Upper School 10 Where teaching meets technology 11 Keeping our pupils safe online 12 Frequently asked questions Marlborough College Marlborough Wiltshire SN8 1PA Email: hlms@marlboroughcollege.org www.marlboroughcollege.org

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Preparing our pupils for the future One of the key benefits of the Microsoft Surface over the Apple MacBook is the digital inking capability. Digital inking refers to using a stylus to write, draw, or annotate directly onto a digital device. Educational research highlights the benefits of handwriting compared with typing for memory retention and cognitive processing. Digital inking combines the benefits of handwriting with the advantages of digital tools, offering a versatile approach to learning. The transition from MacBooks to iPads was considered, as this would have made digital inking possible. The 2-in-1 nature of the Surface means that our pupils will benefit from digital inking in addition to Microsoft’s Windows operating system, which an iPad cannot offer. As of June 2023, Windows remains the most widely used computer operating system in the world, accounting for 64% of the desktop, tablet, and console OS market (Statista, 2023). We believe that confidence with Windows and proficiency in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Outlook applications will prepare our pupils for a future in higher education and the workplace. The iPad versions of

Microsoft Word and Excel are convenient for basic editing but have limitations in comparison to the desktop versions. Where pupils are required to complete tasks involving more complex formatting or data presentation and analysis, for example in an EPQ or A Level NEA, the desktop versions are far more suitable. An ongoing issue with the Apple devices for learning has been distraction management. Where pupils have their iCloud synced to their learning device, there is a blurred line between personal and educational use during lesson and prep time. Pupil surveys have highlighted how challenging they find it to focus on a task when distractions such as iMessage are available. The steps that we are taking will refocus the purpose of the pupil device. The new devices will be fully managed by the College, enabling us to configure devices to integrate with the College Microsoft 365 system. In addition, the central management of devices allows for monitoring software to be installed, meaning that teachers can ensure that the digital activities taking place during lesson time are purposeful and without distraction.

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Ensuring a smooth transition As part of the Microsoft Showcase School Programme, we are excited to be working with Microsoft and Tablet Academy as our incredible partners, with long-standing experience in supporting digital transformation in schools. All teaching staff will transition to the Microsoft Surface devices from April 2024. In the Summer Term, teachers will complete the Tablet Academy training programme and continue to work through the Microsoft Educator Pathway. When pupils enter the classroom with their new devices in September 2024, our teachers will be ready to support them.

Upon receiving their device, all pupils will be provided with a checklist to get them started on the first evening, supported by their boarding house team. In the first week of term, pupils will complete an induction programme which will introduce the key tools that they will be using in lessons. Ongoing training will take place throughout the school year through our Digital Literacy programme. We will be offering the Microsoft Office Specialist training and certification as an option for Lower Sixth pupils from September 2024 as part of our future readiness provision.

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The devices Lower School Lower School pupils will use the Microsoft Surface Pro. This lightweight, powerful, 2-in-1 tablet-laptop will offer the best possible experience for our Shell, Remove and Hundred pupils. The device has a 13-inch screen and will come with a detachable keyboard, kick stand and digital pen.

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The devices Upper School When our pupils move into the Upper School, they will use the Microsoft Surface Studio laptop. With a larger 14.4-inch screen, fixed keyboard and extended battery life, this device will meet the needs of the Sixth Form.

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Where teaching meets technology At Marlborough, we believe that the true success of technology in education lies in its deliberate and skilled integration by educators. We know the educational value of high-quality feedback from teachers. In recent years, Microsoft’s Class Notebook has grown in popularity both at Marlborough and across the sector for its ability to enhance the experience of learners. These digital notebooks can be filled with engaging multimedia; personalisation of learning can take place live during lessons for those that require further support or stretch; teachers can provide model answers, live feedback, and offer digitally written and audio feedback to suit their learners’ needs. Technology when used this way allows

our teachers to deliver excellence in teaching and learning, whilst preparing our pupils for an increasingly digital world. Embedding opportunities for spaced, repeated retrieval practice has become common-place in the Marlborough College classroom. Led by the research, our teachers design a variety of approaches to support our pupils in committing information to their long-term memory. We are conscious that taking notes by hand, as opposed to typing, can lead to better retention of information and improved comprehension. The Surfaces’ inking capabilities will enhance the quality of the learning process for our pupils when engaging in digital note-taking and retrieval practice.

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Keeping our pupils safe online Filtering and Monitoring At Marlborough, filtering and monitoring systems are in place to safeguard our pupils from potentially harmful and inappropriate online material on our network and school managed devices, in line with KCSIE 2023. Our filtering system effectively blocks internet access to harmful sites and inappropriate content when devices are connected to our network. Data packages purchased for personal devices cannot be filtered and therefore remain the responsibility of parents. We would encourage appropriate restrictions to be in place. In our new devices programme, the Microsoft Surfaces will be school-managed. Whilst pupils are using their learning devices either on the school WiFi, at home or on personal data, any activity that suggests that they are at risk will generate an alert for our safeguarding team. School-owned devices will not allow VPN or proxy services to block any filtering and monitoring systems. Pupils’ personal devices (mobile phones, iPads, personal laptops) will be allowed on the College network, subject to our Acceptable Use of ICT policy. Our filtering systems will continue to protect our pupils from harmful internet content on their personal devices whilst on our WiFi.

Digital Safety Education The topic of online safety is visited throughout a pupil’s time at the College. In PSHEE lessons, the Lower School study digital wellbeing and device interactions. When studying Relationship and Sex Education, the responsibilities of the digital world are analysed and strategies for good decision making are discussed. Keeping pupils safe online extends to the identification of extreme behaviour and how to act accordingly. An ethos of education, rather than regulation, aims to provide the pupils with the skills necessary to live and work in an online world and thrive by becoming informed and questioning users of digital technology.

“ Keeping pupils and staff safe online is a vital part of safeguarding.” Marlborough College Online Safety Policy, 2023

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Frequently asked questions I am concerned about screen time. Will all lessons be taught using a device? While devices will be integral to many aspects of learning, not all lessons will be taught exclusively using digital devices. Teachers will continue to incorporate a variety of pedagogical methods, ensuring a balanced and effective learning experience. We aim to use technology purposefully to enhance learning, promote engagement and develop digital skills, rather than replacing traditional teaching methods entirely.

What support systems will be in place for pupils who might struggle with using the technology? All pupils on the Surface devices will complete an induction programme at the start of the Michaelmas Term. During this time, they will be provided with access to a bank of online resources which they can refer to if they would like to further develop their digital skills. Our Lower Sixth Digital Learning Ambassadors will run workshops on specific digital skills during Studies and pupils who are significantly struggling will be directed to the Director of Digital Learning for additional guidance. In House, the HM, RHT and tutors will be familiar with the Surface devices which will add an additional layer of support.

What happens if a pupil faces technical issues with their device during a lesson? Our on-site IT Help Desk is located centrally in Leaf Block. A pupil experiencing an issue will be able to visit the Help Desk during the school day, and where the problem cannot be resolved there and then, the pupil will be provided with a loan device. By signing into the loan device, the pupil’s work will be readily available within minutes, ensuring no disruption to their learning.

How will the College ensure that the devices are used as intended and not for distraction during lessons? A key benefit of the school-managed devices will be the ability for teachers to monitor device use during lesson time. Where pupils have misused technology in lessons, teachers can apply the school sanctions system.

What if we already own a device that our child could use instead? The school-provided inking device has been specifically selected and will be configured to seamlessly integrate with our digital learning environment. It ensures a standardised and optimised experience for both teachers and pupils, enabling the best use of the educational tools and resources provided. If your child already has a device, they would be welcome to bring this into school for personal use in House, just like a mobile phone, but it will not be possible for these to be used in lessons.

Will the battery life stand up to a long Marlborough day? The devices provided have been chosen for their robust battery life and these should be capable of sustaining a full school day of typical usage. All pupils will ensure that they begin the school day with a fully charged device. These will be charged safely overnight in boarding house charging stations. During the afternoon on a Monday, Wednesday and Friday, pupils will be encouraged to take responsibility for power, using the outdoor activity time to top up their device in the boarding house.

Why is digital inking important when my child will sit their public exams on paper? The digital inking capability will serve as a valuable tool for daily learning, allowing for effective note-taking, digital feedback from teachers, collaboration on projects and the integration with interactive learning materials. Pupils will be given ample opportunity to complete assessed work in the medium in which they will be sitting their public exams.

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Is there a tracking function in case a device goes missing? The Location services feature in Windows 11 will support our pupils in the unfortunate case that they have lost their device. All pupils will be taught how to use this setting as part of the device induction.

What if my child loses their device? It is not possible to cover the loss of a device in the lease. We would encourage parents to provide a means of insurance to ensure that in the event of loss, the cost of the device can be recovered.

What happens if a pupil device is broken? The device lease includes a comprehensive service and warranty package through Freedom Tech. This includes the replacement of devices beyond repair, collection repair and return, all parts and labour and no charge if a fault is not found. The School Service Information document can be found here. If your child has an issue with their device, they will visit the IT Support Team. Here they will be given a spare device that can be configured to them simply by logging in. This ensures that their learning will not be interrupted whilst their device is away for repair. They can return to their lessons with all of their work and resources available, working on a device that they are completely familiar with. In the meantime, our IT Support Team will arrange for the device to be collected and repaired by Freedom Tech.

How will the devices be protected from daily school life? All Lower School Microsoft Surface Pro devices have a military spec, drop protection case included in the lease. The Upper School Microsoft Surface Studio laptops will be provided with a protective sleeve. We would encourage all pupils to use a rucksack during the school day to keep their belongings safe.

How will the devices be distinguishable? Before the devices are distributed to pupils, a heavy-duty label will be attached to the device, charger, stylus, keyboard and protective case (for the Lower School) or sleeve (for the Upper School). The labels will include the pupil’s name and House.

Next steps January Digital Learning webinars for the parents of prospective Shell, current Shell, current Hundred, and prospective Lower Sixth pupils.

February Teaching staff training begins on Microsoft Surface Devices.

June Device orders will be placed by the College IT Department. These will arrive on site during the summer for configuration.

September Shell, Remove and Lower Sixth pupils will be provided with their school-managed device on the first day of term. This will be followed by a Digital Learning induction and subsequent programme of assemblies and integrated digital literacy lessons across the curriculum.

Marlborough College Marlborough Wiltshire SN8 1PA Email: hlms@marlboroughcollege.org

www.marlboroughcollege.org @MarlboroughCol

Marlborough College (Registered Charity No, 309486) incorporated by Royal Charter to provide education.