Mount Waverley Heights: Building Digital Literacy with Workspace Skills
Mount Waverley Heights is empowering students and staff with digital literacy through Workspace Skills. Canopy's interactive tutorials are transforming the way they learn and work in the digital age.
Background
Mount Waverley Heights Primary School introduced Workspace Skills, a set of interactive tutorials designed to teach students and teachers how to use Google Workspace tools efficiently and effectively. This initiative aimed to enhance digital literacy and integrate technology into everyday learning for both staff and students.
The Challenge
By 2021, Mount Waverley Heights Primary School had successfully implemented 1:1 Chromebooks for students in Years 3-6, but there was a need to ensure all students developed strong foundational digital literacy skills. The challenge was to provide a consistent approach that would engage all students, from the tech-savvy to the more reluctant learners, and support teachers in their professional development with Google Workspace tools.
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Although the school had achieved Google Reference School status in 2020, it needed a structured way to align student digital skills with curriculum goals, ensuring both students and teachers were proficient in using Google Workspace efficiently.
The Solution
Mount Waverley introduced Workspace Skills, a series of interactive, self-paced tutorials that were seamlessly integrated into the school’s ICT curriculum. These tutorials provided students with the opportunity to develop essential Google Workspace skills, such as using Google Docs, Slides, Sheets, and Classroom more effectively.
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Initially, the focus was on training, with students using Workspace Skills to practice and master key tools. By 2024, the school shifted to using these tutorials for assessment as well, awarding students digital technology badges based on their performance and competency. Teachers also used Workspace Skills to refresh their knowledge and prepare for Google certification.
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The Results
The introduction of Workspace Skills had a significant impact:
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Increased student engagement: Students were motivated to upskill themselves and earn digital technology badges, making the learning process more enjoyable and goal-oriented.
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Improved Chromebook efficacy: Through Workspace Skills, students became more proficient with both Google Workspace tools and Chromebook features, improving their efficiency and productivity.
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Support for all learners: The self-paced nature of Workspace Skills allowed even the more reluctant students to succeed, providing an accessible and structured learning pathway.
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Streamlined assessment: Teachers were able to assess students more efficiently, with more time dedicated to providing targeted support based on individual needs.
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Ongoing staff development: Teachers found Workspace Skills useful for their own professional growth, helping them maintain certification and stay updated with Google Workspace tools.
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What’s Next?
Mount Waverley Heights Primary School plans to continue using Workspace Skills as both a training and assessment tool for students and staff. As digital literacy becomes even more critical in education, the school is committed to ensuring that both students and teachers are equipped with the skills necessary to thrive in the digital world.
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