ICT

In addition to having computers for student use in every classroom, Footscray West has a specialist Information and Communications Technology (ICT) program and a fully equipped ICT Lab. Children use both Macs and PCs, learn about Cyber Safety, and how to use search engines and common programs effectively.

Preps use simple picture making programs and games to build mouse skills and confidence.  They create basic products such as signs, labels, and posters using shapes, drawing tools, and text to reflect what they study in class. 

The Grade 1/2 program builds on the basics while introducing practical file management skills such as saving, retrieving, and making changes. Juniors begin to incorporate clip art and digital photography into their work and increase the range of programs they use. Juniors conduct basic research by navigating to given websites and locating specified information.

The Grade 3/4 program takes children to the next level by developing their abilities across word processing and spreadsheet applications for class tasks.  They also begin using animation and composition programs to make short animated films on their classroom topics.

The 5/6 program continues developing children's abilities with an emphasis on movie making, which is coordinated with classroom activities.  Seniors use Word, Excel, and PowerPoint to design and complete learning tasks and use search engines to research topics in depth.