Just about everyone needs some basic computer management knowledge these days. But even those who you’d assume would be digital natives – like Year 7 students – sometimes don’t have the fundamentals in place. That’s where the Wadhurst subject ‘My Digital World’ steps in.
“My Digital World introduces Year 7 students to School systems, as well as other pertinent platforms and programmes,” explains Mrs Jen Pratten, eLearning Coordinator. “It’s essential that students learn to use their devices as effective learning tools as quickly as possible.”
Some boys entering Wadhurst have never used a device before, while others, like those from Grimwade House, may have been exposed to coding for some years. However, according to Mrs Pratten, even highly experienced boys have not always learnt basic skills like file management and key boarding techniques.
“Future employers are going to want people who can organise their online work, who can use a keyboard well and who have, at least, the fundamentals of coding, so that’s what we address,” Mrs Pratten explains. “Even if our students don’t have a future career relating to information technology, they will be need to be highly competent users of technology to be competitive in the workforce.”
Cyber safety is another important component of My Digital World, as is both the history and the future of digital technology. “My role is to present the students with a taste of what is possible,” says Mrs Pratten. “In line with the broader Wadhurst philosophy, we try to give students as many opportunities to explore new horizons as we can.”
In Year 8, students have the option of learning advanced coding in a subject called ‘Code Like a Pro’. Some students, like Oliver Ebbels in Year 8, have aspirations to pursue a career in programming. “I want to create the next big game,” he says.
Others, like Year 8 student Reubben Easwaran, simply choose the subject because it presents them with an opportunity to learn something new. “Coding can be challenging,” says Reuben. “You need to learn a set of new languages, and you need to be persistent in your learning.”
Oliver concurs. “Sometimes coding is all about logic but sometimes it is about being creative and thinking differently,” he says. “It teaches us to never give up.”
