Digital Learning
This page gives an overview of the different digital tools that our pupils might be using during the time that school is closed.
Hwb
Hwb, the National Digital Learning Platform, hosts a national collection of digital tools and resources to support learning and
teaching in Wales.
It will be the starting point for digital distance learning tasks. Pupils should not use their username@llanddulas.gsuite accounts.
Hwb can be accessed on any of the following browsers or devices:
● Google Chrome
● Microsoft Edge
● Internet Explorer 11
● Safari on Mac
● Mozilla Firefox
● iPhone – latest iOS
● iPad – latest iOS
● Android mobile and tablet 4.4 (KitKat) and above
On a Personal Computer, iPad or Tablet, your child should log into Hwb via https://hwb.gov.wales/ using their username@hwbcymru.net and password provided.
On a Chromebook, we suggest creating a user account using username@hwbcymru.net and password provided. Some staff will be utilising Google for Education and using a separate user account can avoid conflicts with any other Google account that might have
been used to sign into the Chromebook. You may find it is necessary to complete multiple sign-ins to access the Hwb website via the
Chrome browser, but generally a prompt is offered to save the details, so that it autofills some details on subsequent occasions.
Usernames are not case-specific. Passwords are case-specific (so must include any capital letters).
This video explains how parents can sign into Teams via Hwb on a PC or Chromebook, so that pupils can take part in online lessons/feedback sessions:
After signing in, there is a downloadable desktop application, with a shortened sign in process once installed:
Finally, this video explains how to join a Teams Meeting:
How to use Seesaw with your children
Just2easy - on Hwb
Google for Education - on Hwb
“Some staff may be sharing work using the Google Classrooms that have been set up. Pupils will only have access to their own class.
KS2 pupils are familiar with the Google Classroom. They access tasks (‘assignments’) via the Stream. Attached template files are on the right of the screen and are called ‘My Work’. Files opened from here appear in new tabs.
All work is auto-saved at regular intervals. Ctrl+Z undoes steps and should be the first thing to try if any work is accidentally deleted. (Alternatively, it might be possible to revert to an earlier version of work via File-Version History-See Version History.)
When completed, work is handed in via the Classroom/Courses tab. Pupils can add other files (which are automatically saved) from their Drive. Remember to name additional files!
Teachers can view, comment on and edit a pupil’s assigned work at any time.
Once handed in, pupils can still view – but not edit – files. They display as ‘View Only’. If your child hands in work by accident, their teacher can return it.”
Minecraft Education Edition
All pupils have free access to the Minecraft Education Edition, using their username@hwbcymru.net and password (this is a Microsoft/
Office365 Education account).
However, MEE only works on PCs running Windows 10, Macs (minimum IOS Sierra or High Sierra) or iPads running IOS9.0 or later. It does not (yet) work on Chromebooks.
More detail is provided here: https://youtu.be/bvnF_Hvq3OQ.
Please make sure MEE v1.12.60 is installed. Worlds are saved to the device itself, but can be exported to a PC (or pendrive) or Microsoft OneDrive app (on iPad). This is good practice and guards against loss.
Generally, pupils are asked to document their builds using Camera, Book and Quill, which can be exported to a PC or Seesaw app on an iPad. Older KS2 pupils are familiar with this.
RM Easimaths
“This maths practice activity is available online using a Chrome browser. It’s not available to use on the iPad due to Flash no longer working on these devices.
Pupils log in using their username, which is simply their first name and two-digit year of birth, e.g. Tom09 followed by @llandulas1 [yes, spelled wrong] and ‘password’. Ignore the RM Unify button.
Seesaw
“See separate hard copy letter. Class 2 pupils in particular are expert at saving work on iPads using Seesaw! However, it is also available on PCs and Chromebooks and might be suggested as a method of submitting work via upload.”
Headsprout
“Headsprout is an online reading practice activity. If your child is using this website, they will have been given personal log-in det
ails. They use the ‘Kids Login’ button on the website. Although there is a Headsprout app called Kids A-Z available on the iPad it is not the same activity as the website and should not be used.”
Scratch
“Scratch is a free coding language website provided by MIT. It is accessible on a PC or Chromebook. Scratch Jr app is available free on iPads, android and amazon devices, but differs substantially from the online version. Class 2 pupils are familiar with the basics of Scratch Jr, older pupils with Scratch.
Work can be saved to the device being used, though parents may wish to create an account for their child (computer version only). Please read the website terms and conditions carefully. Note that there are settings to prevent comments being added if your child is thinking of sharing projects.”
Hour of Code
“A large variety of coding activities that take up to 1 hour to complete. Available online, the activities can be filtered depending on the device being used. We do not require pupils to sign in or create accounts.
YouTube Channels:
These are all fairly extensive, and you can browse for more information if you wish.”