Information Ecosystem

Functioning in an Interconnected World
We see it as our responsibility to educate and prepare students for our increasingly interconnected and dynamic world. Technology is both a prime mover behind these two trends and the solution for successfully navigating the complexity these trends bring with them. We believe that students should learn in a 21st century environment if they are to function at their best in a world whose only constant is rapid change.

Students go beyond just learning about technology to actually functioning in modern technological environment. Daystar has created an immersive technological environment where technology goes from being a topic of study to being a foundation for more effective learning. All students and staff have personal laptop computers. The school is fully covered by a wireless network and broadband access means that students and parents can connect to Daystar's computer resources from anywhere in the world. We call this pervasive information system our "Information Ecosystem".

The Information Ecosystem is about the process of researching, collecting, collaborating, producing, and sharing of ideas. Unlike the past millennium, information is no longer scarce. The traditional system of education is based on the past reality of information being hard to find, difficult to transport and reproduce, and collaboration limited to those within earshot. Modern technology has changed all these factors. Information is not just abundant, it is dynamic and multidimensional. Reproduction, transmission, and collaboration are just a mouse click away. The business world is already operating in this new environment and we believe that a school's environment should also operate in this way. As new technologies become available, we will adjust our systems to create the most effective learning environment for our students.

Information safety
Daystar sees child safety as a mandatory requirement for any access to information. We understand that working with the Internet is not without risks. The Internet reflects the world in both its good and bad characteristics. We are doing everything possible to assure that the good is found and the bad is blocked.

In this respect we have established one of the most advanced child information safety systems at Daystar. All materials and applications at school servers are evaluated by our information safety commission. Teachers are using only provided by the school laptops, on which are allowed only software and materials certified as safe by the Commission.
Access to the Internet is managed in a way that students are able to access only "Green Websites" with their laptops. Our Green Websites platform permits access only to websites approved by the Commission as safe. We have take further steps for protecting students by configurating their laptops in a way that even when they are accessing the Internet from outside of the school, all their activities are directed through school's Green-Websites system. The system not only manages safe access to Internet, but gives the option for parents and teachers to monitor child's Internet access.

Student Laptop Program
As part of studying at Daystar students are supplied with laptops. The laptops are used on daily basis by students for their studying at school, working on off-class projects and for preparing and submitting homework, and communicating and collaborating with classmates and teachers.

Current laptops are 10 ASUS laptops, which are manufactured using safe materials, are ergonomic, energy efficient, very light-weight, but being powerful enough to perform all tasks efficiently. Special attention was given to the suitability of the equipment for younger children.