In September 2009, Education Queensland held its ‘elearning Innovation Expo’. Click on the link to listen to presenter Dave O’Hagan speaking about improving teaching and learning through technologies. He pushes home the point that it is a ‘Teaching and Learning agenda’ not an ‘ICT Agenda’. He also discusses our internet structure, use and issues. Well worth watching. Smart Classrooms eLearning Innovation Expo
The ICT Committee is trying to develop a new program for staff for 2010. In order to achieve this we have developed a few short surveys to gather some information. Please click on the links below to start the surveys. Thank you for taking the time in doing this.
Click Here to take survey for Commuication
Click Here to take survey on Hardware
Click Here to take survey on PD
Click Here to take survey on Networking
Click Here to take survey on the ICT school program
Click Here to take survey on Tech Support
Literacies and ICT - There is no doubt that in this modern day and age and with where our students are heading in terms of future careers and required skills, these two fields are now one in the same. This video produced by students at Mary Washington University in the USA highlights some key points and looks at a ‘Discover’ method of using ICT with literacy studies. (run time approx. 8 mins)
On the last two Monday afternoons we provided some professional development for staff around using web2.0 applications and social networking in the classroom. We looked at a few videos and discussed the advantages and disdavantages of creating a network of educational professionals and sharing information. The potential for searching and sharing information today is huge and both teachers and students can benefit greatly from social networking, provided it is used ethically and a few simple guidelines are followed. Sites like ‘delicious.com’ allow networking on a professional level without giving out personal and unecessary information. We also experimented with some web2.0 sites such as ‘photofunia.com’ and ‘cooliris.com’, and encouraged teachers to think about how these could be used in a classroom environment, especially to inspire the reluctant learner. As educators we need to be positive towards new technology and embrace its potential, as well as share information and be always exploring and experimenting.
Last week’s Digital Cafe was overflowing with students wanting to use the resources! We had students from Year 5 and Year 6 needing to use the computers to complete assessment tasks and send emails. Although the numbers have varied week to week, the cafe begins to gain popularity as the news of its services spread among the students. I encourage teachers to regularly promote the cafe sevices especially for those students wishing to obtain their ICT certificates.
Recently a few of us attended a ‘Thinking Digitally ‘professional development session at the Resource Centre in Maryborough. We looked at exploring the uses of webcams, avatars, mp3 players and Audacity (sound and music application). It gave us a great opportunity to experiment with various images and with modifiying sound files. It is amazing what new technology is capable of, and the mind begins to race with ideas on how you could apply this technology in a classroom setting. Like kids at a candy store, we returned to school with our pack of technology goodies including headphones, a C600 Logi Tech webcam, portable speakers, an mp3 player, a rock star (headphone hub) and a carry bag. The teachers are now producing listening post activities using the mp3 players and headphones, and using the webcam and avatars to read stories and even calling the roll. The potential uses of this equipment is only limited by your imagination, and already the students are motivated and keen to try it for themselves !
Click on the link below to download PDF document (91KB)
fact-sheet-principals-november-09
The Technology Committee meets at least 2 times each month to discuss current ICT and technology practices at Yarrilee State School. In addition to formal meetings, the committee members are often engaged in general discussions with teachers and administrators about what is happening around the school in relation to technology practices. Many of our members give addtional time outside school hours to develop programs, manage blogs and websites, and participate in local events such as the Maryborough Technology Challenge.
The Committee’s key focus topics inlcude:
Many hours of hard work occur behind the scenes to make Yarrilee State School one of the leading schools in the area in terms of Information Communication Technology development and practice.
Rob Neisler
ICT/Smartclassrooms Coordinator
email: rneis3@eq.edu.au
The Yarrilee Technology Committee Blog is a support resource for teachers. The blog keeps our educators up to date with the latest information about the currculum, current pedagogy, professional development opportunities, and the current trends across the world. Our committee members include one or more volunteer representatives from each of the minischools. Teaching experience of our members ranges from new teachers to senior teachers (10 or more years experience) and thus provides a wide range of experiences and pedagogies as well as varied philosophies towards technology in education. Many of the committe members have extensive knowledge and experience with ICT and are pioneering new directions at Yarrilee.
Our committee members include:
Early Learners
Junior School
Middle School
Senior School
Music
Technician & Teacher Aide
The Yarrilee Technology Committee is dedicated to providing the highest standard of technology management, curriculum development and curriculum delivery.
Rob Neisler ICT/Smart Classrooms Coordinator
In today’s Web2.0 learning environment, education administrators need to lead by example to motivate the masses. Most schools and districts spend lot of time and effort trying to get their teachers up to speed on technology and its use/place in the classroom. And honestly that is where a majority of effort should be spent; working with those on the frontlines of instruction. However, rarely, if ever, is much time spent with administrators, working with them on ways they use technology to enhance what they are doing. What can administrators do?
Read the article from Tech & Learning.
