Sliced Bread

Now that DET’s CCP rollout is gathering momentum and is now goût du mois for the mainstreamers, I’m thinking how can teachers best utilise this flattening ICT to best effect for PD?

Darcy suggested sharing ideas on Year 7 teaming. Troy and Tony replied, “Yep, why not?”

What other action research would schools like to collaborate on via VC?

DET schools already connected have a data base of other DET VC contacts, but lets broaden the base of potential learning via VC sharing, to lets say, the rest of the world. Now that sounds web two oh 21st century to me.

Stephen Heppell presented the trend chart below over 2 years ago and it still raises many reflective questions on how learning is rapidly changing. His RSA speech is also equally valid for those yet to hear his 2016 vision.

What are the trends that we can see around the world in learning as we move further into the 21st century?

The changes below are all easily observed, but for different schools, communities, countries and cultures the movement may be more or less pronounced and the rate of progress slight or may be rather greater.

I recently asked “What did you learn at work today?”. I’m curious as to how we can better reflect on current QTL practices so they become more meaningful, not because there are dire problems. Learners should strive to integrate improvements lest we get left behind in our exponential times.

I’m up for sharing, not only through static blog pages, tweets and skypes, but via our newest toys the CCP’s.

Heppell states

Today teachers want, and seek, a place to exchange their insights as to what constitutes effective practice. As they move to become more reflective they also need a place to archive their action research.

The video conference component of DET NSW CCP will assist in the archiving and transference of such collective knowledge beyond the traditional school districts we work within. Modelling VC PD collaboration, that should also involve the student voice, can now happen.

Which NSW DET schools with CCP are up for it? I know Darcy and Troy will, why not join us?

The paperless conference, “Technology Enhancing Quality Teaching” to launch NSW DET Interactive Classrooms was held on June 24th. CCP Bulletins update us on the progress of the CCP, a succinct read.

Trevor Fletcher, Deputy Director General DET NSW, said teachers who integrate ICT effectively are “mindful of their knowledge of pedagogy, content and technology”. Onya Trev.

My belief is a sound knowledge and appropriate application of current learning research in the digital age is a significant factor in the successful integration of ICT. If we explicitly know how today’s younguns learn best, then we should have even more successful lightbulb moments. How cool is that?

Steven Wilson, DET Chief Info officer, also announced gmail as the new DET student email and that school staff email will move into corporate email later in 2008. Hang on for a few bumpy rides in the DC3 of DET NSW as the turbulance of change descends rapidly on those who just got their heads around the current 6 year old email system. Yeeha me thinks, ‘your emergency exits are here, here and here’

I am glad the boffins said regional training for CCP will meet local needs and develop key competencies in Activstudio. But I’m really really really disappointed this free shareware cannot be installed more easily at work. I guess a month of waiting will all be worth it. Just hope its not 2 months waiting for a simple install.

Hopefully these installation issues can be resolved next week. It is extremely frustrating to want to learn and apply new ideas, then be told by our DET leaders that these free programs are available to download and then not be able to install them due to whatever issues.  How do I get my voice heard?