CMIS Evaluation Technology Focus

The K-12 Online Conference invites you to join with educators from around the world to explore how Web 2.0 tools and technologies can be used to improve learning. The FREE conference is run by volunteers and is open to everyone.

The 2009 conference theme is Bridging the Divide.

This year’s conference begins with a pre-conference keynote by classroom teacher and international educator Kim Cofino the week of November 30, 2009. Use the CMIS vodpod collection at the right to view Maria Knee and the PR Committee’s conference video teaser.

During the  two weeks, December 7-11 and December 14-17, over fifty presentations will be posted online to the conference blog and conference Ning for participants to view, download, and discuss.

The Getting Started pages on the K-12 Online Conference wiki provide all the information you need to participate in this world-wide event.

Australian contibutors to the event include Chris Betcher – watch his conference teaser below – and view others on the K-12 Conference ning video page [This link requires you to log in to ning]

Check out the full list of presentations which are organized into four strands.

WEEK 1: December 7-11, 2009

Getting Started (13 presentations)

Leading the Change (14 presentations)

WEEK 2: December 14-17, 2009

In the Classroom (13 presentations)

Kicking It Up a Notch (14presentations)

I’m planning to participate as part of my professional learning. Stop and say hello if you see me online – janning

Congratulations to Paul Fuller who has been recognised for excellence in the national NEiTA 2009 ASG Inspirational Teaching Awards

The following information about Paul is taken from the
NEiTA Awardee profile document.

The flagship project for Paul and his students is Podkids Australia, the most successful school based podcast in the country. The Podkids Australia podcast provides an authentic worldwide audience for the students’ writing and has subscribers in more than 50 countries. In the podcast, Paul’s students have interviewed the Western Australian Premier, leading authors, federal ministers and famous sportspeople. The students’ work has been downloaded more than 60,000 times.

Paul’s achievements in harnessing new technologies to inspire his students have been internationally recognised. Politicians, educators and administrators from Australia and overseas have flocked to the school to observe Paul’s innovative teaching practices. Representatives from Apple Computers have even visited the small public school and, in 2006, Paul was awarded the status of Apple Distinguished Educator.

Paul gives generously of his time to contribute to the professional development of his teaching colleagues. The following Prezi, on Blogs and Wikis was delivered at the ECAWA State Conference 2009

Paul also maintains the Educating the Digital Generation wiki where you will find a wealth or resources on topics including podcasting, blogs and wikis, Scratch, 1:1 laptop programs and Race Around the World. Paul is an active twitterer.

Want to know more?

Through the Department of Education Portal Western Australian teachers are able to access Teachers have Class! the Department’s FREE online professional learning program to support teachers to integrate ICT into teaching and learning.

Teachers have Class! provides relevant and practical self paced, online, on demand or instructor-led courses focused on technology integration with best practice pedagogies.

As well as Anytime Workshops and Self-Paced Books the following Instructor-led classes are available this year:

The CMIS Podcasts in the Classroom page provides background information and support materials useful to teachers new to podcasting.

Becta is the UK government agency leading the national drive to ensure the effective and innovative use of technology throughout learning. The agency has just published major new research into the use of Web 2.0 technologies, such as wikis, blogs and social networking, by children between the ages of 11-16, both in and out of the school environment.

The purpose of the research was to inform policymakers and schools on the potential benefits of Web 2.0 technologies and how their use can be effectively and safely realised. It shows that young people are attracted to many of the Web 2.0 developments, some of which may also be appropriate to use in schools. It also found that, when used effectively, Web 2.0 technologies had “a positive impact on motivation and engagement through involving students in more participatory learning.”

The 2008 Scitech Animation Film Festival is now open for entries. Students can win great prizes for their school and are invited to submit a two minute animation in either Flash, 3D or Stop Motion and enter Scitech’s annual Animation Film Festival before Friday, 1 August. To take part schools must register their interest by June 1
2007 Winning entries can be viewed at the 2007 Animation Film Festival website

A classroom activity assessment rubric is available for download along with the entry form.
The festival is open to students from Years 4-12. The most impressive creations will be viewed at Horizon – The Planetarium, one of the biggest screens in Australasia!

Launched in 2007 the online climate change project will be even bigger and better this year. The interactive website [available through the DET portal] provides DET teachers and students with resources to fully explore the Climate Change issue. The site provides students with a safe and secure forum for discussions with other DET students in Western Australia.
Forthcoming activities include opportunities to ‘Ask an Expert’ and engaging, interactive games for students.

If you haven’t already done so, please register for access to all areas of the site.

For further information visit the portal or email SOCSinfo@det.wa.edu.au

More resources for Climate Change can be found in CMIS themes.