DSS diigo Site

The future of student technology use!

A wide variety of events are run in the Department's virtual conference rooms providing learning and collaboration across Victoria. The range covers everything from practitioner led events where teachers work with a small group of students or colleagues, to Department wide forums where international experts talk to many educators.

Nice web based tool for embedding slide shows into blogs, web pages, etc.

National Lab Day is more than just a day. It's a nationwide initiative to build local communities of support that will foster ongoing collaborations among volunteers, students and educators.

Excellent analysis of the countries who are succeeding in education, and the lessons that can be taken from them.

Thanks for sharing this, Renee. I wrote a short post about this on my blog: dstorchan.com

How many are we focussed on?

Create a collaborative workspace with sticky notes.

I agree it is a fun way to record thinking however I had it all set up to use with teachers and it was blocked!

This is a study that discuss blended vs online. some research indicates blended is more effective.

Compass provides teachers with online multimedia content and standards-aligned curricula that are interactive and self-paced. Compass activities for students are designed to promote problem-solving and to encourage them to make real-world connections. Compass also includes embedded assessments.

Read these case studies to learn how several schools in the DOE are taking innovation to the next level.

What types of systems are these schools utilizing to take teaching and learning to the next level?

5 special needs teachers share their strategies through their blogs...

There are some interesting finds in this article; although, I would say we are all utilizing most of these technologies all ready as part of our practice.

I was just about to add this article when I saw you already had. I agree that we are using many of them. I would like to know more about the Epson projector that is an IWB. I believe that product is somthing to watch!

"Developing systems and strategies that will help educators use assessment data to improve student learning;"

This article begins with, "today's administrators are busier than ever." This article validates the need for administrators to understand the technologies in their building/district and offers suggestions on how to be a 21st century administrator, something Aussie Tech consultants do every day.

Blended Model Must Have: 1) Development of Cohesive Learning Communities - early & recurring face-to-face must occur - Initial meetings must emphasize "reflective dialogues" and "interactive activities" for bonding & buy-in. - participants must effective use early sessions for "curriculum planning" and "new pedagogical techniques." - Large Video Conferencing Does Not Work! (- but a webinar can engaged many people with buddy groups.) 2) Project Portal Must be Reliable and Simple - video conferencing is OK 3) Administrative Support is Crucial. 4) Facilitators are Essential. 5) Critical Component is the Ongoing Monitoring of Participant's Needs. - through surveys, evaluations, informal feedback, etc... 6) Successful Practices Structure Opportunities to Share and Discuss Teaching Practices. 7) Teacher "Risk-Taking" can be Increased - - for trying new technologies in the context of curriculum writing, 8) Effective Initiatives Build a A Critical Mass 9) True Transformation Requires Time

Interesting PA high school reform effort. The graphic details the "Range of Instructional Use" for using technology as a facilitator for transforming classrooms into 21st century T&L environments.

Excellent examples of how schools in NYC are taking 21st century teaching and learning to the next level.