Group items tagged

"This site has been created to support the Virtual History Centre - a 3D virtual world for Victorian Students which is designed to support immersive learning. It has been developed by the History Teachers' Association of Victoria, the Public Record Office of Victoria and the State Library of Victoria and was funded by the Victorian Department of Education and Early Childhood Development's Fuse Project. "

But after a change to a conservative government that has a very poor track record when it comes to supporting public education, Victorian teachers are slowly awakening to a very different landscape. Perhaps the most rude awakening has occurred by way of the latest notebook lease offer from DEECD.

Wednesday, 01 July 2009 Education Minister Bronwyn Pike announced today that CSG Services Pty Ltd will join forces with the Brumby Labor Government to deliver the Ultranet project to every Victorian government school and to secure more than 55 new jobs over the next year.

Serious issue - just starting

"Digital Learning and Teaching Victoria (DLTV) replaces ICT in Education Victoria and the Victorian IT Teachers' Association. This new association will deliver professional support and networking opportunities to all educators from pre-service teachers to principals, from the early years to careers."

Many of our staff have access to iPads and are keen to use these as part of their teaching. Some are exploring the use of Google Docs, some are exploring the Ultranet and some are exploring other options. The question of privacy and security of information was raised with regards to access to information that is stored within 'the cloud'. This lead to me completing a bit of an investigation of DEECD and Victorian Government policies on where we stand with regards to storing information online using Google Docs, Evernote and other web based applications.

The report from the trial - "iPads for Learning" conducted by Victorian DEECD. Not overly comprehensive for such an important trial.

This DEECD endorsed course runs throughout Terms 3 to 4 and provides teachers in Victorian State Schools with a flexible professional development program showcasing how teachers from around the state are adding value to teaching and learning through effective and seamless use of ICT in the classroom.

"Students at Westall Secondary College will soon be using revolutionary Apple iPads as part of an Australian-first trial of the technology at seven Victorian Government schools. The Member for Clayton Hong Lim MP said Westall Secondary College was among the first in the state to participate in the trial."

Just thought that you would like to know that we are part of this iPad trial :-)

"This course will introduce users the Ultranet, the new Victorian Education Department initiative for 21st Century Learning. What is it, how does it work, how will teaching change, where should I start? "

THOUSANDS of Victorian school students will get a taste of the virtual classroom early next year as a $60 million hi-tech learning system is rolled out.

The Victorian Information Technology Teachers Association Inc is a non-profit organisation supporting information and communication technology teachers at primary schools, secondary colleges and universities and other tertiary education institutions in Victoria, Australia.

Minister for Education, Media Release, Friday, 14 November 2008. "Five software companies are vying for the $60.5 million Ultranet project as part of a selective tender process announced today by Education Minister Bronwyn Pike. It follows an announcement earlier this year that the project would be re-tendered with revised specifications to ensure value for money and the best long-term outcomes for Victorian government schools..."

"The animals found in the south eastern Australian State of Victoria are unique and diverse. Detailed descriptions of animals, maps of distribution, and endangered species status combine with stunning imagery and sounds to provide a valuable reference that can be used in urban, bush and coastal environments. The content has been developed by scientists at Museum Victoria, Australia's largest public museum organisation. The app holds descriptions of over 700 species encompassing birds, fishes, frogs, lizards, snakes, mammals, freshwater, terrestrial and marine invertebrates, spiders, and insects including butterflies. From animals found in rockpools, minibeasts in your garden, to wildlife you might see in the bush. We've put in a lot of species, but it's still a fraction of the complete fauna of Victoria. Our scientists will continue to add additional species and refine descriptions over time."

Great video by the Victorian Department of Justice about their Social Media Policy. Most of it relates to other gov employees (eg. teachers) as well.

I've set up this Twitter Directory For Victorian DEECD Teachers. Hoping to network with more teachers and expand the twittersphere for others!