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I sometimes hear that the classroom of today looks and functions much like the classroom of the 19th century-desks lined up in neat rows, facing the central authority of the teacher and a chalkboard (or, for a contemporary twist, a whiteboard or screen.) Is this model, born of the industrial age, the best way to meet the educational challenges of the future?  What do we see as the college classroom of the future: a studio? a reconfigurable space with flexible seating and no center stage? virtual collaborative spaces, with learners connected via their own devices?

Real-time web-based collaborative open source mind mapping

A comparison of 5 different free/cheap online video-conferencing tools. A possibility for online events or group collaboration.

Geocaching - a great way to promote new learning connected to prior knowledge, allows for collaboration and authentic learning.

"BoomWriter: Collaborative story writing"

For reading

Simple tool that allows the collaborative creation of timelines that are viewed via the Web.

Project funded by the Australian government to "support Australian schools, families and communities build sustainable, collaborative, productive relationships"

I read a very interesting article written by Joke Voogt (the Netherlands), Chris Dede (USA).Ola Erstad (Norway), which discusses the importance of ICTs in 21t century learning. They reiterated on the topic that "rapid development of information and communication technologies (ICT) are continuously transforming the way in which we live, work and learn." They explored they skills that are required for living and working in the 21st century: collaboration, communication, digital literacy, citizenship, problem solving, critical thinking, creativity, productivity. I agree with Voogt and Dede when they say that "an important change has taken place in the way new digital tools and collaborative environments have enhanced learning, from an emphasis on reproducing information and content to content creation and sharing in virtual environments, which some describe as a remixing culture. There are 3 main literacies that we need to develop: Technological literacy (to be aware of the interplay between technology and society), ICT literacy (the skills needed to make effective and efficient use of ICT) and Information literacy (the capacity to access information efficiently and effectively) (Voogt and Dede, 2011). I think the biggest statement that they make is "using ICT to shift our educational structures from industrial era schools to new types of 21st century formal educational models is important" (Voogt & Dede, 2011). I believe schools are now on the edge of this shift, but some educators are reluctant. I mean to make that shift, to evaluate how I use ICTs in the classroom and how I use them to transform learning, not just to use them as 'add-ons'.

Semester 2, 2013 reading - Week 1. Defining ICTs.  

Using mine craft for online collaboration projects in the classroom.

This will be a great resource for early childhood teachers to use. It is a very bright, colourful visual display of the days of the week that the children are expected to learn. Great opportunity to collaborate as a whole class.

This website is set up for Early Childhood educators to make life easier. Its quote is "We all need to work together to make the Early Years Framework a reality". It contains links to interactive ICT websites and advice on the following topics: Being, Belonging, Becoming Reggio Emilia Learning through Play Social & Emotional Development Communication Skills Learning Literacy Learning Numeracy Equal Access for All Consistent Curriculum Smooth Transition Partnerships Quality assurance Activities for Little Kids ICT for Littlies Australian Early Years Framework Regulation Videos Other Early Years Links Recipes safe for kids

Its great to hear people say that we need to work together. I remember years ago a friend of mine (who was a Grade 6 teacher) told me of her frustration when she would encourage her students and they were alive with excitement to learn and explore and the work they handed in was exceptional from her point of view. However, six months into the next year she would be so disappointed because the grades of the Year 7 students would be declining and their attitude was one of apathy. What she wanted to do was to work with the Year 7 teacher so with a combined effort they could assist the students to continue their positive attitude throughout their time at upper primary school. The Year 7 teacher felt threatened and the sad cycle continued. When I read http://www.independent.co.uk/news/education/education-news/blog-early-blog-often-the-secret-to-making-boys-write-properly-2211232.html as well as http://www.letthechildrenplay.net I was thrilled to hear what great progress is being made by teachers/schools when they collaborate. Thanks for the info.

This technological tool seems to have various applications in the field of education. I have brainstormed a few, any other ways to integrate this ICT tool into learning and teaching?

A great Article about Maryborough State School and the effects of using ICT's in a Special Education Classroom 

Another great resource for students with special needs. Thanks Lauren, this can help with our online artefact in our field.

AITSL is the Australian authority on professional teacher standards. Here is the May eNews fyi. Worth following @aitsl

Innovative use of blended learning, using a rotating centres approach: Teacher instruction, Group work, Technology group. They are able to do more differentiated instruction within this model and looks like they're using some digital curriculum or an LMS.

Announcement of a new book written by a primary teacher about why/how students in K-3 should be connecting to others around the world.  Includes a link to the book and to the author's blog.

Edudemic blog by Hanna Shekhter on how and why teachers should blog. This site has heaps of other posts that are also fantastic regarding technology and worth a look.