I've kicked off http://vetinfotech.ning.com for my year 12 VET Information Technology class. Basically I am scaffolding this years coaching for the new exam out of there. I have 9 kids. It will use a PBL approach, so there will be a scaffold over the next term in which I am developing individual learning plans for each student to focus on their weakest areas. But as a group, we will cover all topics with comprehensive tips and notes.

This a rather than each kid having to try and study alone and prepare individual notes. They can share and co-operate as a study group. My focus will NOT be on content - it is the application of exam strategy and literacy so that when the sit the exam they are able to predict and scaffold answers. I am assuming all VET teachers have covered core content - so at best we will be high lighting - in my notes - the outlines and key concepts that are covered in the exam questions. Students will range from band 2/3 to 6 in my class - so I will be asking students to develop notes for 'content' themselves. All my kids have existing blogs, so they have already linked those.

If you have an IT VET course in your school, then please highlight the study group. I am not asking for teacher involvement - but if I have a larger study group, then it will feed itself and students will be able to form more networked learning. Any questions please let me know. Its not a walled garden!

Dean Groom

Hi Jared

I have taught IST, IPT, SDD and currently IT VET. One great topic to teach is programming in IST. It is often boring for kids (Logo/VB). Have a look at two languages - RUBY for which there are some great online tutorials and flash based tools. The other is ALICE - which is a 3D environment that teaches programming structures. If you create a class study group with Ning or 21 Classes, you can get kids to produce an online reflective journal to document their project.

A second idea is databases using Zoho - where they can design applications and web based forms (you can also use Survey Monkey or Wufoo too. Great to get kids to design a database application and compare these tools. Again, document with a daily journal using Ning 21 Classes.

Check my blog at http://deangroom.wordpress.com - I have links to apps I recommend. All my IT based resources are also on http://www.slideshare.net/pmhs please feel free to use anything.

The main thing I recommend - drop all MS Office based activities - take it all online. You really will do a better job and get more engagement with kids if you avoid MS Office - kids are over it.

Contact me if you want any help.

Dean

Simon, do you have the email addy for the guy who allocated the FM accounts pease? Dean