Leading Technologies for Learning Forum

The Leading Technologies for Learning Forum, hosted by CEO Parramatta, was held on Thursday 3 May from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. at the Panthers Pavilion, Penrith.

The intent behind the forum was to give leadership teams the opportunity to explore new technologies available for teaching and learning; see how technology is being used to enable and support teaching and learning; network with colleagues across the diocese; and discuss issues around the implementation of learning technologies in schools.

Michael, Anne, Sue and I all attended the forum. The benefit is that each of us came to the forum from different perpsectives, from school leader, to technology coordinator, to classroom teacher.

Perhaps we can provide some more detailed posts in the future about some of the forum presentations. For now though, a quick glance at a few presentations of particular relevance to us.

E-A Reporting

Ron van Vliet (CEO Parramatta) gave an update on the E-A report writing package developed for/by the CEO for schools. I must say that it has come a long way since the first Microsoft Access-based trial package was released in Term 2 last year. It is now a web-based application that is accessible through Staffnet to participating schools. CEO anticipates that all primary schools will use the package by the end of the year (except for Kindergarten), so be prepared to use it in Term 4.

We Can Make Our Robots Dance

A presentation from Nicole Sprainger (CEO Parramatta), in collaboration with Modern Teaching Aids about the Diocesan Lego Robotics trial that St. Michael’s is a part of with our Year 6 students (led by Andrew and Angela). Later, Nicole was also scheduled to present on the Bee-Bots trial that our Early Stage 1 and Stage 1 classes have contributed to, especially through the work and leadership of Cherie.

CENet

Brian van Vlimmeren and Stan Wawrzyniak from CEO gave a short introduction to CENet; which I think was helpful to Michael given he’s been relying on my brief re-hash of similar presentations as his “expert knowledge” of CENet. All our staff currently have access to CENet, and later this year we will be engaged in professional development around the use of this virtual learning environment (VLE).

Interactive Whiteboards

A presentation we didn’t need to attend because we clearly were already introduced to this emerging technology. I watched a face or two turn a little green with envy when I would casually mention, “oh, we just bought eight of them…”

As I mentioned before, hopefully we can follow some of these topics (and perhaps others) up later. In the meantime, our first Technoblog podcast! It’s a quick wrap-up of the forum naming my highlights, disappointments and “trainwreck” moments in “The Good, the Bad and the Ugly”.