I’ve just completed five phase two workshops for this project [as state support for the project in Victoria] with Hanan, one of the two national facilitators. We drove 1500 kilometres, to 3 towns to conduct 5 workshops.
This is a national project in 20 rural and regional centres throughout Australia
In summary this is the project: [from the publicity brochure]
The project is professional learning for teachers: making ICT integral to teaching and learning Teaching through the use of ICT is a new way of working that can transform the way we facilitate student learning. DEEWR is conducting a three phase professional development program in ICT pedagogy for regional/rural school teachers at both primary and secondary level.
The professional learning experience is in three phases:
Phase 1 - Online self reflection and preparation; building connections and sharing resources
Phase 2 - One formal seminar for professional conversation and professional development to connect teachers to ICT teaching techniques and online resources and assist in the development of individual action learning plans
Phase 3 - School based action learning research project supported for three months by a Learning Mentor culminating in a celebration of learning. What is Action Learning?
Participants through dialogue, reflection and sharing will solve real problems that are related to curriculum leadership.
Why Action Learning? The action learning approach is based upon the premise that no learning occurs unless action and reflection is taken. This pilot program goes beyond providing participants with new information.
The program requires participants to explore and implement new ideas, possible solutions and/or strategies that promote improved student learning outcomes within their own context. While embarking on this learning journey, participants are coached and mentored by learning mentors experienced in teaching through the use of ICT.
The Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR) is funding the provision of workshops [5 in Victoria] to enhance the skills and knowledge of teachers and school leaders to enable the integration of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in the teaching of Mathematics, History, English and Sciences in Australian schools.
What are the anticipated outcomes?
• Teachers with enhanced knowledge and skills in the teaching of Mathematics, History, English and Sciences through the use of ICT in their classrooms.
• A professional learning community comprised of workshop participants that focuses on sharing, reflecting and supporting participants through an ICT journey that is unique to each individual context.
• A series of recommendations to develop a coherent, networked professional development program that empowers teachers to integrate ICT within their classrooms.
In the next post I will report on the phase two workshops in more detail.
