Recently I discovered a wonderful group on Flickr called “Great Quotes about Learning and Change”. It’s a great collection of photos matched with quotes from leading educators from around the world. Many of the names are from my Twitter network, some I have met and some I follow online.
I’ve attached one of my favourites, a quote from Chris Lehman, Principal from the SLA.
“We should use the technology to create whole new schools. Technology needs to be like oxygen – ubiquitous, necessary and invisible”
Recently I used a set of cards called Sometimes Magic Happens when… with teachers at my college to open up dialogue
Sometimes Magic Happens when...
about the different needs of learners. It was in fact the beginning of a workshop about Inquiry Learning. Each teacher picked up a card with its own unique saying, and spoke about why they chose the card. Each teacher took turns whilst others listened.
I see these quotes as being a great discussion starter with staff in a similar way as the Magic cards. A great way to begin the new year, and prepare for the Ultranet.
Today our region got a glimpse of the Ultranet. Being an Ultranet Coach last year, I was very keen to see what it had to offer. From what I have seen it looks like there has been a good push towards student learning and collaboration, which is great. There are many aspects to the Ultranet that were described today. Key features that have stood out for me are -
Home page – a “landing’ space that can be personalised by each student and teacher, a bit like iGoogle.
The Learning Portfolio – a place for the students to reflect on their learning journey, with examples of their achievements and work samples. Teachers can also use a portfolio to reflect on their practice and professional learning.
Collaborative spaces – where teachers can set up spaces for projects to happen with other students in the school or with other classes across the state system – a chance to learn with others beyond the four walls of the classroom.
Learner profiles – student will be able to see their own progress and learning plans and tasks. Teachers will be able to view their students’ profiles and parents will be able to access their own child’s profile over the course of their schooling in the state system. All this will be fully secured.
Web 2.0 – blogs, wikis, video conferencing, forums and instant messaging look to be part of the Ultranet too.
What I am not sure about yet -
Access to the www and possible Internet restrictions through the Ultranet.
Its ability to keep up to date with the rapid changes in technology in order to sustain interest and relevance for our students and teachers.
How global partnerships will be supported in this environment?
Ultimately, I see the goal for our schools will be to create richer learning environments for the students that allows them to be at ‘the centre’ of a connected network. I think there are exciting times ahead.
Earlier this year I wrote a couple of posts about developing a PLN (Professional Learning Network), and just last week I presented at the VITTA Conference about ‘The Power of the online PLN’. It was very much a reflection of how I had developed my own network over the year as a direct result of me needing to learn more about new technologies and online tools for learning, for my role as an Ultranet Coach.
The talk I gave highlighted four key tools that got me connected -
Now I am moving into a new role, that of Assistant Principal for a new college (currently undergoing a name change) with a focus on ICT and Student Learning for the 21st Century. With this in mind I am planning on developing learning programs that exploit networking tools and new technologies.
Our students are widely connected in their own lives and would benefit from having similar networks cultivated for their learning to become richer and more meaningful.
Only last week a colleague, Stony River, sent me a link to a great video called “The Networked Student”. I think it is great video that will help me promote this style of learning to my staff, students and parents.
This year has been a wonderful experience for me. I have worked as an Ultranet Coach for the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development within the Western Metropolitan Region. Within this role I have worked with 28 schools and leadership teams, as well as a range a teachers who have participated in the ICT Peer Coaching Training that I have facilitated.
The work has been varied over the year but on a clear goal to support schools in using the Ultranet, an online learning environment that will be released over the next two years.
Some of the work has involved -
building awareness around the Ultranet initiative
introducing schools to the ePotential Survey and Resource
helping leadership teams unpack the data from the survey
guiding eLearning Planning
developing tailor made professional learning for schools
organising school visits for leadership teams to see best practice
planning and facilitating a region based ICT Peer Coaching Program
running hands on workshops on Web 2.0
running hands on workshops with Macs
leading curriculum planning with ICT in schools
embedding ICT across the school and curriculum
planning and running an online conference
presenting at conferences
I feel I have made a difference to these schools – some in slight ways and others as huge turn-around in the attitudes and mindsets of how ICT can be embedded in learning.
I have loved my job and enjoyed meeting so many teachers and leaders in the region. This is the last week that I am in this role and will be moving on to a new role as an Assistant Principal in a brand new school.
In the last two months I have been working in my new role of ‘Ultranet Coach’. What this really means is working with schools and leaders in my region to support them in the use of ICT (Information & Communication Technology) as a meas for being ready for the Ultranet. Each school is unique and has its own strengths and challenges.
In Victoria we are working towards creating learning environments that best support 21st Century Learners. With this comes the use of ICT tools and online learning spaces and a shift in mindset. This is where my role comes into play!
I am excited about the work I have done so far, but more excited about the way school leaders are embracing the move into this new learning paradigm and the willingness to have a ‘coach’ in their school.
