A potential project
Posted by shanetechteach on September 13, 2009
I had the good fortune to attend a MasterClass for Smart Classrooms Teacher Award winners last week, which was an inspirational and motivating two days with some remarkable and focussed teachers. This MasterClass was conducted by a few awe-inspiring and highly intelligent educators – @agrei8, @checkingboxes, @joram10, @bobrodgers54 and @fzwilkins. One of the activities we were guided through caused me to focus on how I support the development of digital pedagogy skills in my staff. There were quite a few great ideas suggested from the participants, and if they read this they will recognise them here.
So I’ve been thinking of a potential project for next year. The concept is not yet definite in my mind, and will need discussion with my staff and critical friends, but the essentials are;
- teachers won’t individually teach classes, they will collaboratively teach a cohort.
(this will work better if the classes are on the same time / period) - paperless
- a range of devices will be utilised (iPod, video camera, still camera, computers)
- lesson content and learning tasks delivered via RSS
- student digital portfolios
- students choose learning activities each lesson
- Students surveyed regularly to provide feedback
My plan is to offer this to staff as an option. Benefits to include Professional Development and devices supplied, requirements include exploring digital pedagogy, sharing of practice. I’m unsure whether I will be one of the teachers involved or act as a critical friend. I think for succession planning and leadership density, my role is best as the critical friend. For this I will need to trust my staff and let go of direct control (akin to a recent blog “the importance of letting go”). I need to consolidate this plan, and get some advice before 2010.
September 13th, 2009 at 8:22 pm
Geez mate- another awesome post!
I’ve thought about developing something like this too – but not sure if my colleagues are ready for this yet. An idea to move towards this is the idea of a “virtual” curriculum box, which we are implementing at the end of this year ready for 2010. Staff are already struggling with idea! What no paper copies!!! LOL!! Mate you are doing some seriously great stuff – you’ve constantly got me thinking and striving for better!! Thanks
September 15th, 2009 at 7:40 pm
Great thinking Shane. All of what you’ve mentioned is what we’re on about at Bounty Boulevard…
Need to chat. Hopefully an opportunity will present itself soon!!
September 19th, 2009 at 7:39 am
Hey Shane – this is an awesome idea… Have you watched the Mordiallic College presentation from the expo? (http://mediasite.eq.edu.au/EQ/Viewer/?peid=4f995066-944e-4e6e-8aba-900cc8e8b631) What I liked about their whole school concept of learning.. was their willingness and culture of ‘risk taking’ and ‘thinking outside of the box’ so that teachers/students weren’t always doing what they’ve always done….and they’re starting to see the benefits! Keep us posted… and more than willing to be a critical friend for you – if you go ahead. Out of curiousity, will you have the full support of your admin team?
Deb
September 20th, 2009 at 6:36 am
Deb, I’m yet to watch the recordings, but keen to see Mordiallic. I’m lucky in that my admin lets me do a lot as they trust my educational purpose. I would love to have you as a critical friend when it occurs. Thanks
September 30th, 2009 at 10:23 am
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