ICT in the Middle Phase
Sample sessions are displayed below.
1. Exploiting Technological Affordances In Middle Years Technology
Although new technology should never be allowed to determine pedagogy in the middle years of schooling, new technical systems offer
affordances that teachers can exploit. Two forms in particular: mediated communication and collaboratively constructed virtual spaces, offer some possibilities because they can be linked to firm pedagogical foundations. Mediated communication offers access to social and task-oriented networks that enable new forms of experiential learning. As well, online collaborative construction can help students learn in ways similar to communities of practice. The potential, however, is offset by the difficulty in effectively designing learning environments which must sit alongside traditional place-based classrooms. This workshop will cover a range of pedagogic designs for middle year schooling that exploit some of the new technological affordances. These will range from short-term, tactical ideas (e.g. online collaborative quizzes) to long-term strategic plans (e.g. simultaneously building technical skills in different subject areas). Some pedagogic problems can be addressed with inexpensive technologies (e.g. a web browser and a free Web 2.0 application), while others require substantial commitment of time and resources (e.g. developing a grounded professional development for middle school teachers). Examples will be used to illustrate the underlying pedagogic design principles and to stimulate discussion and debate with participants.
2. Integrating Pivot and Flash
The step from the simplicity of the animation in 'Pivot' to the complexity of 'Flash' is often seen as a stumbling block in the teaching of animation
to students. This workshop will show how students can integrate these two programs to get a pleasing end result.
3. iPods as a collaborative tool in school
How are iPod Touch and iPhones being used in schools across Australia and the World by teachers and students? Take a look at how they are being used and can be used to enhance the learning that takes place in and outside of the classroom through the use of some amazing free apps and Web 2.0 technologies.
4. Appropriate Selection of ICT and Digital Pedagogies to Enhance Higher Order Thinking Within the Whole Learning Process
Wendy Fasso using the selection of a forefronted assessment task to distil out the processes and knowledge that underpin the task. From there unit design can be commenced, and by focussing on the information and thinking processes (aligned with the Essential Learnings – Knowledge and Understanding and Ways of Working) that support the development of the task, appropriate selection of ICT and digital pedagogies to enhance higher order thinking within the whole learning process can be undertaken.
5. Practical Ideas for integrating Digital Media in the Classroom
For questions or to add your presentation contact Paula Thomas
