Internship at the State Library of NSW

In July this year, I spent two engaging weeks as an intern at the State Library of NSW. An overview of my learning journey can be found on the SLNSW Blog Internship at the State Library.

Sydney from the North Shore, 1827 / J. Lycett. Dixson Galleries, State Library of New South Wales

A highlight of the internship was spending time in the Exhibition Galleries to observe and select paintings from the collection suitable for a learning activity. One particular painting Sydney from the Nort Shore, 1827 by the convict artist Joseph Lycett, provided the inspiration to explore visual literacy and aspects of History – First Contacts for Stage 2 (Years 3-4). This lead to the creation of a learning activity which is now available on the SLNSW Learning at the Library resources ‘Visual Grammar – responding to historical paintings.’

As mentioned in the Blog Post ‘the two weeks at the Library was inspirational, I have grown from the experience, and I am energised and excited about what is ahead.’ Thank you Information and Access and Learning Services at the State Library of NSW for allowing such an experience.

It sure was some launch!

CBCA NSW Branch Inc Eastern Suburbs Sub-branch logo designed by Cate James

On Wednesday evening last week, the newly formed CBCA NSW Branch Inc Eastern Suburbs Sub-branch was launched! It was an inspiring event attended by almost 80 guests – a mix of children’s book authors and illustrators, publishing industry professionals, teachers, librarians and parents. The evening not only raised the profile of children’s books it also brought together a community passionate about a good story and admirers of the artistic talent of children’s book illustrators.

Gail Erskine the President of the Children’s Book Council of Australia NSW Branch Inc and Morag Tunks the President of the Eastern Suburbs Sub-branch welcomed guests and provided history of the Children’s Book Council of Australia, its growth and strength in connecting children with quality Australian literature since 1945. Continue reading →

CBCA NSW Branch Inc Eastern Suburbs Sub-branch: Launch night!

At the end of last year, I attended a meeting about an idea of forming a sub-branch of the Children’s Book Council – NSW Branch to provide for the Eastern Suburbs of Sydney. During that meeting, we decided to make it a reality and formally started the creation of the CBCA NSW Branch Inc Eastern Suburbs Sub-branch. During the initial meeting I was voted in as the Secretary, we have had three Committee meetings and next month we are holding a launch night.

So far it has is a very positive experience, we have been very busy making plans for the launch and a children’s event that will be held in October this year. I am very proud of our invite flyer designed by Cate James. It would be wonderful if you could make it to the event!

 

Social and Ethical Protocols

Social and Ethical Protocols and  Practices for the TL – Professional Learning Reflection and Summary

AIS NSW, 13 October 2014

Why was the course was important?

The course covered guidance and practical advise to using social media in education, copyright issues in regard to trends in 3D printing,  and installing a culture of awareness in regard to piracy.

Teaching standards addressed:

4.5 Use ICT safely, responsibly and ethically: Incorporate strategies to promote the safe, responsible and ethical use of ICT in learning and teaching.

7.1 Meet professional ethics and responsibilities: Meet codes of ethics and conduct established by regulatory authorities, systems and schools.

7.2 Comply with legislative, administrative and organisational requirements: Understand the implications of and comply with relevant legislative, administrative, organisational and professional requirements, policies and processes.

Australian Curriculum General Capabilities – ICT

Applying social and ethical protocols and practices when using ICT:

  • Recognise intellectual property
  • Apply digital information security practices
  • Apply personal security protocols
  • Identify the impacts of ICT in society Continue reading →

Special Education Needs

Earlier this year I attended the AIS NSW Becoming a Highly Accomplished Teacher PL two day course, one of the segments focused on the Descriptors 1.6, 3.2 and 4.1 from the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers.

  • 1.6 Strategies to support full participation of students with disability

  • 3.2 Plan, structure and sequence learning programs (that engage all students)

  • 4.1 Support student participation

Key documents were referred to as well as general information on how best to cater for students with disabilities. A summary of the session can be found in the Special Education Needs presentation that was shared with teaching staff at school.

Key documents included:

Legislative guidance: Australian Government Disability Standards for Education 2005

Practical ideas for planning and programming: NSW Syllabus for the Australian Curriculum – Supporting Students with Special Needs Education

 

ITEC 2014 Interactive Technology in Education Conference

Sydney Opera House

10 July 2014

The ITEC 2014 Conference provided a superb opportunity to focus on the benefits of connecting and collaborating globally in education. To follow are some highlights from the day.

Visual Global Collaboration – Via Skype

Classrooms without Walls

Greg Zorbas, Kenai Central High School and Rob Sparks, Skyview High School Alaska spoke of their experience with connecting classrooms and virtual visits to places using video conference technology. Both were passionate about the positive effects connection had on student interaction and depth of understanding content through interacting with others. They noted that through the use of video conferencing students have a chance to ask questions that a teacher may not think of.

Asia ConneXions Asia ConneXions

Live from Japan and Korea students performed via video conference at the ITEC 2014 conference.

Anyang Shingi Elementary School KScreen Shot 2014-08-04 at 2.10.30 PMorea, Traditional Music ITEC 2014 example 1

Higurashi Elementary School Japan, Traditional Dance ITEC 2014 example 2

 

“Australian and Asian schools connecting digitally in order to develop cultural and language exchange while fostering understanding between Australian and Asian students and teachers.  Through videoconferencing and online discussions, the school children see each other, talk to each other, and learn about each other. These Asia ConneXions interactions enhance the values and attitudes of Australian and Asian school students.”

Source: http://www.une.edu.au/about-une/academic-schools/school-of-education/teaching-and-learning-projects/asia-connexions

Continue reading →

Learning Across the Curriculum – English

Learning Across the CurriculumThe AISNSW ‘Learning Across the Curriculum – English’ PL day allowed for time to read and pull apart the cross-curriculum priorities and general capabilities. The summary pages within the English Syllabus were helpful and provided guidance to embedding each priority in teaching and learning planning – what currently is being covered with our own programs was considered and new opportunities were promoted. What was evident is that the Syllabus is vast, there are amazing learning opportunities and time is required to fully absorb the new curriculum.

A summary of the PL day was created to share with teaching staff at school. Learning Across the Curriculum – English

For more information go to the summary:

LATC English

Feedback PL summary

The Feedback Essentials PL course run by the AIS NSW provided an awareness of learning intent and expectations to assist with feedback.  The course provided practical strategies to use in planning such as WALT, WILF and TIB. We explored different feedback strategies. Attached is a summary presentation created for teachers of the Feed Back Essential course.

Feedback Essentials Summary KMeet 2014