Tuesday, June 19, 2007

ICT Discussion Group Brisbane


Last night we had a ICT Discussion Group here in Brisbane at St Catherine's, Wishart. It was fabulous! The guests at this discussion group were very engaged with the very rich discussion about ICT's in education. I myself learnt a great deal from the other guests.  It's  amazing sometimes how much you can learn from others just through sharing what you're doing in your world!  The Discussion Group was planned to run from 5pm - 8pm but didn't end until after 9 due to the involved nature of the guests. 

Guest speakers at the St Catherine's, Wishart Discussion Group coved a range of topics.  ADE Bob Rodgers discussed his 1 to 1 laptop class  in general and took a specific look at the GIS package and application 'My World'. Denise Marshman from Education Queensland Sunshine Coast South District Office and Learning Engagement Online Teacher spoke about the LEO program and her role as a teacher results of online learning for ‘at risk’ secondary students. 

Elizabeth Pearson from a school of 150 students spoke about the role she has played within the school as a Teacher Librarian over the years. The advancements in Apple technology having implemented Apple in their school since 1983.  Elizabeth also shared some of the schools concerns and how they integrate the use ICT within the curriculum as  a small school with a high refugee population and a small budget.  

I had planned interactive activities for guests to participate in but the discussion was powerful and therefore the activities were not used. 

I called the host school St Catherine's, Wishart this morning to thank them once again for their commitment  to fostering communities of innovative educators and supporting MAC1 Professional Learning through the generous use of their Library and iMac lab. Maria, the ICLT Coordinator of St Catherine's remains enthusiastic and very impressed with the evening and what she had gotten out of the the discussion and eagerly awaits the announcement of next term's discussion group. 

Sunday, June 3, 2007

Kids Connect Gold Coast 2007




The MAC1 Brisbane Education Team were heavily involved in supporting the third annual two day technology and learning conference Kids Connect. Kids Connect is organised by kids for kids from grades 6-8.

The Students of 7O at Guaridan Angels with the guidance of their teacher Tina O'Keefe organised this year's exciting event for over 100 students from across the Brisbane Archdioceses.

2007 marks "The Year of the Lifesaver" and the concept for the Breakouts at this year's Kids Connect, Gold Coast. The location for Kids Connect, Gold Coast was Surfers Paradise Surf Lifesaving Club - the weather perfect which allowed groups to work outside and on beautiful Main Beach.

MAC1 Professional Learning Facilitators were involved as Breakout Presenters teaching students and facilitating the creation of Docudramas and Podscasts with the central theme of Beach Safety. The students were so engaged with the projects and proud of the work they produced many mentioning they wished school was like Kids Connect!