Learning+at+School+Reflections+and+Resources

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 * Feedback One** - Simon Ward HHS

Learning at school was an annual Information and Communication Technologies Professional Development conference at the **Energy Events Centre** in **Rotorua**, held from **25-27 February 2009**. There three keynote speakers at Learning at schools were:
 * Andy Hargreaves
 * Pam Hook
 * Wesley Fryer

The key focus of the conference is to:
 * implement the New Zealand Curriculum/Te Marautanga o Aotearoa through the use of e-learning;
 * increase capability of teachers and principals to improve students’ learning and achievement through e-learning;
 * strengthen professional learning communities and increased collaboration within and across schools;
 * increase e-learning leadership and ICT strategic planning capability of principals and teachers;
 * increase the understanding of the educational contribution of e-learning in school communities.

The conference helps to establish a cohesive network for the ICT PD clusters. It is a great opportunity for previous and experienced clusters to continue to develop a wider network of contacts and contribute their learning to others. The conference programme reflects the best of what is happening in curriculum implementation in New Zealand and features research and development from overseas as well. = = =Keynote Speakers=

Learning at School Conference - Rotorua, NZ, 2009**
 * Andy Hargreaves (USA) - The Fourth Way – Inspiration, innovation and sustainability

Andy presented a great amount of detail and effective argument in an very effective presentation. He used examples from business, sport and schools, and showed how a change in thinking with-in these examples yielded excellent results. Some examples he used include Finland and Nokia, The Australian Cricket team and school district in a culturally diverse part of London called Tower Hamlets.
 * What I thought**

The First Way of Educational Change gave professionals the money and let them get on with the job. This created inspiration and innovation but also brought a lot of inconsistency. The Second Way imposed consistency through increasing standardisation of content and testing and introduced growing market competition in meeting these standards. This increased consistency and developed some sense of urgency, but at great cost to professional motivation and classroom creativity. We are now (2009) in a Third Way of more professional involvement through learning communities and sponsorship of school networks but this is within a context of arbitrary and autocratically imposed narrow targets in literacy and numeracy, obsessions with data and spreadsheets over knowledge of staff and students, and professional distractions with getting short term lifts in performance results. We need a new way, a Fourth Way of inspiration, innovation and sustainability in which the curriculum is broad, targets are shared rather than imposed, the public is engaged as partners and not just consumers, and accountability is by sample and not by census. In the wake of the greatest economic upheaval for half a century, society is heading away from control by markets and bureaucracy to revitalised professionalism and public democracy. It is time our schools and school systems headed this way too. Indeed, the presentation will show, a number are increasingly and inspirationally already moving in this very direction.
 * In Brief**


 * Pam Hook (New Zealand) - Teaching and learning: Tales from the Ampersand**

Pam used different examples to illustrate how effective SOLO Taxonomy is at modelling student learning. I found it particularly relevant at describing the different levels required to achieve merit and excellence in NCEA, as the model translated very well with the language used to measure achievement in NCEA. Pam delivered a very effective presentation with her dry sense of humour, and it was very entertaining to watch.
 * What I thought**

The New Zealand Curriculum offers many contexts for exploring teaching and learning. For example, the curriculum says, “put students at the centre of teaching and learning”‘; “make them lifelong learners”; “build confident, creative, connected, and actively involved learners”; “explore not only how ICT can supplement traditional ways of teaching but also how it can open up new and different ways of learning”; “encourage all students to learn how to learn”. How curious are we about what is happening in the ampersand of teaching and learning? Pam Hook is a teaching and learning consultant who works with schools and teachers across New Zealand. Her work, partner Julie Mills, is focused on improving student learning outcomes through helping students know themselves as learners. Their work around SOLO Taxonomy (Structured Observable Learning Outcomes) makes relevant learning connections for both teachers and students. Artichoke’s educational philosophy is best captured by a sense of not knowing, by doubt and uncertainty, by paradox, absurdity, and contradiction. She is adamant Arti and Pam should never be allowed in the same room together. For more resources and information about Pam, check out her website: [|Hooke on Thinking]
 * In Brief**


 * Wesley Fryer (USA) - The landscape of 21st century learning: Personalised and differentiated**

Wes presented a multimedia rich presentation showing a range of examples to illustrate how the 21st century learning landscape is changing. He offered regular opportunities to “discuss with the person sitting next to you”, points of interest in the session. His presentation was an overview of examples where dramatically different classroom environments had worked very well. In particular an example that stuck with me was a school, where a sick student was using skype to connect to her classmates and teacher from home. The student had opportunities to connect with her classmates and actively participate as a regular class member. You can watch this full video here: [|Skype Video] (Broadband Required). Another example he used was the “one laptop per child scheme” which is giving laptops to under privileged children in developing countries. Check out site: [|Laptop.org] View his full presentation at: []
 * What I thought**

Personalised, differentiated learning defines exemplary education in the 21st century. Blended learning models offer teachers and students a diverse menu of content delivery and assessment options which can be tailored to meet individual needs. In this session we will explore how a variety of web-based environments and instructional strategies are permitting educators to provide learners with choices in not only the ways they can access and consume content, but also in the ways they “show what they know” through performance-based assessment methods. Check out Wes Fryer’s website: [|Speed of Creativity]
 * In Brief**

Other Presentations

 * The Brave New Citizen - Jamie McKenzie - Learning At schools Conference - Rotorua 09**

New technologies promise all kinds of great miracles like stronger thinking and better writing, but it turns out that many of those promises amount to Fool’s Gold, according to Jamie McKenzie, unless good teachers and good schools combat much of the marketing and pressure to substitute templates, wizards and short-cuts for careful research, logic and questioning. In this spotlight, Jamie demonstrates the perils and the promises of new technologies as they may promote and nurture desirable citizenship behaviors or do the very opposite, spawning a generation content with the glib, the superficial and the well-packaged. You can read Jamie's full write up on this Presentation on his site: [|FNO]
 * In Brief**


 * Digital Pedagogies – Tony Ryan - Learning at School Conference - Rotorua**

Tony provided some tools to help create learning in a Digital classroom environment. He provided great discussion points and gave a lot of resources. Watch his full presentation below:
 * What I thought**
 * []

In Brief:** There’s that word again: Pedagogy. It’s the art and science of learning for 4 to 18 year-olds. And it’s a concept that will directly define the quality of your learning facilitation w ith young people. In the past ten years, exhaustive research has been conducted on the best pedagogy possible on this planet. This entertaining and practical session will provide some succinct overviews on this research. However, much of that research was conducted on the dynamic that occurs in real-life everyday classrooms. This session will include a contemporary series of digital pedagogical interpretations for the e-learning environment.


 * Feedback Two - Dave Malloch (Lead teacher) HGHS**


 * 1. What was the most valuable workshop? Why?**

//I found the iPhone/Touch breakout the most useful of all of the breakouts.// iPhone could it be used as a teaching tool, a contact tool and replace the expensive text messaging system the school has at present via the Vodafone and Ministry Connection. When used through the computer system calls and txt would be free similar to Skype. Txt messages via normal phone system @ 1/3 the cost of the standard school system.

The iPhone permitted free calls to other iPhones operated by the school. Incorporated in the iPhone is GPS, google maps and navigation system and all the other usual phone add ons. Because of its wireless capabilities it could also be used as clickers for tests, data collection, music and video streaming via any wireless computer. It works on PCs & Macs


 * 2. Who was the most valuable speaker you saw at conference? Why?**

Andy Hargreaves was the best speaker but Pam Hook & Wesley Fryer came a close second equal. I liked the content and personal touch that Andy put in and his passion for the use of how we switch the learner on using creativity and all communication methodologies. I liked the way he broadened the outlook on literacy and numeracy versus the traditional narrow perception of the two areas forced upon us by the authorities with the power.


 * 3. What resources have you gained from the conference?**

I liked the 3D world breakout and rank it second to the iphone. Using software such as “[|kathootz]” and “[|Hyperstudio 5]”, both available in dual platform configurations, to give the learners hands on 3D world building and story telling. Very good for learners from year 5 to any adult age. Its sort of beyond Powerpoint, in fact both are probably the Powerpoint equivalent on steroids and easy to manipulate.


 * 4. What trade exhibits did you find useful and informative? Do you see things at conference that you would like to use but don’t currently have?**


 * RED Apple Products, iPhone demonstration, Grarageband, video streaming, iChat video conferencing.
 * Looked at the variety of information management systems. On offer through New Era, Ed-Tech, Capita and Musac. All much of a muchness. Would have to set up a spreadsheet and work out what really is best overall and apply the needs to the outcomes the school required. Plus what other schools' experiences are both good and bad and why.
 * Thought the mini computers [|netbbooks] on display at HP, and Ed-Tec looked good and the offer through the TELA scheme seemed to make them a good deal for departments that could see a need for such.
 * Smart boards did not do much for me but the use of wireless tablets did and the number of vendors with these reinforced this for me.
 * The lego stand was brilliant and I could see the use of the software and lego in interactive technology.
 * Lastly the Sitech stand was brilliant but would have to tryout some of their stuff before using it in a classroom as much of it was very expensive and the cost has to be weighed against the use over time.


 * Feedback Three: Sally Spittle, Hillcrest High School HOD Art**

//Before I start-Rotorua was really nice. // The eLearning conference was really fun- sorry you were not there, but 1000 other teachers were! The web site contains the speakers and their seminars, including sites to follow up: [|Learning@School] **Key Notes; Andy Hargreaves /Pam Hook/Wesley Fryer** The key note speakers were stunning ; so wise and humane. The they provided a reminder of what intellectuals actually look like, and the heady mix of deep research presented with funky technology challenged everyone to step outside the comfort zone and catch the……. Knowledge wave!! you know the phrase. We were also told some somber points, such as that New Zealand has amongst the largest gaps between rich and poor in western countries- eg you are either rich or poor with not a lot in between.

We learned that teachers feed off the energy of teaching – the big rescuers- but then //if// you are always rescuing- how do you have time to reflect?, or help people learn how not to get lost in the first place.

That made me think of the days I feel as if I am running around chasing a goose- ( I once did run through the staff room and say where is that goose! but no one got it.. )

However- with the key note speakers everyone felt proud to be an EDUCATOR.

Those attending the conference were mostly middle aged like myself, but then sometimes it’s the older ones that need the new info!

There was huge range of seminars to choose from; I chose to follow some IT leads, and some Teaching and Learning needs for 21st century learners. I have deliberately used the language that some of you gag on, because we do tend to type cast new phrases, and some of us have a knee jerk reaction to oldies such as Habits of Mind. So in the spirit of self development and personal growth and challenge here are a few lines about each one. **Fish philosophy- Karen Boyes**

This was based on a video clip of a team of fish workers in New York? who run their business by being open, silly, human and fun. They were a bit like Gordon Ramsey if he had counselling. Or Billy Connelly after his mum washed his mouth out.

They threw the fish at each other during serving, sang while wrapping, and generally ensured the customers cracked up. NOT sustainable in the class room- but, a valid reminder of the impact of friendliness on team members. The kind of thing I imagine the PE dept get up to behind closed doors.

This was followed by some practical ways to have dept. success, such as a whiteboard were members stuck a symbol up to describe their mood, and the importance of remembering birthdays, or just being very human to each other. It made me think about “BEING THERE” not the Peter Sellers movie- but the way students ask the same question-and each time you have to acknowledge it is new for them, even if you are cringing inside. It had nothing to do with IT but everything to do with humanITy – my joke copyright.


 * Ways of thinking- Julia Aitken**

This was an eye opener for me- It was along double session- and really enjoyed by all who attended. It revisited the whole left brain right brain thing which I have always eschewed as nonsense- because I am more of a global conceptual with some detail type person- and the restriction of left or right just doesn’t fit- if fact- it is far too simple. We are all a mixture- with strength and weaknesses- and if one finds one strengths and understands them and those of others we can work better- in fact even ADMIRE others differences-….which links into the new curriculum.

It was a personal growth day-and helped me understand why my four daughters are different and why two of them disagree. And why, as my father put it, I once “married a Darcy”.

But it made me really happy to have the staff I have around me and value the differences of all of us.

This different ways of thinking idea obviously has origins in the phrases such as “many roads to Rome” or, “there is more than one way to skin a cat” or “sense and sensibility”.


 * Podcasting with Steven Boyle**

A podcast is a small movie or sound file that you make yourself and show eg- reports, seminars, class material etc.

Media teachers and Music probably use this programme already- but we were shown wonderful images and clips of young students creating really fun movies with ease. It was a great programme, with quite logical steps – and most of the schools using it had converted a broom cupboard so there was a quite place for the sound recording, but all the other steps were in big happy classrooms full of kids doing what they love- making stuff. I just got so excited- what can’t they present through pod cast- never mind Warhol’s 15 Mins. Of fame- we all demand at least 20, with music and action. I could go on forever with what you could do, if you had imacs and the programme. Hearsay-apparently the PC version is more tricky? Scratch with Jan Anderson **

This is a wonderful programme anyone can download for free. It creates moving animation imagery.

Google Scratch or [|click here] and off you go……

It uses simple technology which young people can easily grasp. It is aimed at primary students, so I choose to go because I am keen for my senior Art History students to present the main points of high falutin’ theories in a retro format. Watch this space…


 * A key to Brain Power with Lyn Ross ** 

This was old and valuable stuff I needed to be reminded of. It was about organising ones thoughts and the steps to achieve success. I linked this info to the ways of thinking seminar, on reflection, and valued it for being a practical session based on the organisational part of the brain. It reminded me about how wonderful it felt when things were made clear, and how students could be directed beyond the typical research format and taken through quotes, proof, images, definitions. It looked at new ways to format mind maps, linked to the new curriculum. She showed neat images of photographs, and challenged us to have ownership of wallspace for the students-


 * Digital Aesthetics with Indira Neville**

Showed us Dadaist imagery which used Collage- Hannah Hoch type stuff, which has led to our understanding of current IT systems and the style of imagery we have inherited- which was fun as it closed the gap between crazy artists and crazy IT people. She also showed us some fun rock clips which the young uns make these days, that referenced the beginnings of Design.


 * //Very cool- I really recommend- do all you can to get there next time!!//**




 * Feedback Four: Kathy Paterson - Deputy Principal Hamilton Girls' High School

Overall:** I found the conference very stimulating with lots of people to talk ICT and learning with as well as a great opportunity to see the latest available trends in equipment and software. It was extremely well run with something for everyone during the day.


 * EPS 2.0 Survey:** I attended this session armed with teh 65 pages of data that our school had generated as a result of completing the survey in February at our Teacher Only Day. Sitting with Debbie and Kelvin, we compared and discussed the findings from both schools; the similarities and the differences in the results and what we might do with the results. We were led through the process by Julia Atkins and I found the approach very useful. In particular I found that at HGHS we had similar "wagon wheels" for both the leadership team and the teachers. How we defined our leadership group was different to HHS (we included our leadership coaches, HOD's and senior management teams). There was much discussion on the style and language used in the survey as some people were not familiar with some of the terms used. I was particularly interested in comparing two or three different aspects and considering how they link together.


 * Workshop on TakingIT Global** - a really useful workshop to see the value in students collaborating and sharing a student voice.


 * Workshop on LMS's**: This was a presentation from two schools one using Moodle and the other using KnowledgeNet. Despite some technical difficulties we saw examples from both schools and it was evident that moodle is NOT free. The teacher had spent a considerable amount of time buliding up resources for her students. I downloaded "Hot Potatoes" after the conference which is free software to do quizes online for students.

So what constitutes a curriculum for a ‘just in time’ learning culture versus the ‘just in case’ learning culture we have known? Julia set an activity for us that I thougth would be very useful in a full staff setting to evaluate our purpose. What is the **essence **<span style="font-family: 'Arial-ItalicMT','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt;">of your Learning Area? <span style="text-align: left; display: block; font-family: 'Arial-ItalicMT','sans-serif'; font-size: 110%;">Take a moment to reflect on how you feel when you learn inthe Learning Area you are considering. What does it mean to you personally? What does it add to your life? How can you convince others of its worth?When each group reports back ask the others if their school learning in that learning area led them to value the Learning Area in the same way? Keynote presenters All three were wonderful with exciting messages to share. The First Way - Innovation without cohesion; The Second Way - Top-Down Government (Parent choice and Market competition); The Third Way - Performance and partnership; The Fourth Way - Andy talked through the success of Nokia in Finland (Bad news travels fast was the theme that gave Nokia the edge) The new way involved multi literacies, creativity, communication, IT, Teamwork, life-long learning,adaptation and change, environmental responsibility. The example of Tower Hamlets (London) was explained where results increased markedly after inteventions for improvements. Tower Hamlets was an exciting project which combined the attributes of a Professional Learning Community to produce a desirable environment for learning. Teaching & Learning - what about the "&"? Pam challenged the way Learning was perceived in our schools. SOLO Taxonomy <span class="wiki_link">The learning process - The **S**tructured **O**verview of **L**earning **O**utcomes. Students create HOT Maps with Self Assessment Criterion with Rubrics A Year 12 Student from Rutherford College explains how understanding SOLO Taxonomy brings a freedom to learning and a sense that he has control over his own learning.
 * Let's not forget the Learning Areas (Julia Atkins):** This was a very thought-provoking session where we were challenged to defend or otherwise our learning area. The discussion we had was rich and challenging. I posed the idea "Was Maths really necessary as a standalone subject in the 21st Century?" and we had a fantastic discussion around it. Maths can be integrated into many learning areas and may have more relevance to more students if they could experience the real contexts in a relevent environment. I have always been a passionate Maths teacher so did not pose this question lightly - I have been challenging myself over it for a while.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial-BoldItalicMT','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt;">TASK: **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial-BoldItalicMT','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt;">WHY **<span style="font-family: 'Arial-ItalicMT','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt;">learn Science? English? Social Sciences? The Arts?Health PE? Technology? Languages? Maths?
 * Andy Hargreaves** - **The Fourth Way** took us on a journey through the ages in Educational Leadership from Andy's perspective.
 * Pam Hook** - **Teaching and learning: tales from the ampersand**

Students of all ages need to be able to answer the following questions
 * //“Learning to learn”//** requires the learner to think about the strengths and weaknesses of their own thinking when they are learning and to make thoughtful decisions on what to do next.
 * How do I know I am learning?
 * How do I know how well I am learning?
 * How do I know what to do next in my learning? (see [] for more information)


 * Feedback Five - HGHS**

Workshop on the web 2.0 tool Voicethread http://voicethread.com http://passonable.edublogs.org/ http://digitallyspeaking.pbwiki.com/Voicethread http://voicethread4education.wikispaces.com/ http://educationalsoftware.wikispaces.com/Voicethread http://edtalks.org/play.php?vid=197 - here Suxie Vesper talks about how it is being used Workshop on Microsoft OneNote - you will find this on your computer - go to All Programmes, select Microsoft Office off the drop down, then Microsoft OneNote - this programme lets you store all your resources including power points, teaching notes, web links all in one place - you can have individual notebooks or shared (password protected) notebooks - enormous potential – there is an online video guide that explains how to use it - great for language teachers too, as it is extremely easy for students to record sound and/or video – an easy way of doing Digital Portfolios
 * What was the most valuable workshop? Why?**

http://wesfryer.com/landscape http://tinyurl.com/lats09 password 1234 Recommended reading “The Element:How Finding Your Passion Changes Everything” Sir Keith Robinson
 * Who was the most valuable speaker you saw at the conference? Why?**
 * Wes Fryer**

Wes Fryer – The Landscape of 21st Century Learning: Personalised and differentiated Interesting fact - regarding ICT in teaching – 2.5% are innovators;13.5 are early adopters; 34% are early majority; 34% are late majority; and 16% are laggards. Something to take into account!

Also **Jamie McKenzie** – Watch out for power pointlessness; don’t be the sage on the stage but the guide on the side. The Implementation Gap – when something is new in a school we exaggerate it’s beauties, we sell it, we market it, hype it – then people do it and experience the dark side – people feel angry, betrayed and counter-attack. Authentic openness – talk about what could go wrong – helps plan for success.

I collected brochures and distributed some regarding information management systems to the Library; others regarding maths programmes to the Maths Department. I also shared these brochures with the ICT teachers at HGHS.
 * What resources have you gained from the conference?**

The new computers have a built in video camera – which would facilitate Digital Portfolios. I enjoyed seeing the new notebook computers with tablets, for under $800. These can be hired under the Tela scheme through Equico (lease company). You would need a COW – computers on wheels and wireless technology – but this could perhaps avoid the difficulty of access to computer labs. It was just a great opportunity to see the latest technologies available
 * What trade exhibits did you find useful or informative?**

I think it was an innovative idea to select teachers who are not necessarily expert in the computer area. This way more Departments are included.
 * Further comments**

Learning@School Conference 2009 Evaluation 1. //What was the most valuable workshop?// There were two very helpful workshops The first one I attended was on One Note, really because I wanted to know where I was sending all my printing! It proved to be a very useful filing system inside Microsoft, that allow a user to keep a wide variety of material well organised and easy to acess. It was a practical, hands on session. The other really useful workshop was Jamie McKenzie. I had heard him before but he is an inspirational speaker with much to offer to those interested in teaching and learing. There was a theoretical framework but also lots of practical applications in the classroom.
 * Feedback Six: Carol Jarman**

2. //What was the most valuable speaker you saw at conference?// I enjoyed them all, but especially enjoyed Pam Hook. I liked the way she challenged accepted thinking (eg ICT is necessarily good) and provoked thoughtfulness. I was interested in the use of the SOLO taxonomy - it seemed to offer a great deal of power to allow students to make sense of the achieved, merit and excellence criteria used in secondary school assessment. It used formative assessment and allowed students to have a tool to improve their understanding of their own learning.

//3. What resources have you gained from the conference?// I gathered material on developing questioning skills in students (Trevor Bond), material on SOLO (Pam Hook). It reminded me of how interesting the FNO site was

//4. What trade exhibits did you find useful or informative?// I didn't seem to have a great deal of time to look at exhibits. It did remind me about the use of “clickers” and there were useful displays relating to the library

//5. Anything to add?// I felt the cross curricular approach was useful - when teachers in other areas talked about what they did, it always created ideas that I could adapt. It was a really valuable experience. Thank you.


 * The longest journey starts with the first step? Implementing the NZ Curriculum using Concept maps and Frameworks**

"Whatever Next: The Global Curriculum" is the latest resource developed by Mark Treadwell, and the basis of this workshop. This was a “hands-on” session presented by Martin Hughes, who guided participants through the process of using Mark Treadwell’s concepts maps and curriculum scaffold documents, so that we may make a start on developing our own subject/classroom curricula. This curriculum resource is purported to reduce the need for every school to reinvent the same concept frameworks for the curriculum areas, values and the competencies. The frameworks then allow schools to choose their own contexts which in turn will direct the content required. The use of concepts maps and scaffold documents is an interesting innovation.


 * Learning Outside the Square in a Secondary School**

Alfriston College is one of NZ’s newest state secondary schools and has been designed to cater for learners and learning in the 21st century. This workshop was presented by Karyn White & Lynda Shanks and focussed on their “3 Day Episodes”, where the timetable is suspended for three days each term, and learners work in cross curricula, cross age groups taking opportunities to extend their learning. Cross curricula staff collaborate and work with the same group of multi level learners for the whole 3 days (relational building), and the learners choose their episodes based on their interests and needs (choice fosters ownership).The philosophy behind the “3 Day Episodes”, is that it “creates an integrated learning, rather than an isolated teaching environment”. This was a most worthwhile workshop, and would be well worth following up. Look out for one of Alfriston College’s professional development workshop days.

Debbie Greenhill