tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8685064081879607052023-11-17T04:46:55.571+11:00The Virtual StaffroomConversations with Leading Teachers about Technology in the ClasroomChris Betcherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12435882756644713537noreply@blogger.comBlogger46125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-868506408187960705.post-12058100137795780262012-01-20T23:25:00.001+11:002022-02-19T17:38:04.428+11:00VSR46: This is PersonalKathleen McClaskey and Barbara Bray take a special interest in personalised learning, differentiated instruction and the whole concept of Universal Design for Learning (UDL). In this episode we dig into many of these concepts to learn more, including the sharing of some useful apps for personalised learning.<br />
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<iframe src="https://anchor.fm/virtual-staffroom/embed/episodes/VSR46-This-is-Personal-e1ejvot" height="102px" width="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe>
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<a name='more'></a>Personalized Learning Toolkits: Designing New Pathways for Each Child<br />
<a href="https://sites.google.com/site/personalizedlearningtoolkits/">https://sites.google.com/site/personalizedlearningtoolkits/</a><br />
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<strong>Kathleen’s links:</strong><br />
Kathleen’s website: <a href="http://www.edtech-associates.com/">www.edtech-associates.com</a><br />
Kathleen’s Scoop.it topics:<br />
<ul>
<li>Personalized Learning: <a href="http://www.scoop.it/t/personalized-learning-plearning">http://www.scoop.it/t/personalized-learning-plearning</a></li>
<li>UDL: <a href="http://www.scoop.it/t/udl-universal-design-for-learning">http://www.scoop.it/t/udl-universal-design-for-learning</a></li>
<li>UDL, Math and Technology: <a href="http://www.scoop.it/t/math-technology-and-udl-closing-the-achievement-gap">http://www.scoop.it/t/math-technology-and-udl-closing-the-achievement-gap</a></li>
<li>Leveling the Playing Field with Apps: <a href="http://www.scoop.it/t/leveling-the-playing-field-with-apps">http://www.scoop.it/t/leveling-the-playing-field-with-apps</a></li>
</ul>
Blog: <a href="http://udlmobileapps.blogspot.com/">http://udlmobileapps.blogspot.com/</a><br />
Twitter: khmmc<br />
Facebook: kmcclaskey<br />
Linked-In: kathleenmcclaskey<br />
LinkedIn Group on Personalized Learning: <a href="http://www.linkedin.com/groups?home=&gid=4218860&trk=anet_ug_hm">http://www.linkedin.com/groups?home=&gid=4218860&trk=anet_ug_hm</a><br />
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<strong>Barbara’s links:</strong><br />
Barbara’s Website and Blog: <a href="http://barbarabray.net/">http://barbarabray.net</a><br />
Scoopit: Apps for the Student-Centered Classroom: <a href="http://www.scoop.it/t/apps-for-the-student-centered-classroom">http://www.scoop.it/t/apps-for-the-student-centered-classroom</a><br />
Scoopit: Making Learning Personal: <a href="http://www.scoop.it/t/making-learning-personal">http://www.scoop.it/t/making-learning-personal</a><br />
My eCoach: <a href="http://my-ecoach.com/">http://my-ecoach.com</a><br />
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LinkedIn Group on Personalized Learning: <a href="http://www.linkedin.com/groups?home=&gid=4218860&trk=anet_ug_hm">http://www.linkedin.com/groups?home=&gid=4218860&trk=anet_ug_hm</a><br />
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LinkedIn: barbarabray<br />
Twitter: bbray<br />
Skype: bbray27<br />
Facebook barbarabray<br />
<br />
What the United States could learn from Finland about education reform<br />
<a href="http://www.tnr.com/article/politics/82329/education-reform-Finland-US">http://www.tnr.com/article/politics/82329/education-reform-Finland-US</a>Chris Betcherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12435882756644713537noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-868506408187960705.post-65217467761586197802012-01-13T02:02:00.001+11:002022-02-19T17:37:35.335+11:00VSR45: Blocks and FiltersLike most teachers, Brett Moller, Bruce Fuda, Ashley Proud and Carolyn Foote all have to deal with the realities of filters and blocks on their school Internet connection, although they all experience this reality in slightly different ways.. In this episode we talk about web filters, the need to keep kids safe online and try to balance the argument with good old fashioned some common sense.<br />
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<iframe src="https://anchor.fm/virtual-staffroom/embed/episodes/VSR45-Blocks-and-Filters-e1ejvo7" height="102px" width="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe>
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<a name='more'></a>Ashley Proud- @ashleyproud <a href="http://www.iamoneofthosepeople-ashley.blogspot.com/">http://www.iamoneofthosepeople-ashley.blogspot.com</a><br />
Bruce Fuda - @Bruce1979 <a href="http://fuda.me/">http://fuda.me/</a><br />
Carolyn Foote - @technolibrary <a href="http://www.futura.edublogs.org/">http://www.futura.edublogs.org</a><br />
Brett Moller - @brettmoller <a href="http://www.brettmoller.com/">http://www.brettmoller.com</a><br />
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<strong>Links:</strong><br />
National Computer Science School - <a href="http://ncss.edu.au/">http://ncss.edu.au/</a><br />
Children’s Internet Protection Act <a href="http://www.fcc.gov/guides/childrens-internet-protection-act">http://www.fcc.gov/guides/childrens-internet-protection-act</a><br />
Tennessee-ACLU case <a href="http://www.aclu.org/free-speech_lgbt-rights/tennessee-schools-and-students-reach-settlement-internet-censorship-case">http://www.aclu.org/free-speech_lgbt-rights/tennessee-schools-and-students-reach-settlement-internet-censorship-case</a><br />
Sample Library Materials Selection policy/procedures for complaint about sites/materials <a href="http://tinyurl.com/6qol5a8">http://tinyurl.com/6qol5a8</a><br />
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A Sticking Plaster mentality to Open Web Access in Schools <a href="http://edte.ch/blog/2012/01/11/a-sticking-plaster-mentality-to-open-web-access-in-schools">http://edte.ch/blog/2012/01/11/a-sticking-plaster-mentality-to-open-web-access-in-schools</a>Chris Betcherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12435882756644713537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-868506408187960705.post-86687697565836341102012-01-13T01:24:00.001+11:002022-02-19T17:36:48.176+11:00VSR44: A World of DifferenceMichael Graffin is a young relief teacher from near Perth, Western Australia who has never had his own classroom but has still managed to discover the joys of working across the Internet on global projects. In this episode, Michael is joined by one of his collaboration partners Theresa Allen from Chicago, and also Lisa Parisi from New York, as we discuss the wonders of learning using online collaborative projects.<br />
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<a name='more'></a><br />
Michael Graffin - @mgraffin <a href="http://mgraffin.edublogs.org/">mgraffin.edublogs.org</a><br />
Theresa Allen - @tdallen5 <a href="http://techcsrn.edublogs.org/">techcsrn.edublogs.org</a><br />
Lisa Parisi - @LParisi <a href="http://www.thelisaparisi.com/">www.thelisaparisi.com</a><br />
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The Global Classroom Project: 2011-12<br />
Blog - <a href="http://theglobalclassroomproject.wordpress.com/">http://theglobalclassroomproject.wordpress.com</a><br />
Wiki - <a href="http://globalclassroom2011-12.wikispaces.com/">http://globalclassroom2011-12.wikispaces.com</a><br />
Email - <a href="mailto:globalclassroomorganisers@gmail.com">globalclassroomorganisers@gmail.com</a><br />
Edmodo: Global Classroom 11-12 Teacher<br />
Skype Group - contact mgraffin on skype<br />
Facebook - <a href="http://facebook.com/groups/globalclassroom">facebook.com/groups/globalclassroom</a><br />
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Global Classroom Contacts<br />
Deb Frazier - <a href="https://twitter.com/frazierde">@frazierde</a> (Global Classroom Creator)<br />
Michael Graffin - <a href="http://twitter.com/mgraffin">@mgraffin</a> (Global Classroom Coordinator)<br />
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Theresa’s Global Projects presentation: <a href="http://bit.ly/projectsglobal">http://bit.ly/projectsglobal</a> (over 15 projects)<br />
Theresa’s project in Global Classroom wiki: <a href="http://globalclassroom2011-12.wikispaces.com/Hero+Voicethread+Project">http://globalclassroom2011-12.wikispaces.com/Hero+Voicethread+Project</a><br />
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Global Collaboration survey answers: <a href="https://docs.google.com/a/csrn.org/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0Ahfh6ZcGBvi-dFFlQUJIenFOQnZXRDl3eGVGQ00wN0E&hl=en_US#gid=0">https://docs.google.com/a/csrn.org/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0Ahfh6ZcGBvi-dFFlQUJIenFOQnZXRDl3eGVGQ00wN0E&hl=en_US#gid=0</a><br />
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Some examples of projects from Lisa<br />
<a href="http://poetrycollaboration.wikispaces.com/">http://poetrycollaboration.wikispaces.com/</a> - won award<br />
<a href="http://timezoneexperiences.wikispaces.com/">http://timezoneexperiences.wikispaces.com/</a> - won award<br />
<a href="http://energizingenergy.wikispaces.com/">http://energizingenergy.wikispaces.com/</a><br />
<a href="http://geographyandus.wikispaces.com/">http://geographyandus.wikispaces.com/</a><br />
<a href="http://readacrosstheglobe.wikispaces.com/">http://readacrosstheglobe.wikispaces.com/</a><br />
<a href="http://pointofviewwritingproject.wikispaces.com/">http://pointofviewwritingproject.wikispaces.com/</a> - This one is just starting<br />
<a href="http://comparinghemispheres.wikispaces.com/">http://comparinghemispheres.wikispaces.com/</a> - won award<br />
<a href="http://historymysteries.wikispaces.com/">http://historymysteries.wikispaces.com/</a><br />
<a href="http://classroombooktalk.wikispaces.com/Mysteries+of+Harris+Burdick">http://classroombooktalk.wikispaces.com/Mysteries+of+Harris+Burdick</a>- won award<br />
<a href="http://virtualusa.wikispaces.com/">http://virtualusa.wikispaces.com/</a> - in progress and still taking participants - really about the globe not the US<br />
<a href="http://westernhemisphere.wikispaces.com/">http://westernhemisphere.wikispaces.com/</a><br />
<a href="http://energizingenergy.wikispaces.com/">http://energizingenergy.wikispaces.com/</a>Chris Betcherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12435882756644713537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-868506408187960705.post-28202699328556933112011-04-15T18:43:00.001+10:002022-02-19T17:35:59.270+11:00VSR43: The Global VillageJohn Warnken is a good guy. He's 58 years old, lives in Florida and is not officially a teacher. However, John has been voluntarily working with students from all over the world to help them improve their English and broaden their view of the world. He's now on a mission to help other seniors do the same. Using the power of Skype, John has spent the last 4 years Skyping into classrooms all over the world working with kids that want to talk with a native English speaker. It's a short podcast, but a great story.<br />
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<a name='more'></a><strong>Links for this episode</strong><br />
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<ul>
<li>John's blog - <a href="http://itutorforyou.com/">http://itutorforyou.com/</a></li>
<li>News article about John - <a href="http://www.chronicleonline.com/content/inverness-man-rock-star-overseas-english-students">http://www.chronicleonline.com/content/inverness-man-rock-star-overseas-english-students</a></li>
<li>And another one - <a href="http://www.chronicleonline.com/content/small-world-eccc-teacher-becomes-international-tutor">http://www.chronicleonline.com/content/small-world-eccc-teacher-becomes-international-tutor</a></li>
<li>Story from Endang Palupi's blog - <a href="http://endangpalupi.wordpress.com/2011/04/09/siapa-dia/">http://endangpalupi.wordpress.com/2011/04/09/siapa-dia/</a></li>
<li>Story from the italki blog - <a href="http://blog.italki.com/2009/07/john-warnken-and-teaching-english-online-to-schools-in-indonesia/">http://blog.italki.com/2009/07/john-warnken-and-teaching-english-online-to-schools-in-indonesia/</a></li>
<li>italki website - <a href="http://www.italki.com/">http://www.italki.com/</a></li>
<li>John's profile - <a href="http://www.italki.com/T000849184.htm">http://www.italki.com/T000849184.htm</a></li>
<li>Skype for Educators - <a href="http://education.skype.com/">http://education.skype.com</a></li>
</ul>
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I think this is a wonderful story about how people can connect globally in ways that make each others lives richer. Drop a comment below with your thoughts, or visit John's blog directly and say hi.Chris Betcherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12435882756644713537noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-868506408187960705.post-26244596966688549742011-04-05T03:39:00.001+10:002022-02-19T17:33:54.237+11:00VSR42: iOS App Smackdown!Deon Scanlon, Andrew Churches, Allanah King and Amanda Marrinan are leading Australian and New Zealand educators who use iPads, iPods (and even iPhones) in their work with kids. In this episode we share 48 of our favourite and most useful iOS apps… some fun, some silly, some educational, some serious; but all amazing!<br />
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<iframe src="https://anchor.fm/virtual-staffroom/embed/episodes/VSR42-iOS-App-Smackdown-e1ejvks" height="102px" width="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe>
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<a name='more'></a><ul><br />
<li>Deon Scanlon - <a href="http://twitter.com/deanscanlon">@deonscanlon</a></li>
<li>Andrew Churches - <a href="http://twitter.com/achurches">@achurches</a></li>
<li>Allanah King - <a href="http://twitter.com/allanahk">@allanahk</a></li>
<li>Amanda Marrinan - <a href="http://twitter.com/marragem">@marragem</a></li>
</ul>
The 48 Apps<br />
<ol>
<li>Sonic Pics - <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/sonicpics/id345295488">http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/sonicpics/id345295488</a></li>
<li>Reel Director - <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/reeldirector/id334366844">http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/reeldirector/id334366844</a></li>
<li>Splice - <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/app/splice-video-editor/id386894062">http://itunes.apple.com/app/splice-video-editor/id386894062</a></li>
<li>iTimeLapse - <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/itimelapse-pro-time-lapse/id335866860">http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/itimelapse-pro-time-lapse/id335866860</a></li>
<li>Frog Dissection - <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/frog-dissection/id377626675">http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/frog-dissection/id377626675</a></li>
<li>Puppet Pals HD - <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/puppet-pals-hd/id342076546">http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/puppet-pals-hd/id342076546</a></li>
<li>SlingNote - <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/sling-note/id385068849">http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/sling-note/id385068849</a></li>
<li>Evernote - <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/evernote/id281796108">http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/evernote/id281796108</a></li>
<li>iThoughts HD - <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/ithoughtshd-mindmapping/id369020033">http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/ithoughtshd-mindmapping/id369020033</a></li>
<li>Earthquake - <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/earthquake/id304483984">http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/earthquake/id304483984</a></li>
<li>Zapd - <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/zapd/id426955081">http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/zapd/id426955081</a></li>
<li>GoodReader - <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/goodreader-for-ipad/id363448914">http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/goodreader-for-ipad/id363448914</a></li>
<li>DropBox - <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/dropbox/id327630330">http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/dropbox/id327630330</a></li>
<li>TypeDrawing - <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/typedrawing/id314072879">http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/typedrawing/id314072879</a></li>
<li>HDR Pro - <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/pro-hdr/id347104281">http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/pro-hdr/id347104281</a></li>
<li>Photogene - <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/photogene/id287273856">http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/photogene/id287273856</a></li>
<li>Camera+ - <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/id329670577">http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/id329670577</a></li>
<li>Photoshop Express - <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/adobe-photoshop-express/id331975235">http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/adobe-photoshop-express/id331975235</a></li>
<li>Slow Shutter - <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/slow-shutter/id340712897">http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/slow-shutter/id340712897</a></li>
<li>Printopia - <a href="http://www.ecamm.com/mac/printopia">http://www.ecamm.com/mac/printopia</a></li>
<li>eClickerHost - <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/eclicker-host/id329199509">http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/eclicker-host/id329199509</a></li>
<li>QuestionPress - <a href="http://www.questionpress.com/">http://www.questionpress.com/</a></li>
<li>Student Response Network - <a href="http://studentresponsenetwork.com/download">http://studentresponsenetwork.com/download</a></li>
<li>NeoReader - <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/neoreader/id284973754">http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/neoreader/id284973754</a></li>
<li>QR Reader - <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/qr-reader-for-iphone/id368494609">http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/qr-reader-for-iphone/id368494609</a></li>
<li>Live Mathletics - <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/live-mathletics/id299596224">http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/live-mathletics/id299596224</a></li>
<li>iSwifter - <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/iswifter/id388857173">http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/iswifter/id388857173</a></li>
<li>Talking Tomcat - <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/talking-tom-cat/id377194688">http://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/talking-tom-cat/id377194688</a></li>
<li>SmackTalk! - <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/smacktalk/id306752436">http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/smacktalk/id306752436</a></li>
<li>Pages - <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/pages/id361309726">http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/pages/id361309726</a></li>
<li>Numbers - <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/numbers/id361304891">http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/numbers/id361304891</a></li>
<li>Keynote - <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/keynote/id361285480">http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/keynote/id361285480</a></li>
<li>Bento - <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/bento/id314638461">http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/bento/id314638461</a></li>
<li>AudioNote - <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/audionote-notepad-voice-recorder/id369820957">http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/audionote-notepad-voice-recorder/id369820957</a></li>
<li>SolarWalk - <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/solar-walk-for-mac-3d-solar/id413570629">http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/solar-walk-for-mac-3d-solar/id413570629</a></li>
<li>StarWalk - <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/star-walk-for-ipad-interactive/id363486802">http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/star-walk-for-ipad-interactive/id363486802</a></li>
<li>Comic Touch - <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/comic-touch/id284959707">http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/comic-touch/id284959707</a></li>
<li>ComicStrip - <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/comicstrip-cs/id392197108">http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/comicstrip-cs/id392197108</a></li>
<li>Marvel Comics - <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/marvel-comics/id350027738">http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/marvel-comics/id350027738</a></li>
<li>PlayTime Theater - <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/playtime-theater/id411289693">http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/playtime-theater/id411289693</a></li>
<li>Bump - <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/bump/id305479724">http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/bump/id305479724</a></li>
<li>iBeer - <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/ibeer-5-beers-coffee-milk/id283914070">http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/ibeer-5-beers-coffee-milk/id283914070</a></li>
<li>Real Racing HD - <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/real-racing-hd/id363998989">http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/real-racing-hd/id363998989</a></li>
<li>MathBoard - <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/mathboard/id373909837">http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/mathboard/id373909837</a></li>
<li>TED Talks - <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/ted/id376183339">http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/ted/id376183339</a></li>
<li>i-Prompt Pro - <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/i-prompt-pro/id377363375">http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/i-prompt-pro/id377363375</a></li>
<li>SoundAMP R - <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/soundamp-r/id318126109">http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/soundamp-r/id318126109</a></li>
<li>Rory's Story Cubes - <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/rorys-story-cubes/id342808551">http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/rorys-story-cubes/id342808551</a></li>
</ol>
Happy downloading. Enjoy!Chris Betcherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12435882756644713537noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-868506408187960705.post-45187728297851661002011-04-03T04:41:00.001+10:002022-02-19T17:33:00.298+11:00VSR41: Culture and VisionHelen Otway is an assistant principal and Ultranet Coach in Victoria, Australia. She is passionate about ICT, professional development and developing a school culture of continual learning. In this episode we talk about a range of topics including sharing to build school culture, learning through failure, and developing a more thoughtful approach to teaching and learning through reflective practice.<br />
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<iframe src="https://anchor.fm/virtual-staffroom/embed/episodes/VSR41-Culture-and-Vision-e1ejvjn" height="102px" width="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe>
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<a name='more'></a>We also talk about the Victorian iPad Trial and where iPads might fit into education in general, as well as some pontificating about Apple and their iOS platform.<br />
<ul>
<li>Blog - <a href="http://helenotway.edublogs.org/">http://helenotway.edublogs.org</a></li>
<li>Twitter - <a href="http://twitter.com/helenotway">http://twitter.com/helenotway</a></li>
<li>Victorian iPad Trial - <a href="http://www.ipadsforeducation.vic.edu.au/">http://www.ipadsforeducation.vic.edu.au</a></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Double your Dropbox - <a href="https://www.dropbox.com/edu">https://www.dropbox.com/edu</a></li>
<li>Diffendoofer day - <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hooray_for_Diffendoofer_Day!">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hooray_for_Diffendoofer_Day!</a></li>
</ul>
Chris Betcherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12435882756644713537noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-868506408187960705.post-13739203712989172182011-02-22T10:04:00.001+11:002022-02-19T17:32:25.473+11:00VSR40: There's an App for ThatApple's iDevices are gaining lots of traction in the education sphere lately, and with good reason. They have many of the characteristics of an almost perfect learning device, so it's no wonder so many schools around the world are trying to work out how they might best fit into the learning process. Rob Newberry, Tyler Sherwood and Brett Moller all work in schools that are exploring ways that the iPad, iPhone and iPad touch can be leveraged for greater learning.<br />
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<iframe src="https://anchor.fm/virtual-staffroom/embed/episodes/VSR40-Theres-an-App-for-That-e1ejvj0" height="102px" width="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe>
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<br />
<a name='more'></a>In this episode we hear some of the successes and lessons learned about deploying iDevices, we hear about an app written for Brett's school in Queensland, as well as a quick round of app recommendations at the end.<br />
<ul>
<li>Rob Newberry - <a href="http://twitter.com/robinthailand">@robinthailand</a></li>
<li>Tyler Sherwood - <a href="http://twitter.com/tsherwood">@tsherwood</a></li>
<li>Brett Moller - <a href="http://twitter.com/brettmoller">@brettmoller</a></li>
</ul>
<strong>Apps mentioned in this episode</strong><br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/doodle-buddy-paint-draw-scribble/id313232441?mt=8">Doodle Buddy</a> - More than just drawing, shared whiteboards, etc</li>
<li><a href="http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/slice-it/id388116298?mt=8">SliceIt!</a> - Create shape puzzles by carving up shapes into smaller parts</li>
<li><a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/sonicpics/id345295488?mt=8">SonicPics</a> - Create digital stories and slideshows on the go</li>
<li><a href="http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/wheels-on-the-bus/id303076295?mt=8">Wheels on the Bus</a> - Get the littlies to make their own stories</li>
<li><a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/soundnote/id364789577?mt=8">SoundNote</a> - Recorder for taking audio notes</li>
<li><a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/storyboard-composer/id325697961?mt=8">Storyboard Compose</a>r - Build complex storyboards with photos, SFX and timing</li>
<li><a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/dragon-dictation/id341446764?mt=8">Dragon Dictation</a> - Speech recognition software</li>
<li><a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/nanostudio/id382263651?mt=8">Nanostudio</a> - A full recording studio on the iPhone</li>
<li><a href="http://itunes.apple.com/app/kcc/id402167213?mt=8">Kings Christian College</a> - The app Brett got developed for his school</li>
</ul>
Chris Betcherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12435882756644713537noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-868506408187960705.post-22440649940337104512011-01-21T07:01:00.001+11:002022-02-19T17:31:35.837+11:00VSR39: Scientific CuriosityTim Kong, John Pearce, Britt Gow and Leigh Zeitz get together to chat about science education, but we soon get carried away talking about some of the bigger, broader issues of teaching in general. In the end, we cover a whole lot of different stuff. This was another podcast organised over Twitter at short notice.<br />
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<iframe src="https://anchor.fm/virtual-staffroom/embed/episodes/VSR39-Scientific-Curiosity-e1ejvhv" height="102px" width="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe>
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<br />
<a name='more'></a><strong>Links for this episode</strong><br />
<br />
<strong>John Pearce</strong><a href="http://johnp.wordpress.com/">http://johnp.wordpress.com</a><br />
<a href="http://twitter.com/mrpbps">@mrpbps</a><br />
<br />
<strong>Britt Gow</strong><a href="http://brittgow.globalteacher.org.au/">http://brittgow.globalteacher.org.au</a><br />
<a href="http://twitter.com/brittgow">@brittgow</a><br />
<br />
<strong>Tim Kong</strong><a href="http://continue.edublogs.org/">http://continue.edublogs.org</a><br />
<a href="http://twitter.com/timoslimo">@timoslimo</a><br />
<br />
<strong>Leigh Zeitz</strong><a href="http://drzreflects.com/">http://drzreflects.com</a><br />
<a href="http://twitter.com/zeitz">@zeitz</a>Chris Betcherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12435882756644713537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-868506408187960705.post-66284324243158129322011-01-21T06:23:00.001+11:002022-02-19T17:30:33.274+11:00VSR38: Student VoiceWhen it comes to blogging with students, Linda Yollis and Kathleen Morris know what they're talking about. In this episode they share some of their wisdom about getting very young students to blog effectively. Some great tips and advice on blogging. Both Linda and Kathleen had their blogs nominated for the 2010 Edublog Awards, and Linda was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award. If you're looking for great advice about student blogging, this is the place!<br />
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<iframe src="https://anchor.fm/virtual-staffroom/embed/episodes/VSR38-Student-Voice-e1ejvgq" height="102px" width="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe>
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<br />
<a name='more'></a><strong>Kathleen Morris (nee McGeady)</strong><br />
<div style="padding-left: 30px;">
<strong>Integrating Technology in the Primary Classroom</strong><em>My professional learning blog where I share ideas and discuss issues surrounding ICT in the primary classroom</em><a href="http://primarytech.globalteacher.org.au/">http://primarytech.globalteacher.org.au</a></div>
<br />
<div style="padding-left: 30px;">
<strong>2KM Blog</strong><em>My Grade Two class blog at Leopold Primary School 2009 and 2010</em><a href="http://2kmblog.globalstudent.org.au/">http://2kmblog.globalstudent.org.au</a></div>
<br />
<div style="padding-left: 30px;">
<strong>Diigo Site</strong><em>This is where I store my favourite websites.</em><a href="http://www.diigo.com/user/kathleenmcgeady">http://www.diigo.com/user/kathleenmcgeady</a></div>
<br />
<div style="padding-left: 30px;">
<strong>Twitter</strong>: <a href="callto:mrs.kathleen.morris">kathleen_morris</a><br /><strong>Skype</strong>: <a href="callt:mrs.kathleen.morris">mrs.kathleen.morris</a></div>
<br />
<strong>Linda Yollis</strong><br />
<div style="padding-left: 30px;">
<strong>Mrs. Yollis' Classroom Blog</strong><br />(3rd grade classroom blog)<br /><a href="http://yollisclassblog.blogspot.com/"> http://yollisclassblog.blogspot.com/</a></div>
<br />
<div style="padding-left: 30px;">
<strong>Reading Round-Up!</strong></div>
<br />
<div style="padding-left: 30px;">
(shared collaboration blog w/Jonah Salsich / literacy blog)<br /><a href="http://thereadingroundup.blogspot.com/"> http://thereadingroundup.blogspot.com/</a></div>
<br />
<div style="padding-left: 30px;">
<strong>Yollis' 365 Project</strong>(class project / learning about digital photography and creative commenting)<br /><a href="http://yollis365project.blogspot.com/"> http://yollis365project.blogspot.com/</a></div>
<br />
<div style="padding-left: 30px;">
<strong>Educational Blogging Wiki</strong>(resources for teachers who want to have a classroom blog)<br /><a href="http://educational-blogging.wikispaces.com/"> http://educational-blogging.wikispaces.com/</a></div>
<br />
<div style="padding-left: 30px;">
<strong>Twitter:</strong> <a href="http://twitter.com/lindayollis">@lindayollis</a><br /><strong>Skype:</strong> <a href="callto:lindayollis">lindayollis</a><br /><strong>Class Twitter:</strong> <a href="http://twitter.com/MrsYollis">@MrsYollis</a></div>
<br />
<strong>Shared Projects</strong><br />
<div style="padding-left: 30px;">
<strong>Collaboration Corner</strong><br />Shared collaboration blog with Linda Yollis<br /><a href="http://collaboration-corner.blogspot.com/">http://collaboration-corner.blogspot.com/</a></div>
<br />
<div style="padding-left: 30px;">
<strong>Ugandan Global Project</strong>2010 global project across four continents<br /><a href="http://ugandanglobalproject.blogspot.com/">http://ugandanglobalproject.blogspot.com/</a></div>
Chris Betcherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12435882756644713537noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-868506408187960705.post-68640618843093035592010-12-10T09:32:00.001+11:002022-02-19T17:29:42.282+11:00VSR37: Design is EverythingMelinda Alford is a teacher who cares about design. From the design of her classroom, to the design of her school, to the design of the work she expects from her students, design plays an important role in the things she does. In this episode we talk to Melinda about her classroom, her school, her city and a bunch of other things.<br />
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<iframe src="https://anchor.fm/virtual-staffroom/embed/episodes/VSR37-Design-is-Everything-e1ejvg7" height="102px" width="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe>
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<a name='more'></a>Melinda is from Atlanta Georgia in the USA, but teaches at Concordia International School in Shanghai China, where she's lived with her family for the past 7 years. As well as talking about education issues we also chat a little about life in China. We also ask the controversial question, "do teachers who have done things outside of teaching make the best teachers?"<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Melinda's Twitter - <a href="http://www.twitter.com/melindaalford">http://www.twitter.com/melindaalford</a></li>
<li>Concordia International School Shanghai - <a href="http://www.ciss.com.cn/">http://www.ciss.com.cn/</a></li>
<li>Learning 2.010 Conference - <a href="http://hosted.ciss.com.cn/learning2010/">http://hosted.ciss.com.cn/learning2010/</a></li>
</ul>
<br />
Also, don't forget that the Virtual Staffroom has been nominated (again!) for an Edublog Award in the Best Educational Podcast division. If you'd like to cast a vote our way, feel free at <a href="http://edublogawards.com/2010awards/best-educational-podcast-2010/">http://edublogawards.com/2010awards/best-educational-podcast-2010</a><br />
<br />
PS: In the podcast I accidentally attributed the "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ILQrUrEWe8&feature=player_embedded">Did You Know?</a>" videos to Michael Wesch. While Michael has made<a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/mwesch"> some amazing videos about Digital Ethnography</a>, I should correct myself and say that <a href="http://thefischbowl.blogspot.com/">Karl Fisch</a> is generally considered to be the<a href="http://thefischbowl.blogspot.com/2006/08/did-you-know.html"> originator of the "Did you Know" videos</a>.Chris Betcherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12435882756644713537noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-868506408187960705.post-36007651619367785752010-12-04T20:09:00.001+11:002022-02-19T17:28:52.358+11:00VSR36: ConnectedIn this episode I get to have a fun chat with three highly connected educators about the value that being connected brings to them. Chrissy Hellier is a New Zealander working in Bangkok; Amanda Marrinan teaches in Brisbane Australia; and Paul Wood works in Dallas, Texas.<br />
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<iframe src="https://anchor.fm/virtual-staffroom/embed/episodes/VSR35-Free-As-In-Speech-e1ejve9" height="102px" width="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe>
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<a name='more'></a>We talk about the idea of connectedness, the value of what it means to be a connected educator and the opportunities it can open for your classroom. We also talk about Skype, Twitter and other tools of connectedness, as well as the value of actually starting the recorder when recording a podcast! Enjoy!<br />
<br />
<strong>Mentioned in the podcast...</strong><br />
<ul>
<li>Skype - <a href="http://www.skype.com/">www.skype.com</a></li>
<li>Blogger - <a href="http://www.blogger.com/">www.blogger.com</a></li>
<li>Class Blogmeister - <a href="http://classblogmeister.com/">classblogmeister.com</a></li>
<li>Skype the Vasa Museum - <a href="http://vasamuseet.se/en/About/News/Skype-visits/">vasamuseet.se/en/About/News/Skype-visits/</a></li>
</ul>
<strong>Amanda Marrinan</strong><br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://2mgems.blogspot.com/">2mgems.blogspot.com</a></li>
<li><a href="http://twitter.com/marragem">@marragem</a></li>
<li><a href="callto:amanda.gem">amanda.gem</a></li>
</ul>
<a href="http://2mgems.blogspot.com/"></a><br />
<a href="http://twitter.com/marragem"></a><br />
<strong>Chrissy Hellier</strong><br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://teachingsagittarian.com/">teachingsagittarian.com</a></li>
<li><a href="http://twitter.com/nzchrissy">@nzchrissy</a></li>
<li><a href="callto:nzchrissy">nzchrissy</a></li>
</ul>
<a href="http://twitter.com/nzchrissy"></a><br />
<strong>Paul R Wood</strong><br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://whatisyouritvision.blogspot.com/">whatisyouritvision.blogspot.com</a></li>
<li><a href="http://twitter.com/prwood">@prwood</a></li>
<li><a href="callto:prwood50">prwood50</a></li>
</ul>
<br />
<a href="http://whatisyouritvision.blogspot.com/"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://twitter.com/prwood"></a>Chris Betcherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12435882756644713537noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-868506408187960705.post-89306692434444351592010-08-20T07:53:00.001+10:002022-02-19T17:28:20.279+11:00VSR35: Free As In SpeechMark Osborne from Albany Senior High School in NZ joins us to talk about the way his school leverages the power of Open Source software, cloud computing and hosted servers. We are also joined by Australian teachers Roland Gesthuizen and Peter Ruwoldt.<br />
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<iframe src="https://anchor.fm/virtual-staffroom/embed/episodes/VSR35-Free-As-In-Speech-e1ejve9" height="102px" width="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe>
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<br />
<a name='more'></a><ul><br />
<li>Albany Senior High School - <a href="http://ashs.school.nz/">ashs.school.nz/</a></li>
<li>Mark's Blog - <a href="http://theopensourceschool.blogspot.com/">theopensourceschool.blogspot.com/</a></li>
<li>Roland's Blog - <a href="http://plakboek.livejournal.com/">plakboek.livejournal.com/</a></li>
<li>Peter's Blog - <a href="http://waraku.blogspot.com/">waraku.blogspot.com/</a></li>
</ul>
Other resources mentioned in the podcast<br />
<ul>
<li>The OpenDisc - <a href="http://www.theopendisc.com/" target="_blank">http://www.theopendisc.com/</a></li>
<li>Software Freedom Day - Annual international event to celebrate free software and help communities to become aware and better informed. Look for an event near you or host one of your own. - This year it is on 18SEP2010 - <a href="http://softwarefreedomday.org/" target="_blank">http://softwarefreedomday.org/</a></li>
<li>Ubuntu - <a href="http://www.ubuntu.com/" target="_blank">http://www.ubuntu.com/</a></li>
<li>Open Office - <a href="http://www.openoffice.org/" target="_blank">http://www.openoffice.org/</a></li>
<li>Richard Stallman on why schools should exclusively use free software - <a href="http://www.gnu.org/philosophy/schools.html" target="_blank">http://www.gnu.org/philosophy/schools.html</a></li>
</ul>
Enjoy! Comments welcome as always.Chris Betcherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12435882756644713537noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-868506408187960705.post-68072024366454864852010-07-10T08:33:00.001+10:002022-02-19T17:27:26.811+11:00VSR34: Short NoticeAfter rustling these guys up on Twitter at short notice, Rob Newberry, David Wees, Linda Pilkington, Britt Gow and Suzie Vesper join us to talk about copyright, iPads and iPods, and pretty much anything else on their minds!<br />
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<iframe src="https://anchor.fm/virtual-staffroom/embed/episodes/VSR34-Short-Notice-e1ejvdi" height="102px" width="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe>
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<br />
<a name='more'></a><strong>Suzie Vesper - </strong>@suzievesper<br />
<div id="_mcePaste">
<strong>Britt Gow - </strong>@brittgow</div>
<div>
<strong>Linda Pilkington - </strong>@linda_pilko</div>
<div id="_mcePaste">
<strong>Rob Newberry - </strong>@robinthailand</div>
<div id="_mcePaste">
<strong>David Wees - </strong>@davidwees</div>
<br />
<div>
<strong>Copyright Links</strong></div>
<div id="_mcePaste">
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.tineye.com/">http://www.tineye.com/</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.p2pu.org/">http://www.p2pu.org</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.smartcopying.com.au/">http://www.smartcopying.com.au</a></li>
</ul>
<br />
<strong>iPods in Education Links</strong><br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://web.me.com/jenashby/iPodTouch_Project/iPodTouch_Project.html">http://web.me.com/jenashby/iPodTouch_Project/iPodTouch_Project.html</a></li>
<li><a href="http://slidetolearn.ning.com/">http://slidetolearn.ning.com/</a></li>
<li><a href="http://ipodtouchclassroom.ning.com/">http://ipodtouchclassroom.ning.com/</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
<br /><div>
<strong>Suzie's Wikis</strong></div>
<div id="_mcePaste">
<ul>
<li><a href="http://educationalsoftware.wikispaces.com/">http://educationalsoftware.wikispaces.com/</a></li>
<li><a href="http://learningweb2.wikispaces.com/">http://learningweb2.wikispaces.com/</a></li>
<li><a href="http://sharetheaddiction.edublogs.org/">http://sharetheaddiction.edublogs.org/</a></li>
</ul>
<br /></div>
Chris Betcherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12435882756644713537noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-868506408187960705.post-45954680968914538462010-05-30T08:31:00.001+10:002022-02-19T17:26:35.925+11:00VSR33: This Is Not AmazingDuring the recent Australian ITSC Conferences run by Apple Australia, Chris Betcher gave the keynote address called This is Not Amazing. This podcast is a recording of that keynote.<br />
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<iframe src="https://anchor.fm/virtual-staffroom/embed/episodes/VSR33-This-Is-Not-Amazing-e1ejvcs" height="102px" width="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe>
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<br />
<a name='more'></a>The ITSC Conferences took place on the Gold Coast, Adelaide, Sydney, Perth and Melbourne, and contained a significant unconference component that allowed participants to play and explore ideas rather than just get talked at. However, there were still a few "talks", and this keynote was one of them. It's based on the idea that, 10 years into the 21st Century, we need to stop being so amazed at things that ought to by now just be part of the way things are.<br />
<ul>
<li>Apple ITSC site - <a href="http://www.apple.com/au/education/itsc/">http://www.apple.com/au/education/itsc/</a></li>
<li>Betchaboy's original blog post - <a href="http://chrisbetcher.com/2009/11/this-is-not-amazing/">http://chrisbetcher.com/2009/11/this-is-not-amazing/</a></li>
</ul>
Chris Betcherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12435882756644713537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-868506408187960705.post-62974259706544907782010-02-24T09:29:00.001+11:002022-02-19T17:25:25.637+11:00VSR32: Be Very AfraidBe Very Afraid is the brainchild of Professor Stephen Heppell, a gathering that brings together students from all over the UK to showcase some incredible ICT related projects. In this episode we hear some Stephen's personal insights about BVA.<br />
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<iframe src="https://anchor.fm/virtual-staffroom/embed/episodes/VSR32-Be-Very-Afraid-e1ejvc5" height="102px" width="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe>
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<br />
<a name='more'></a>In this episode I have the great pleasure of having a chat with the enigmatic Professor Stephen Heppell. With a story for just about every occasion, Stephen is a absolute mine of great insights and perspectives about the future of education.<br />
<br />
Be Very Afraid is one of Stephen’s many educational projects. It brings together students from all over the UK to showcase some incredible ICT related projects. There is some truly amazing learning taking place here. In this episode we get to hear some of the backstory to BVA as well as a few of Stephen’s personal insights about it.<br />
<br />
We finish with a chat about education in general and some really wonderful insights into getting the best from our students.<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.heppell.net/" style="color: #2244bb;" target="_blank">Heppell.net</a> - Stephen’s main website</li>
<li><a href="http://www.heppell.net/bva/default.htm" style="color: #2244bb;" target="_blank">Be Very Afraid</a> - BVA Project website</li>
</ul>
A special thank you to Stephen for his time, and to Lys for helping me set this up.Chris Betcherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12435882756644713537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-868506408187960705.post-60745631643986169552010-01-20T09:27:00.001+11:002022-02-19T17:24:43.484+11:00VSR31: The Culture ShiftPamela Livingston, Leslie Wison and Ben Jones know an awful lot about implementing successful 1-1 computing rollouts. In this episode we dig into the core ideas behind a successful 1-1 implementation.<br />
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<iframe src="https://anchor.fm/virtual-staffroom/embed/episodes/VSR31-The-Culture-Shift-e1ejvbf" height="102px" width="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe>
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<br />
<a name='more'></a>Pamela Livingston, Leslie Wison and Ben Jones know an awful lot about implementing successful 1-1 computing rollouts. They have all had extensive experience with some huge state-wide rollouts of laptop devices to students. In this episode we dig into the core ideas behind a successful 1-1 implementation.<br />
<br />
<strong>Pamela Livingston - New Jersey</strong><br />
<ul>
<li>Pamela’s blog <a href="http://1to1learning.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">http://1to1learning.blogspot.com</a></li>
<li>Shared blog (Scott McLeod and others) <a href="http://1to1schools.net/" target="_blank">http://1to1schools.net</a></li>
<li>About book http://www.iste.org/lapto2 and Amazon <a href="http://www.amazon.com/1-1-Learning-Second-Programs/dp/1564842541/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1262954186&sr=8-1" target="_blank">http://www.amazon.com/1-1-Learning-Second-Programs/dp/1564842541/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1262954186&sr=8-1</a></li>
<li>ISTE podcast interview about book <a href="http://iste.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=484113" target="_blank">http://iste.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=484113</a></li>
<li>EdTech talk podcast interview <a href="http://edtechtalk.com/21st_Century_Learning_16" target="_blank">http://edtechtalk.com/21st_Century_Learning_16</a></li>
<li>Article in Digital Directions <a href="http://www.edweek.org/dd/articles/2008/01/23/3laptop.h01.html" target="_blank">http://www.edweek.org/dd/articles/2008/01/23/3laptop.h01.html</a></li>
<li>Hot Chalk columns <a href="http://www.hotchalk.com/mydesk/index.php/one-to-one-that-works#" target="_blank">http://www.hotchalk.com/mydesk/index.php/one-to-one-that-works#</a></li>
</ul>
<br />
<strong>Ben Jones - Sydney</strong><br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://twitter.com/benpaddlejones" target="_blank">http://twitter.com/benpaddlejones</a></li>
<li>Inter.Connect.Ed, Ben’s Blog - <a href="http://benpaddlejones.edublogs.org/" target="_blank">http://benpaddlejones.edublogs.org/</a></li>
<li>The Digital Education Revolution in NSW -<a href="http://www.schools.nsw.edu.au/gotoschool/highschool/dernsw/transforming.php" target="_blank">http://www.schools.nsw.edu.au/gotoschool/highschool/dernsw/transforming.php</a></li>
<li>DER Media Release -<a href="http://www.deewr.gov.au/Ministers/Gillard/Media/Releases/Pages/Article_090826_113050.aspx" target="_blank">http://www.deewr.gov.au/Ministers/Gillard/Media/Releases/Pages/Article_090826_113050.aspx</a></li>
</ul>
<br />
<strong>Leslie Wilson - Michigan</strong><br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://virtualstaffroom.net/www.one-to-oneinstitute.org" target="_blank">www.one-to-oneinstitute.org</a></li>
<li><a href="http://virtualstaffroom.net/www.projectred.org" target="_blank">www.projectred.org</a></li>
<li><a href="http://virtualstaffroom.net/#%20http://tiny.cc/YZ7dX" target="_blank">http://tiny.cc/YZ7dX</a></li>
<li><a href="http://newbay.ebookhost.net/k12/projectred/1/ebook/1/index.php?e=42&user_id=36838&flash=10.42" target="_blank">http://newbay.ebookhost.net/k12/projectred/1/ebook/1/index.php?e=42&user_id=36838&flash=10.42</a></li>
</ul>
Chris Betcherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12435882756644713537noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-868506408187960705.post-19419288949733106272009-11-02T09:25:00.001+11:002022-02-19T17:23:53.144+11:00VSR30: The Whiteboard ConundrumIn this episode as we speak with Rob Newberry, James Hollis, Danny Nicholson, Martin Levins and Stuart Walsh, five experienced and opinionated IWB users and try to explore some of the bigger, deeper questions behind the use of IWB technology.<br />
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<iframe src="https://anchor.fm/virtual-staffroom/embed/episodes/VSR30-The-Whiteboard-Conundrum-e1ejva8" height="102px" width="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe>
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<br />
<a name='more'></a>Love them or hate them, interactive whiteboards seem to have become a part of today’s modern classroom. There are many teachers who see them as a wonderful ‘window to the world’, able to open their classrooms up to a plethora of digital experiences, make learning richer and more engaging in the process. Then there are others who see IWBs as the devil incarnate, a scourge on the educational landscape that sets our classrooms back by thirty years. They claim them to be setting the sage back on the stage and ruining the student focused nature of the classroom.<br />
<br />
The truth is that interactive technologies are whatever you make of them. Join us in this episode as we speak with five experienced and opinionated IWB users and try to dig into the deeper questions behind the use of this technology.<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.twitter.com/jameshollis" target="_blank">James Hollis</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.twitter.com/dannynic" target="_blank">Danny Nicholson</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.twitter.com/emmell" target="_blank">Martin Levins</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.twitter.com/robinthailand" target="_blank">Rob Newberry</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.twitter.com/smoky_stu" target="_blank">Stuart Walsh</a></li>
</ul>
As always, we encourage you to continue the conversation in the comments below. Or if you want to engage in this conversation a little more deeply, take a look at <a href="http://www.iwbrevolution.com/" target="_blank">www.iwbrevolution.com</a>Chris Betcherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12435882756644713537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-868506408187960705.post-7402248166726710112009-09-07T08:23:00.001+10:002022-02-19T17:22:31.999+11:00VSR29: The C WordThis episode is a roundup of thoughts, ideas and impressions from delegates at the recent IWBNet Leading a Digital School Conference on Australia's Gold Coast.<br />
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<iframe src="https://anchor.fm/virtual-staffroom/embed/episodes/VSR29-The-C-Word-e1ejv96" height="102px" width="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe>
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<a name='more'></a>I wandered around on the last day with my iPhone voice recorder and asked a few people for their thoughts on the event and how they might put some of their ideas into practice. It was a terrific conference with a basic message about the need for change as we lead our schools forward into the 21st century.<br />
<br />
Be sure to check out the links below (including the Twitter stream…)<br />
<ul>
<li>Leading a Digital School - <a href="http://www.iwb.net.au/conferences/digital09/default.htm" target="_blank">http://www.iwb.net.au/conferences/digital09/default.htm</a></li>
<li>Conference Ning - <a href="http://leadingadigitalschool.ning.com/" target="_blank">http://leadingadigitalschool.ning.com/</a></li>
<li>Twitter Search on #iwbnet09 - <a href="http://twitter.com/#search?q=%23iwbnet09" target="_blank">http://twitter.com/#search?q=%23iwbnet09</a></li>
<li>Marc Prensky’s blog - <a href="http://www.marcprensky.com/blog/" target="_blank">http://www.marcprensky.com/blog/</a></li>
<li>Tom March’s blog - <a href="http://www.tommarch.com/ozblog/2009/09/04/iwbnet/" target="_blank">http://www.tommarch.com/ozblog/2009/09/04/iwbnet/</a></li>
<li>Greg Gebhart’s blog - <a href="http://www.itvision.net.au/" target="_blank">http://www.itvision.net.au/</a></li>
<li>CyberSmart website - <a href="http://www.cybersmart.gov.au/" target="_blank">http://www.cybersmart.gov.au/</a></li>
<li>NetAlert - <a href="http://www.netalert.gov.au/" target="_blank">http://www.netalert.gov.au/</a></li>
<li>Megan Waygood’s new blog - <a href="http://mwaygood.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">http://mwaygood.wordpress.com</a> (go on, send her some blog love!)</li>
</ul>
And of course, your comments are always welcome below!Chris Betcherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12435882756644713537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-868506408187960705.post-21144087729500506172009-07-15T08:21:00.001+10:002022-02-19T17:21:36.542+11:00VSR28: All This Scratchin'Bill Kerr and Peter Ruwoldt teach in South Australia and have been using Scratch extensively with their students for quite a while. Peter was very involved in Scratch Day, an annual event to promote Scratch, and he shares some of his insights about this.<br />
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<iframe src="https://anchor.fm/virtual-staffroom/embed/episodes/VSR28-All-This-Scratchin-e1ejv8h" height="102px" width="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe>
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<br />
<a name='more'></a>Scratch is an easy to learn programming tool developed by MIT and is finding enthusiastic users all over the world. In this episode we have a chat to two experienced Scratchers, Bill Kerr and Peter Ruwoldt. Peter and Bill both teach in South Australia and have been using Scratch extensively with their students for quite a while, so they were the ideal people to chat to in order to find out more.<br />
<br />
Peter was also very involved in Scratch Day, an annual event to promote Scratch, and he shares some of his insights about this.<br />
<br />
Links from this episode:<br />
<ul>
<li>The official Scratch website - <a href="http://scratch.mit.edu/" target="_blank">http://scratch.mit.edu</a></li>
<li>The Scratch Day website - <a href="http://day.scratch.mit.edu/" target="_blank">http://day.scratch.mit.edu</a></li>
<li>Bill’s Blog - <a href="http://billkerr2.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">http://billkerr2.blogspot.com/</a></li>
<li>Bill’s website - <a href="http://www.users.on.net/~billkerr/" target="_blank">http://www.users.on.net/~billkerr/</a></li>
<li>Peter’s Stuff - <a href="http://www.watiwara.org/mdl3/mod/resource/view.php?id=54" target="_blank">http://www.watiwara.org/mdl3/mod/resource/view.php?id=54</a></li>
<li>Peter’s Scratch Day story - <a href="http://day.scratch.mit.edu/event/56" target="_blank">http://day.scratch.mit.edu/event/56</a></li>
<li>Scratch cards - <a href="http://info.scratch.mit.edu/Support/Scratch_Cards" target="_blank">http://info.scratch.mit.edu/Support/Scratch_Cards</a></li>
<li>Challenges - <a href="http://billkerr2.blogspot.com/2009/02/scratch-challenges-update.html" target="_blank">http://billkerr2.blogspot.com/2009/02/scratch-challenges-update.html</a></li>
<li>Introductory projects - <a href="http://nebomusic.net/scratch.html" target="_blank">http://nebomusic.net/scratch.htm</a></li>
</ul>
Enjoy your Scratchin’!Chris Betcherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12435882756644713537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-868506408187960705.post-77058852541841592232009-05-18T08:18:00.001+10:002022-02-19T17:20:56.212+11:00VSR27: Raising The BarJarrod Robinson, Ben Jones and Shane Roberts are not ones for sticking with the status quo. Our conversation explores some very cool tools being used for integrating technology with PE, such as Bluetooth broadcasting, QR codes and the Wii Remote.<br />
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<iframe src="https://anchor.fm/virtual-staffroom/embed/episodes/VSR27-Raising-The-Bar-e1ejv7f" height="102px" width="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe>
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<br />
<a name='more'></a>Raising the Bar is an expression that comes from athletics, where high jumpers will keep pushing themselves just that little bit further… it also describes well the sorts of thinking you’ll find coming from these amazing Physical Education teachers; Jarrod Robinson, Ben Jones and Shane Roberts. Not ones for sticking with the status quo, our conversation with these guys explores some very cool tools being used for integrating technology with PE, such as Bluetooth broadcasting, QR codes and the Wii Remote. Beyond the fun tools though are some very deep ideas about some genuinely powerful pedagogy.<br />
<br />
This episode is a little longer than most, since Shane joined us late in the conversation and raised some interesting conversation about the use of non-synchronous discussion tools. Overall though, these guys created a great podcast that is a must-listen.<br />
Links mentioned in this episode:<br />
<br />
<strong>Ben</strong><br />
Blog - <a href="http://bloglearningrhhs.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">http://bloglearningrhhs.blogspot.com</a><br />
<br />
<strong>Jarrod</strong><br />
Blog - <a href="http://mrrobbo.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">http://mrrobbo.wordpress.com</a><br />
Twitter - <a href="http://twitter.com/mrrobbo" target="_blank">@mrrobbo</a><br />
<br />
<strong>Shane</strong><br />
Blog - <a href="http://shanetechteach.edublogs.org/" target="_blank">http://shanetechteach.edublogs.org/</a><br />
Twitter - <a href="http://twitter.com/shanetechteach" target="_blank">@shanetechteach</a><br />
<br />
Blue Magnet Bluetooth server - <a href="http://www.bluemagnet.com/" target="_blank">http://www.bluemagnet.com/</a><br />
QR Code Generator - <a href="http://qrcode.kaywa.com/" target="_blank">http://qrcode.kaywa.com/</a><br />
WiiMote Project - <a href="http://www.wiimoteproject.com/" target="_blank">http://www.wiimoteproject.com/</a>Chris Betcherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12435882756644713537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-868506408187960705.post-765356113919804712008-10-31T09:17:00.001+11:002022-02-19T17:20:12.869+11:00VSR26: Cold SnapIn a bit of a departure from the usual format for the show, in this episode we play a recording of a Skype call between our three Year 5 classrooms at PLC Sydney and Anthony Powell, a communications technician at McMurdo base in Antarctica.<br />
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<iframe src="https://anchor.fm/virtual-staffroom/embed/episodes/VSR26-Cold-Snap-e1ejv6a" height="102px" width="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe>
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<br />
<a name='more'></a>The Year 5 students were doing an integrated unit of work on Antarctica and we managed to arrange this call for the kids to have a chat to Anthony about life in Antarctica and to ask him a few questions. The three classrooms were connected to the call individually in a group conference call.<br />
<br />
It’s a nice example of how Skype can be used to break through the walls of a traditional classroom and bring kids into contact with real people in faraway places. The next step will be that the students take this raw recording and chop it up to use in their own podcasts about Antarctica.<br />
<ul>
<li>Anthony’s website - <a href="http://www.antarcticimages.com/" target="_blank">http://www.antarcticimages.com/</a></li>
</ul>
Chris Betcherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12435882756644713537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-868506408187960705.post-12129545434963947942008-09-28T08:15:00.001+10:002022-02-19T17:19:28.131+11:00VSR25: Computer In My PocketIn this episode we chat to two teachers with a great deal of experience with cellphones for education - Liz Kolb from Ann Arbor, USA and Toni Twiss from Hamilton, New Zealand.<br />
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<br />
<a name='more'></a>Learning with cellphones is a hot topic in many schools at the moment. Phones are usually banned, but a few brave schools are looking for ways to leverage this powerful mobile technology. Liz and Toni have been doing research into this area and have some great insights to share.<br />
<br />
This episode was also the first where we used a live audio stream to the web and had a live backchannel going as we recorded the podcast. Thanks to those people who joined us in this live feed, and we will definitely be doing it again.<br />
<br />
There are lots of links for this episode! Take some time and check them out… you’ll be amazed!<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://tonitwiss.com/mobile/" target="_blank">tonitwiss.com/mobile</a> - Toni’s Blog</li>
<br />
<li><a href="http://www.efellows.org.nz/" target="_blank">www.efellows.org.nz</a></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.cellphonesinlearning.com/" target="_blank">www.cellphonesinlearning.com</a> - Liz’s Blog</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.mobilestudy.org/" target="_blank">www.mobilestudy.org</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.gabcast.com/" target="_blank">www.gabcast.com</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.gcast.com/" target="_blank">www.gcast.com</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.chacha.com/" target="_blank">www.chacha.com</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.kwiry.com/" target="_blank">www.kwiry.com</a></li>
<li><a href="http://mymiamia.com/" target="_blank">www.mymiamia.com</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.polleverywhere.com/" target="_blank">www.polleverywhere.com</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.smspoll.net/" target="_blank">www.smspoll.net</a></li>
<li><a href="http://wiffiti.com/" target="_blank">www.wiffiti.com</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.qipit.com/" target="_blank">www.qipit.com</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.opera.com/products/mobile/" target="_blank">www.opera.com/products/mobile</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.qik.com/" target="_blank">www.qik.com</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.shozu.com/" target="_blank">www.shozu.com</a></li>
<li><a href="http://reader.kaywa.com/" target="_blank">reader.kaywa.com</a></li>
<li><a href="http://qrcode.kaywa.com/" target="_blank">qrcode.kaywa.com</a></li>
<li><a href="http://twitpic.com/" target="_blank">www.twitpic.com</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.utterli.com/" target="_blank">www.utterli.com</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.lexy.com/lexy/home.html" target="_blank">www.lexy.com</a></li>
</ul>
Whew! That ought to keep you busy for a while! Don’t forget to leave a comment and mention how you are using mobile technology in your classroom.<br />
<br />
<!--more-->Chris Betcherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12435882756644713537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-868506408187960705.post-7432296953446198972008-09-15T08:13:00.001+10:002022-02-19T17:15:44.481+11:00VSR24: From The FrontThis episode is a compilation of live interviews from the Second Leading a Digital School conference in Sydney, Australia. This conference focuses on providing school leaders with the skills and mindsets needed to lead our schools into the 21st century.<br />
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<iframe src="https://anchor.fm/virtual-staffroom/embed/episodes/VSR24-From-The-Front-e1ejv4a" height="102px" width="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe>
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<a name='more'></a>The conference has a broad focus across a number of areas, but the sensible integration of technology is a strong theme. For this podcast, I wandered around the conference and spoke with delegates, presenters and vendors for a snapshot of some of the ideas and thoughts they took away from the event.<br />
<br />
Some links for this episode:<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.iwb.net.au/" target="_blank">IWBNet Website</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.iwb.net.au/conferences/digital/default.htm" target="_blank">Leading a Digital School website</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.macmillan.com.au/primary/newonix/domisbn/9781420265002?open&div=&cat=General&bi=0&ed=site/primed3.nsf" target="_blank">Peter Kent’s book, Interactive Whiteboards</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.wacom.com.au/" target="_blank">Wacom Australia</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.bssc.edu.au/public/" target="_blank">Bendigo Senior Secondary College</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.nswceg.org.au/" target="_blank">NSW Computer Education Group</a></li>
<li><a href="http://johnp.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">John Pearce’s blog</a></li>
</ul>
Comments and questions welcome!Chris Betcherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12435882756644713537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-868506408187960705.post-28438408266251610102008-07-16T08:11:00.002+10:002022-02-19T17:16:18.917+11:00VSR23: Cos I'm FreePia Waugh is the president of Linux Australia, so-owner of Waugh Partners, and a leader of the OLPC project in Australia. She is passionate and knowledgeable about the use of Open Source technologies in schools and business.<br />
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<iframe src="https://anchor.fm/virtual-staffroom/embed/episodes/VSR23-Cos-Im-Free-e1ejv35" height="102px" width="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe>
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<br />
<a name='more'></a>In this episode Pia shares some insights into Open Source software, how it can be leveraged for use in education and talks about the One Laptop Per Child project. If you believe that software should be free, not just free as in beer, but free as in speech, you’ll enjoy this episode…<br />
<br />
<strong>Pia’s Links</strong><br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://pipka.org/" target="_blank">http://pipka.org/</a></li>
<li><a href="http://olpc.org.au/" target="_blank">http://olpc.org.au</a></li>
<li><a href="http://wiki.laptop.org/" target="_blank">http://wiki.laptop.org</a></li>
<li><a href="http://census.waughpartners.com.au/" target="_blank">http://census.waughpartners.com.au</a></li>
<li><a href="http://linux.org.au/linux" target="_blank">http://linux.org.au/linux</a></li>
<li><a href="http://softwarefreedomday.org/" target="_blank">http://softwarefreedomday.org/</a></li>
<li><a href="http://ask-oss.mq.edu.au/" target="_blank">http://ask-oss.mq.edu.au/</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.osv.org.au/education" target="_blank">http://www.osv.org.au/education</a></li>
</ul>
As Pia mentions in the podcast, she wants to spread the word about Open Source. If you’d like her to speak to your organisation about the use of Open Source software, drop her an email. Details in the podcast.Chris Betcherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12435882756644713537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-868506408187960705.post-51407859243339281952008-06-03T08:09:00.001+10:002022-02-19T17:14:11.331+11:00VSR22: MoodlemaniaIn this episode we are joined by three highly experiences Moodle users who share some insights with us. Talia Carbin, Darrel Branson and Julian Ridden each work intensively with Moodle in three different settings and in different ways.<br />
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<iframe src="https://anchor.fm/virtual-staffroom/embed/episodes/VSR22-Moodlemania-e1ejv26" height="102px" width="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe>
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<br />
<a name='more'></a>Moodle is an amazingly competent and powerful open source learning management system used by schools, colleges and universities all over the world. It is based on the theory of social constructivism, which essentially means that people learn better in groups than they do on their own. Moodle has a powerful set of tools to support this mode of learning, and as more teachers come into contact with Moodle it becomes increasingly important to understand how to use these tools well to engage and direct student learning.<br />
<br />
Links for this episode…<br />
<ul>
<li>Julian’s Blog - <a href="http://moodleman.edublogs.org/" target="_blank">http://moodleman.edublogs.org</a></li>
<li>Talia’s Blog - <a href="http://teachingtalia.com/" target="_blank">http://teachingtalia.com</a></li>
<li>Darrel’s Blog - <a href="http://www.smsn.vic.edu.au/ictguy" target="_blank">http://www.smsn.vic.edu.au/ictguy</a></li>
<li>The Official Moodle Website - <a href="http://www.moodle.org/" target="_blank">http://www.moodle.org</a></li>
<li>Free Moodle Trial - <a href="http://ninehub.com/" target="_blank">http://ninehub.com</a></li>
<li>Julian’s Moodle sandpit site - <a href="http://playpen.riverview.nsw.edu.au/" target="_blank">http://playpen.riverview.nsw.edu.au</a></li>
<li>Riverview Moodle: <a href="http://quantum.riverview.nsw.edu.au/" target="_blank">http://quantum.riverview.nsw.edu.au</a></li>
<li>Sunraysia Mallee Schools Network - <a href="http://need2learn.net/" target="_blank">http://need2learn.net</a></li>
<li>Darrel and Tony’s podcast - <a href="http://edtechcrew.net/" target="_blank">http://edtechcrew.net</a></li>
</ul>
Comments welcome!Chris Betcherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12435882756644713537noreply@blogger.com0