Creative teachers apply innovative technologies - Learning & Technology 2

The Learning & Technology Forum conducted by the Board of Studies on Saturday, November 1 revealed the many ways in which teachers are employing technology in their classrooms.

The discussions ranged from `do-it-yourself' network cabling, making and using multimedia and cooperative learning to the problems of using the internet and doing examinations on laptop computers.

The full-day forum, held at the University of Western Sydney, followed the Board's first Learning & Technology Forum held at the University of NSW in June. More than 200 people took a day from their weekend to listen and contribute to shaping the future of technology and learning in New South Wales classrooms.

The forum presenters focused on issues related to technology which the Board of Studies needs to take into account in developing curriculum and in delivering its services to schools. They also provided examples of school initiatives in the use of technology to aid learning.

Two sample school strategies were investigated. Lindsay Freeman, Mimi van den Berg, and Tracy Considine of Alfords Point Primary presented an outline of their `whole-school' blueprint to incorporate technology into their classrooms. Their main tactics involved buying second-hand Macintosh 575s so that they have as many hands-on computers in each classroom as possible, installing intranet cabling, limiting the software products they use, and encouraging the children to use HyperStudio multimedia authoring software wherever appropriate in their learning activities. Lindsay expressed his willingness to share his experiences with others.

Diana Stewart, Computer Coordinator at Pymble Ladies College, explained how they have also made a `whole-school' technology decision, with students carrying notebook computers and plugging into a mature, powerful and fully-supported network system. She explained some of the lessons they have learnt, and shared some of the pitfalls and management problems encountered.

Lindsay and Diana provided the forum with encouraging visions -- and also many unanswered questions.

Lyndon Sharp, Head of the Board's Interactive Design Group demonstrated a colourful range of interesting new ways in which the Internet, CD-ROMs, sounds, videos and images can be used to enhance student learning.

Malcolm Salier, the Chief Executive Officer of the Tasmanian Secondary Assessment Board, has recently returned from visiting schools in the USA where he studied examples of innovative curriculum projects using technology to enhance student learning. Malcolm shared some observations with us about planning for the implementation of state-wide programs to deliver technology in the classroom.

Jennifer Aduckiewicz explained the VITAL values project which is being undertaken as a cooperative project across school sectors. This project is aimed at ensuring values are addressed in planning for the increase in the use of technology in education.

Toni Downes, Associate Dean Faculty of Education UWS, completed the presentations of the day with her thought-provoking presentation of research on the impact of technology on what and how students learn. She has explored the ways children learn through the use of computers at home, including game-playing. Her research shows that children adopt sophisticated problem-solving techniques and behaviours that are often ignored or remain untapped in classrooms.

The breakout session before lunch provided an opportunity for principals, teachers, computer coordinators and network managers to explore issues and share opinions in small groups, while the full panel session at the end of the day provided further opportunity for the audience and presenters to highlight the key issues raised throughout the forum.

Many issues were raised that will have a strong impact on the Board of Studies curriculum development. These are currently being analysed. It is hoped that in the near future, it will be possible to put some of the key papers presented at the Forum on the Board's Web site.