edna.edu.au

6th IWBNet Conference Sydney

http://www.iwb.net.au/conferences/australian09/default.htm

What an experience! Back in December last year I submitted an expression of interest in presenting at the IWBNet09 conference.  Confirmation that I would present was sent out in January. 

I was asked to submit two suggestions for sessions, that was the easy part.  Practical ideas for the inclusion of the Nintendo Wii as this has been the focus for my MEd research topic, and how communicating and collaborating with classes overseas is free and straight forward with the wealth of resources and tools online.

There were technical issues to overcome with the Wii, no one had connected one before at the school so I spent just over $200 acquiring various leads suggested by the Techs that would enable me to switch between the computer presentation and the Wii in action. 

The first picture is of a VGA TO RCA Converter cable and leads for sound.  I didn’t use those after all, but the converter cable was able to hook my Mac to my television at home.  Maybe there will be some use for that in the future … (perhaps @shanetechteach will be able to enlighten me?)  The Digitech Component Video to VGA Converter specifically marketed for the Wii is brilliant, although by itself, it is unable to switch between computer and Wii.  At Waverley College there are switches on the wall which do this for you, I needed the converter though because I wasn’t able to have the leads into the back of the projector as I had them set up in my own classroom.

So at the very least taking part in this event has tidied up how I connect the Wii in my own classroom where the leads present a very obvious workplace health and safety issue.

The people who attended this session ranged from primary to secondary teachers, some of whom had already attempted to use the Wii and who were willing to share their experience, and others who had none but were interested to see what was possible.  I allowed some time for looking at a number of programs that my class enjoys using and which I feel offer suitable experiences for literacy development.  Cooking Mama is a favourite – in my classroom it is used on ipod touch ($7 download as an app from iTunes), the Wii and on a DS.  Big Brain Academy and Mario and Sonic at the Olympic Games were also loaded for assessing their value.  That is the problem with these devices, the games cost so much, usually anywhere from $50+, it was valuable spending presentation time sharing.  My slideshow included links to research led by the Learning Innovation Centre and online links I have gathered. As my research develops, this will also be included.

The second session I led was more relaxed, as I had overcome my nerves, but also because collaborating and getting involved in online courses and communities is what I do.  I have a massive pln (personal learning network) upon whom I call for inspiration, clarification, humour, professional development events and geeky conversations.  The most successful of these online worlds I inhabit is Twitter, although Plurk provides an alternative, less technical space in which to chat.  There are numerous online spaces to become involved in areas that take your interest, you are not alone, whatever you may feel.  Flickr and Diigo are only two of what I shared, take some time to download and flip through my box at LinkedIn to see what else is out there waiting for you to click on to!

To top this exciting trip to Sydney, TD Chet, the class Travel Buddy who is visiting from Florida accompanied me.  He enjoyed the trip as well, his adventures have been shared on his own school site, and as well he is gaining some notoriety on Twitter. 

I will reflect on the wealth of resources shared by others during the #iwbnet09 at Waverley College, Sydney in further blog posts.

Tags: iwbnet09
Posted at 12:24PM Sep 06, 2009 by Fiona Banjer  |  Comments[0]

Issues with the blogs

This is the second time I have encountered the same problem and error message adding to this blog.  I am able to make the initial entry and publish but when I return to edit the post the material is not saved and gobbledy gook is displayed. [Read More]

Tags: blogs problems
Posted at 12:03PM May 08, 2009 by Fiona Banjer  |  Comments[0]

Microsoft Innovative Schools Asia Pacific Forum 2009 - Forum Presentations

Fostering Innovation - New and emerging technologies for learning

Summary of keynotes and videos shared by the Learning Innovation Centre.

Tags: lic
Posted at 10:30AM May 08, 2009 by Fiona Banjer  |  Comments[1]

What comes next with the Wii

The assignment that had me focussed on the Wii as a worthwhile tool has been posted now and I am allowing myself the luxury of following through with the evaluation I planned.  Fingers crossed for when I get the grade back on it!  I have tried to include everyone at school as I developed the list of data collection ideas and I am keen to start some intensive use.

When I showed my plan to the Principal he seemed keen, although warned that others had expressed an interest in it as well.  I've had it going for a term now and noone has said anything.  We'll see.  Please read on...

Tags: wii wiiteachers wiimote project
Posted at 09:30PM Mar 17, 2009 by Fiona Banjer  |  Comments[0]

An introduction to me...

I'm about to start the next course with USQ in my quest for a Master of Education (Education Technology) .  We have to share a short description of ourselves and where we think we are heading in our journey and I thought I'd also share it here. [Read More]

Posted at 07:43AM Feb 21, 2009 by Fiona Banjer  |  Comments[0]

I want it and I want it now!

Six new Apple computers at school and I want one at home that I can learn how to use.  This is a recount of the steps I am taking to salary sacrifice a MacBook Pro with as little expense to my 'real' money as possible.[Read More]

Tags: salary_sacrifice
Posted at 07:10PM Feb 20, 2009 by Fiona Banjer  |  Comments[1]

Ipod Touch Unleashed!

I love my ipod touch ... now.  I could not believe it when I first unpacked it and the first thing I wanted to do was put PowerPoint slides the children in my class had created on to it and the thing would not let me!  Thank goodness for Twitter!  After much tweeting and shout outs in disbelief a solution was presented![Read More]

Tags: ipod ipod_touch
Posted at 07:19AM Feb 15, 2009 by Fiona Banjer  |  Comments[0]

Ted Talks - Elizabeth Gilbert: author of "Eat, Pray, Love"

"Elizabeth Gilbert muses on the impossible things we expect from artists and geniuses -- and shares the radical idea that, instead of the rare person "being" a genius, all of us "have" a genius. It's a funny, personal and surprisingly moving talk."  Taken from the Ted Talks.  
[Read More]

Tags: elizabeth_gilbert ted
Posted at 11:23PM Feb 14, 2009 by Fiona Banjer  |  Comments[1]

Kaywa Reader

The Kaywa Reader, MrRobbo on Twitter pointed this neat tool out.  I am in the process of downloading it now, hopefully it will generate a whole range of literacy activities that will stimulate the children in my class to engage with reading and comprehension in an authentic context.[Read More]

Tags: apps
Posted at 10:54PM Feb 14, 2009 by Fiona Banjer  |  Comments[0]

Weeee we've got the Wii up and running!

The Nintendo Wii is quickly becoming a favourite for encouraging students to engage in their learning. I am starting the journey of evaluating the real value of this innovative tool to make sure that it has the opportunity to become a real learning resource not just a reward packed away for most of the year.[Read More]

Tags: wii
Posted at 01:26PM Feb 07, 2009 by Fiona Banjer  |  Comments[0]