edna.edu.au

PD variables

Why is it so hard to ensure that a professional learning activity is going to be successful for all learners? I had a go at brainstorming some variables after a weekend of reading in this area, in particular:
U.S. Department of Education (2009) Evaluation of Evidence-Based Practices in Online Learning: A Meta-Analysis and Review of Online Learning Studies (PDF)

Access
closed
open
easy
difficult/frustrating

Administration
cost
groupings
organisation of learning
sponsoring organisation

Assessment
of knowledge
analysis of lesson plans, teaching materials
application to pedagogy
by supervisor
observation of teaching
portfolio
self-assessment
student results, scores

Content
Subject matter

Feedback
machine-generated
provided at completion
provided throughout
self-evaluation

Host
email-based
Learning Management System
videoconference
web-based

Instructor
experience in ICT-based instruction
level of satisfaction
qualifications/training in ICT-based instruction

Interaction
group work
individual activity
with instructor
with mentors
with peers

Knowledge
declarative
generative
procedural
strategic

Learner
motivation: reason for undertaking
age
amount of control
attitude
level of satisfaction
prior experience
prior knowledge
type of learner

Media
audio
flash
video

Method
discussion
lecture
problem-based
project-based
quiz
simulation

Mode
Asynchronous only
Blended
Face to face
Online only
Synchronous only
Synchronous and asynchronous

Motivation
incentives on learning or completion
level of attendance/retention

Place
classroom
home
offsite
school

Practice
opportunity to practise during
opportunity to practise in classroom
opportunity to practise in simulated environment

Purpose
accredited, formal
non-accredited, informal
personal development
professional development
work-related

Resources
curriculum-based
interactive
recency
relevance
usable

Support
available 24/7
limited
not provided

Teaching style
active
expository
interactive
multiple teaching style

Technology
audio
Chat
internet
mobile
specialist devices
standalone software
video
VOIP

Time
duration of pd activity
of day
on task

Tags: professional development plict professional learning ict-based pd
Posted at 10:40PM Aug 20, 2009 by Pru Mitchell  |  Comments[1]

EPICT

Peter Crosbie from AISWA presented a session this afternoon about the European Pedagogy of ICT licence (EPICT) pilot being undertaken by AISWA as part of Australian Government Quality Teacher Project. AISWA is now the national node for Australia, and their editorial team are localising the modules to the Australian context (including incorporation of edna services).
By Term 3 2009 all modules should be available for Australia.

Delivery is through flexible delivery using Moodle, with a workload of approximately 15 hours per module. Compulsory modules include:

• Locating and Incorporating Electronic Resources
• Word Processing and the Creation of Interactive Learning Materials
• Electronic Communication and Collaboration
• Work Methods and ICT - Where ICT Can Make a Difference

Option modules: Working with Digital Images; Working with Videos, Animation and Podcasts; Games and Learning; Databases; Spreadsheets; Publishing on the Web; ICT and Special Needs; School Innovation - Challenges for ICT Development; E Assessment and Creating Online Tests; Data Logging; Presentation Technologies.

Teachers must undertake the program in small groups (2-4) with a school-based facilitator, and assignments are team-based. Facilitators should already have the EPICT qualification but this was not possible in WA, so teachers who were already recognised as technology integrators were used.
Completion of modules will be recognised by Curtin University towards postgraduate qualifications.

Tags: integrating ict digitalfair professional learning
Posted at 07:16PM Apr 17, 2009 by Pru Mitchell  |  Comments[0]

Proud evening for the teaching profession

[Relocated post: Originally published on 2 April 2008]

Spend a windy Wednesday night at the Education Development Centre and come out celebrating the commitment and work of teachers.

Despite hail, peak hour traffic and a string of out-of-action traffic lights, teachers and principals leave work (unless they are committed to parent-teacher interviews) and head to Hindmarsh to be part of the historic launch of a Charter for the Australian teaching profession. A charter developed by the national professional associations with Teaching Australia, a statement of values and commitments.

Teachers believe in the power of education to make a difference to the lives of individuals and to society. As teachers and principals we are committed to giving students the best education possible for them to lead fulfilling, purposeful and productive lives. We bring to the role high levels of professional knowledge, expertise and ethical commitment.

Chris Robinson, Chief Executive of DECS does the honours assisted by the youngest and the oldest registered teachers in South Australia. Ian Smyth and Lia Tedesco also acknowledge Jim Dellit's work.

Two hours later, walking down the corridor past the food standards in early childhood workshop, I come across the ESL educators presenting the ESLE Ann Sexton Memorial Awards to merit award winners of SACE Stage 2 ESL in front of proud parents and teachers. It is wonderful to realise that an educator with vision, dedication and passion for giving ESL students access to excellent courses and opportunities is remembered by her colleagues in this way each year.

Then downstairs to the CEGSA AGM to join in congratulating colleagues receiving awards for SA Computer Teacher of the Year: Graham Taylor, and SA ICT Leaders of the Year: John Travers and Anne Ballard. What a wealth of talented teachers we have: http://cegsa.editme.com/awards2007
And don't forget the teachers staying back in country schools to take their professional learning via Centra videoconference.

The teaching profession does indeed set itself demanding standards. As the charter says "We take responsibility for the development and renewal of our profession. We act to advance the quality and reputation of teaching through professional learning and reflection."

Tags: standards professional teaching professional associations awards professional learning
Posted at 02:01PM Feb 01, 2009 by Pru Mitchell  |  Comments[0]