Helen Otway's Blog (9)

Today we are exploring Classroom 2.0 as a tool to learn about all things ICT and Web 2.0. We have 11 participants in the room and they are all adding a blog post.

Julia Gillard MP and me!





This is a photo taken on April 16th at the Dimboola Memorial Secondary College. DMSC put on a great 2 day conference to highlight their work with the Leading Schools Fund with the focus on technology in the classroom. Dimboola teachers were passionate about the use of their Interactive Whiteboards and… Continue

Today we are working together to explore blogs and their purpose.

In the last two months I have been working in my new role of 'Ultranet Coach'. What this really means is working with schools and leaders in my region to support them in the use of ICT (Information & Communication Technology) as a meas for being ready for the Ultranet. Each school is unique and has its own strengths and challenges.

In Victoria we are working towards creating learning environments that best… Continue

Today I decided to create my own avatar with Voki.com. I began in the morning having a play with the tools - the different character heads, eyes, mouth and even make up! I chose my outfit and then changed my mind at least 10 times! This behaviour has no resemblance to me in real life!!! I chose a background - a photo of one of my classrooms. In this classroom the kids designed and painted the tables themselves. The room was designed for group and independent workers, with a couch and recliner,… Continue

I've been on summer vacation now for 3 weeks and have had some wonderful learning happening in this time. Ever since I attended a workshop on blogs and wikis mid last year, I have been fascinated by the power of Web 2.0. Attending NavCon 2k7 in September fuelled my curiosity even more when I listened to a presentation on all things Web 2.0.



Now I have to say that the networks on Classroom 2.0 and Twitter have been major players in introducing me to a world of Web 2.0 apps. Where do I… Continue

Back in December I ran a Peer Coaching workshop for a group of 7 Victorian teachers. I was able to organisie my workshop with the help of Les from the Puget Sound Centre who gave me some tips for running a one day workshop. You see, when I was trained it was a 10 day intesive training program so a one day session needed serious modification.



The session ran well and I focussed on where PD was heading with ICT (Information and Communication Technology). We then worked on coaching skills… Continue

I'm off to the VITTA conference again this year and looking forward to hearing Stephen Heppell talk about 21st Century Learning with ICT. I'm interested to hear his views on how education is changing. I sometimes wonder if it is actually changing or if it is just dressed up prettier in our schools!



I'm running my Peer Coaching session this year with more of an emphasis on my research in US.



I've attached the link to the conference below.… Continue

I've just come home from the NavCon2k7 conference in Gosford, NSW, and had to start playing on my laptop straight away. I have explored so many Web 2.0 tools that should not only inspire my students but also the teachers in my school.



I'm really keen to try out rafi.ki with my Grade 4 class. We are learning about our environment, with a particular reference to droughts and global warming. It would be great for the kids to exchange ideas, stories and pictures about their environment… Continue