K-4 Parents – Please Consider

I have a stack of 14 different PC Educational Games on my desk right now that we have purchased this year�for Chayse�and Kaiden’s�”at home” learning. We haven’t been impressed with ANY of them, including some of the expensive top name brands. The fourteen titles (not including the many in the kid’s cupboard) have simply not been anything more than a passing fancy – offering a small range of ‘literacy/numeracy games’ most of which are freely available via the internet.�

My earlier post has made reference to a subscription service that we were referred to by a family friend (Thanks G); ABC Reading Eggs. After a two-week trial run I have�been impressed by the level of engagement, reporting to parents (vocabulary lists, blend lists, letter recognition results, etc) and the phonics based approach to�child learning. We are still actively involved in an integrated approach with our kids, daily reading, story making, flash cards, rewards, etc… but the computer is able to deliver an independence to learning, motivation and sustained engagement�that we have not been able to duplicate easily! Both kids ASK to go “on the eggs”.

Australia is clearly ‘streaks ahead’ in�K-5�educational software development and my limited research has uncovered a myriad of�similar literacy learning sites. Most are available for individual subscription or a bulk school order – with most in the ‘under $1,000 per year’ for the whole school to have access and access at home. In my humble opinion, numeracy�is very well covered by the freely available MATHLETICS program.

I�have noticed a significant change in both of my children’s reading engagement�over the past 2-3 weeks. Please consider trailing one of the following�services if you have young children – all offer a�free trial. Perhaps you may also consider approaching your school if you feel the programs are working for you – or a letter to the owners of Hungry Jacks/KFC�(if McDonalds�can offer Mathletics for free perhaps….)?

I should add that I have nothing to gain from this promotion and there is no ‘kick back’ to me or my family. In addition to the subscribed services, I�have listed a couple of�FANTASTIC FREE resources I have found�but they do not ‘save student progress’ or offer a reporting statement to parents. I will be using these sites to add some variety outside of�our existing home based computer offerings. Hope there is something of use here. Also, if you have been using a site that works for you – let me know!

• ABC Reading Eggs -�� �http://readingeggs.com.au
• Broadlearn -������������� � �http://www.broadlearn.com.au
• Intrepica -��������������������http://www.intrepica.com.au
• Learning Federation – http://www.thelearningfederation.edu.au (Not for parents but EVERY school should know about this one!)
• Mathletics (Free)�-���� �http://www.mathletics.com.au� Also offer literacy for $
• Starfall (Free) -���������� �http://www.starfall.com
• Big Universe (US)��������http://www.biguniverse.com/main/learnmore� 5 day trial/US based

Alice’s Wonderland

The preparations for our school’s ICT rollout has been an exciting and wonderful journey. Let me qualify this by saying that I have very little to do with any of the functional/physical aspects of this initiative but I�am unreservedly�’on board’ as a willing participant who is ready for the climb ahead (as long as I’m hitched onto someone who knows the mountain a lot better, www.paulbaumgarten.net).

I had always considered myself fairly IT savy for a 42 year old;� 42 year olds define “IT Savy” as… “using a computer daily, sending emails, using Microsoft Products and having a slight resentment that Gates had the brains to do what we didn’t”. I can�genuinely say; however that�I’ve been cramming and stretching my brain to get up to speed�over the past few months.�

Part of me feels a little like Alice in a new Wonderland of possibilities; the tools, sites, resources, interactivity, virtual educational relationships that can be used by educators to ENGAGE students – Pandora’s Box is truely our classroom.

Equally,�the ‘realist/logistical’ side of my nature is scrambling to consider the scaffolding needed�for a clean and robust�delivery�and more fundamentally, will�teachers be confident,�equipped, resourced�and ….. willing…. to utilise a�less-familiar yet exceedingly powerful vehicle for learning?�

At this point of reflection, I see two opposing truths:

a)�the IT education train�has long left the station�and� b) �Teachers can sometimes be the worst of students.

I’ve ordered more band-aids.

Picture Paints a Thousand Words

IPad/Phone – ACARA�Style

How ‘geek’ are you?

Have you got the new Australian Curriculum ‘App’ on your phone/pad? All the latest data at your i-Finger-tips?

“No!!!” – “Well, you just ain’t hip!”

Read Pages 13-30 For Homework

OK, I am definitely on a roll. This is another fantastic document from the good people at the Education Department of Victoria (CLICK LINK BELOW)

I’m sure you get the idea that this has been a�big part of our school�discussion/s in recent months. I am trying to fuel my enthusiasm with some pretty insightful and�exciting findings from others who have ‘gone before us’. This is another gem. I like the “How these technologies ARE BEING USED” pages…�13-16, 18-20, 22-26, 28-30.�

Clearly, pedogical readiness is far more important than the technologies we are moving forward with. ICT-Schools are not a�revolutionary concept ‘in and of themselves’, but it maybe…. actually ….�CAN be a�catalyst to the�larger goal of… INCREDIBLE EDUCATION and INCREDIBLE LEARNING.

http://www.education.vic.gov.au/edulibrary/public/teachlearn/innovation/technology/web2report.pdf

Media on Social Media

Would you use ‘Facebook’ or ‘Twitter’ at your school? Does the thought of an interactive school newsletter send you into a panic?

Here is a newly released�report for those keen on ICT / Social Networking in schools… there may be a few of you out there?

I love the title, Why schools are spooked by social media. The suggestons, even for�more reluctant, conservative school administators�is�enticing; interactive newsletters that encourage engagement and response (the report outlines increased readership as a result), allowing the student leadership team to enter a ‘daily encouragement’ or ‘key event’ for each day on the school’s twitter profile, how about a Principal Profile – a daily message to all students�from the principal electronically?

The report goes into detail on policy, security and the law from all perspectives. A well structured and ‘reader friendly’ package.

Where do�I get it?

http://www.sponsor-ed.com.au/image/axs6/Why_schools_are_spooked_by_social_media.pdf

Shakespeare for Kindergarten?

I subscribe to Edpod (http://www.abc.net.au/rn/edpod) from the ABC Radio National Program.�It is a ripper podcast and they always cover some amazing angles. I am surprised how few teachers are actively being motivated and “PDed” by these kinds of resources.

As it turns out, I missed an old episode from December�2009 and only just ‘found it’ today. I played it whilst cleaning up my office (Nadine had taken the kids to look at beds – bless her).� Usually the podcast follows two or three stroies. The first in this particular batch was a feature on school starting ages which (more as a parent) I found fascinating.

For me,�segment three, titled “Macbeth for Kindergarten” was the best!�I couldn’t re-find the download on�the Edpod site (Good luck – here is the link:�http://www.abc.net.au/rn/edpod/stories/2009/2766372.htm).

I love the underpinning ideology, expecting more, consideration of performance, whole-school approach, phonics based literacy and good old times-tables. Yay! I will be passing this around to my friends at our school.

Developing BIG EXPECTATION. A real challenge for me too.

I do have a 20MB version – if you want it, just ask. Thanks Edpod! Here is the school’s weblink: http://johncolet.nsw.edu.au/curriculum/curriculum.html

Writing Your Exams From Your Bedroom (Jessica Shepherd, SMH)

�

IT HAS long been said that exams should be sat in comfort – in loose-fitting clothing and with a glass of water handy. Now scientists have taken this a step further, finding a way for students to take tests from their homes at any time of day or night.

The University of Wales Institute in Cardiff is experimenting with the technology, which has built in anti-cheating software and was developed by the US firm Software Secure. It works through a unit that students plug into their computers.

Once a student feels ready to sit the written exam, the technology takes a fingerprint to check their identity and a webcam and microphone kick into action. Throughout the exam, these pick up whether the student is trying to cheat by receiving help from others. The computer also locks down so the student cannot search the internet or their files for answers.

Invigilators watch the footage, whenever they choose to. Some may decide to watch each individual student taking their exam, while others will only view a sample of candidates, or speed through the footage. The technology, called Securexam Remote Proctor, is already used by New York University’s law faculty, the University of West Alabama and other US institutions.

Mark Pelling, the senior learning development officer at the University of Wales Institute, said the software acted in the same way as a normal invigilator. ”This could change the way we do assessments,” he said. ”We are convinced by this and we think it is probably a very effective way of invigilating.”

http://www.smh.com.au/national/education/write-your-exams-from-your-bedroom-20100725-10qp2.html

K-3 Literacy Program – ABC Reading Eggs

Although I�teach in a secondary environment, I am always looking for great resources for our kids to engage with on the literacy and numeracy�front. Clearly, Matheletics�hits the spot on the numeracy side (with a generous side variety of other online and software tools) but I haven’t found much with a WOW factor on the literacy side.

I know I sound like a commercial, BUT, ABC Reading Eggs is a ripper. Two week trial, entry test and away your children go. I am impressed with the range of activities and rewards that keep my kids entertained and learning. It is PHONICS based and revises materials constantly. Also, great prize ranges (trophy cabinets, ‘critters’ to collect, award board, etc.)

It works out at $65 p/child, p/year but with the school program (which is VERY reasonable) it would be free to parents.

I have sent all the information to our Primary School leadership and will be encouraging our friend’s children to at least run the trial. Here is the link: http://readingeggs.com/home

Wall Wisher – Trial Run

Trialling some new net based tools for my classes. I thought this would be a useful one for posting questions / thoughts on a central net-wall that is managed centrally. As a test run I thought I would provide you with an opportunity to ‘Pat Me On The Back’… Don’t we all need a wall like this? I call it the “My Pat On The Back Wall”… original

OK, OK – I will accept lovely comments about Nadine too

I will keep it running for a month and see if it is something worth utilising.

http://www.wallwisher.com/wall/panwhitehead

Where’s Wally?

This shot now has 274 hits on my Flickr account, my most popular (by views) photo to date. I am in Grade 1 in 1974; just six years old!

Can you guess which one is me? Leave a comment to make your suggestion! Interesting unrelated note – the teacher in this shot died within a few weeks of this photo and was replaced by another. Very sad!

EduTecher

Have had a huge day looking�at a�massive range of online tools and software for use in school. Amazed at where the world is going and how much fun is to be had. My only concern is that students will spend more time signing up for stuff than they will in productive energy!

For those who may have an iPhone or iPad – here’s a ripper application from EdTecher!

http://www.edutecher.net/index.php

Literature�Laugh

I was musing with my Literature class that I was purchasing two books. �One is �Teaching the Female Brain� which retails for $49.95 and the other is the �Teaching the Male Brain� which retails for $60.95.

�I asked � �What does that say?�

�A male student replied � �It means that one is thicker than the other�

“It’s My Party and I’ll Die If I Want To’

Well. Now the party is over, I can say I had a great time. Six shows across a month (3 at Ellenbrook Theatre and 3 at Midland Junction).

A funny, yet meaningful play by Elizabeth Coleman.

For me it was a return from a long separation from any kind of ‘real show’. Although we had resurrected some pieces for school and church performances, they certainly weren’t plays of length. An ‘extra’ role in Cloudstreet was a real treat but I don’t know if there are other things I will participate in, there always seems so much�else to be doing.

I had entertained auditioning for ‘Big Daddy’ in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof� but my timing was way out.�I have decided that I will definitely go to the show so I can lament that decision later.

I was most grateful for a few hours with some new friends at Centre Stage.

Autograph Anyone?

“Cloudstreet”

This is by far my FAVOURITE novel… EVER!

If you haven’t had the pleasure of reading it – please do. It captures something very unique about all elements of our great land.

When I heard that Screen Australia were filming the mini-series I offered to do (just about) anything to have the smallest of moments in the six part series.��Here is my facebook post in attempting to ‘score’ a moment…

��If anyone knows anyone who knows some one who is involved with the CLOUDSTREET production – let me know… I will happily be an ‘extra’ at a bar stool in the background, or help set Oriel’s tent up in the backyard, or work next to Rose at the exchange or be on a picnic at the river as Fish ‘becomes one again’ …. PLEEEEEAASE�

Well, believe it or not… it worked. I was paid for six hours work and as part of my ‘extra’ payment I received $6.57 holiday pay!� Go the Actor’s Union

�

Shelving

Have you ever invited a friend to your home for the first time and, after going to get them the obligatory coffee from the kitchen, find them perusing your bookshelves? It�s an awkward moment! Which book whispered your secrets to them whilst you were waiting for the kettle? Who assisted them in making a calculated judgement about you by exposing their spine?

Our bookshelves are a library of our mind, or at least, where they have once been. They showcase our�interests or at least those�we might like to revisit at a later date.

If you had to group your book collection into subject categories, what would they be?

Let�s face it, most of us haven�t read over half the books on our shelves. In fact, we seem to have an aversion to the practice. The collections that fill our shelves are often a showcase of what we would �like� others to think we know or, at a more primitive level, a library of picture books from which to grab a volume on the way to the loo. The truth is we don�t always purchase a book for its ability to shower us with wisdom but rather as a trophy to add credibility to our current focus.

If, like me, you�ve been on the planet a fair few years, it�s a fascinating exercise to consider your book collections as a historical timeline of interests, fads and fascinations. That wooden box holds a lot of secrets about you, like the life rings on an old tree.

My own collection presents an array of divergent fads across my lifespan; clean-spined high school novels; the Ford Escort collection from my first car; acting and direction scripts from my stage days; university door stoppers (those huge theoretical tomes that made you feel like you got a �real� tertiary education); illustrated magic trick instructors, relationships, household maintenance, wealth creation, parenting know-how and a plethora of educational books.

Naturally, these collections are peppered with the obligatory self-help, �how-to-for-dummy� range that includes, in my case; health, exercise, drawing, painting, guitar, network marketing, surfing and golf lessons (though I think I may be able to use the GOLF FOR DUMMIES as a re-birthed gift for a golf enthusiast I work with).

I don�t know about you, but I haven�t mastered many of my interests. I would love to know how to twist a balloon into a dinosaur for my son�s upcoming fifth birthday but my big hands just don�t have the flexibility of the action-man sized mitts used in the illustrative how-to-handbook. We�d all love to have a garden that looked anything other than the Gardening Guru�s BEFORE photos � but we don�t, haven�t � won�t?

I made a pact with myself four years ago that I would add at least one interest to my busy schedule every year and follow it through with �some� degree of�gusto. Whilst I haven�t learnt to fly a plane, I have added some treasures to my life �skill set� that I am proud to claim as my own. I now know how to play 20 chords on a guitar, have resumed a stage interest by performing as a lead in a local theatre production, decided to follow a football team qualifying myself to participate in �footy tipping�, maintained a written journal for each of my two children, purchased an investment property, and (now)�started a blog! Nothing ground breaking there, but a move to a new state of being, a new state of involvement.

Along with this slow evolution of mind, my �old books� now have a different position on the shelf and I skim my archives to determine which forgotten interest might be conjured to resurrection.

What�s on your shelves?

Facebook Funnies

Here is a list of my favourite FACEBOOK ‘Status’ comments. OK, I only have ONE so far!

“Paul Whitehead is meditating through omphaloskepsis. Does that make me an ORANGE person?”

“Chris Bedding has discovered that some people are like slinkies – useless, but they bring a smile to your face when you push them down the stairs.”

“Hick – yeah! Them dang gov-mint people shud stop messin wid our fishin holes. If them there greens have dur way we’ll be sending troops to the sun!”

“Hey God, it’s Scott. I know you handle a lot of prayers, so there may be the odd mix-up. See, I’m pretty sure I got the answer to someone ELSE’S prayer. Someone who prayed for patience, perhaps? I’m just wondering if they got the answer to MY prayer for a quick, painless resolution, while I got their torturous, drawn out ordeal. Could you have a look into it, and if there has been a snafu, fix it up, like now? Ta!”