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Three Whiteboards, Three Staff, One Classroom. A journey introducing team teaching in an ICT rich learning environment Gary Schultz Wimmera Virtual School Coordinator, Grampians Region Rob Pyers Principal, Dimboola Memorial Secondary College. Today’s session.
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Three Whiteboards, Three Staff, One Classroom A journey introducing team teaching in an ICT rich learning environment Gary Schultz Wimmera Virtual School Coordinator, Grampians Region Rob Pyers Principal, Dimboola Memorial Secondary College
Today’s session • Look at one school’s journey into innovative teaching and learning spaces • Investigate the process for the innovative practice • Look at the the outcomes from a student perspective and a leadership perspective
DMSC - Background • Located between Melbourne and Adelaide • Township – 1900 • College size - 205 students, equivalent of 24 teaching staff SFO 0.61 in 2009 • Only purpose built Memorial School in Australia • College is a Catalyst School in partnership with eLearning (Dept Education and Early Childhood Victoria) and Microsoft
DMSC - Current Facilities (from the outside) • Most recent building works 1981, Admin area • Most recent classroom building 1971 • Majority of buildings est 1951-1954 Bristol Portables • Library/Senior School Building 1924 • BER Science and Language Centre 2010 • BER DPS-DMSC Assembly Hall Extension (3 Classrooms/Multi-function
DMSC ICT Journey Snapshot • DMSC Introduced Interactive Whiteboards in 2005 as part of a the Leading Schools Fund Initiative – Coordinator, Coach and refurbishment of a learning space • Used a Peer Coach Model in 2006 to develop staff to be ICT innovators • CeLL – Creating eLearning Leaders program participant 2006 • 2008 – All classrooms with IWB’s & became 1 of 9 Catalyst Schools, begin three IWB Teach Teaching, Victorian Education Excellence Awards runners up – Curriculum Innovation • NOW – Year of review – preparing for implementing on line learning environment and 1 to 1 Laptop program Year 7-12
DMSCThe Innovation • DMSC student engagement had improved with the introduction of IWB’s • Research from the CeLL program suggested that the IWB’s had created a more in depth learning experience for the students • The greater level of interaction the greater learning experience and outcome – • Question: Could three IWB’s in conjunction with three teachers and an ICT rich environment create an environment for improved student engagement and learning?
The facilities • Refurbished room – previously a metal craft/graphics room • Three whiteboards, one of which is mobile • 5 desktop pc’s, 5 lap tops and a multi media lab
DMSC Data • The Innovation had a strong data basis as we wanted to show improvement in a measurable way • This provided an opportunity for the staff to begin making use of data in a way which: • was in conjunction with their everyday work and - to inform the teaching and learning approach and direction of the College on a local level
Statewide Data • We also have used statewide data to measure our success • In particular • Student absences and student connectedness to school • School morale and student distress • Student opinion re: teaching and learning
DMSCOther Benefits of the program • Improved level of student outcomes • Decrease in student management issues and absences • Improved student respect for teaching and learning • Improved teacher satisfaction We are continuing to gather data on a number of these areas but this is already looking extremely positive
DMSCAreas for Improvement • Providing support and coaching for the teams to develop teaching skills and use of ICT to reach beyond the IWB’s cannot be undervalued • Continuing to ensure planning time is provided • Identifying and matching team members together better • Investigating innovative approaches to teaching maths in 2009 we have begun the Quicksmart Numeracy Program with very exciting results.
DMSCWhat we have learnt as a school? • Patience – don’t expect change overnight • Have data as a basis for innovation, it grounds the project in a positive and empowering way • The value of getting the right people in the right positions • The role of the coach is critical in embedding ‘real’ change • The innovation lies not in the equipment but how it is used to innovate
DMSCWhere to next? • Continue to review data to track the level of improvement • Introduce on line learning environment to provide individualised learning for all students • Review teaching and learning practices to reflect the introduction of 1 to 1 Laptop program • Seek out innovative team teaching approaches to look at and provide a base for further development and improvement
Questions • schultz.gary.r@edumail.vic.gov.au Grampians Region (Horsham) 03 53105309 • pyers.robert.r@edumail.vic.gov.au Dimboola MSC – 03 53 89 1460