Innovative Examples, Models and Leaders

	Post Trip Follow-Up COSN VIP Delegation to Australia, 2004: ICT in Education The CoSN VIP Delegation to Australia Understanding the Australian Education System: An Overview Addressing the Challenges Establishing a Supportive Public Policy Framework Innovative Examples, Models and Leaders A Vision for the Future Trip Background and Reports Agenda Trip Blog Delegation Members Background Materials Sponsor Background Information

The delegation had the opportunity of witnessing innovative models and meeting leaders in the use of ICT in Australian education.

The Australian School of Mathematics and Science (ASMS) is an excellent example of trying to ‘reconceptualise’ the concept of schooling and providing real engagement for students and teachers. This public school is the result of latest thinking in the use of open physical space, latest technologies, and flexible schedules. Located on the campus of Flinders University, students attending ASMS are able to access university teachers and researchers, industry scientists and technologists.

Students have individualized learning plans allowing learning to take place anytime, anywhere. The school is based on a student centered approach to learning and without information and communication technologies, it would be impossible to provide such a flexible approach to teaching and learning. “There are no boundaries to my learning at the ASMS”, according to one student.

Today has brought together the way in which schooling can be reconceptualised through the use of technologies. I am mindful of a delegate's comment that we have '19th century buildings, 20th century teachers, and 21st century students. Schooling needs to be relevant, motivating and engaging.

Garry Putland
General Manager
education.au

• Interdisciplinary Curriculum Sequence
• Australian Science and Mathematics School (PPT), by Assoc Prof Jim Davies, Principal
• Strategic Directions for Science and Mathematics in South Australian Schools, 2003-2006 (PPT)

Gregory B. Whitby is the Director of Schools, Diocese of Wollongong. Greg Gebhart is the Multimedia and Information Technology Manager at Lowanna College, Gippsland, Victoria, Australia.

Video Clip of Greg Whitby

Robotics Peer Mentoring Program

The Robotics Peer Mentoring program is a collaboration between the University of South Australia, Flinders University, eLabtronics, the Australian Science and Mathematics School and a range of secondary schools in South Australia. Undergraduate university students deliver 20 hours of curriculum to students in secondary schools year 9 – 11 classes giving them the opportunity to work with advanced technologies. Teachers benefit from the professional development experience in learning about the innovative ways for teaching science and mathematics.

• Robotics Peer Mentoring (PPT)

Video Clip of Carl Thompson

National Museum of Australia

The National Museum of Australia celebrates the social history of Australia through exhibits and programs focusing on the land, nation and people.

It is also providing content to schools and students and promoting dialogue around the world. For example, it offers students a unique opportunity to investigate indigenous cultures and sponsors competitions like the National History Challenge, a research based competition for students in grades 5-12 providing the opportunity to learn the skills of a historian through an investigation of the past. The fully engineered broadcast studio used by Talkback Classroom hosts a monthly forum giving secondary students the opportunity to engage members of parliament and other key public figures in discussions of issues of importance.

Questacon, National Science and Technology Centre

Inspired by the Exploratorium in San Francisco, the center runs educational programs and exhibitions in its Canberra headquarters, and all around Australia. There is a full range of educational materials to complement and supplement exhibitions that are presented by Questacon. In addition, the center has a range of outreach programs to rural areas complete with staff and supplementary education materials.

• Introducing Questacon, National Science and Technology Centre, Australia (PPT), by Professor Graham Durant, Director

Video Clip of Teacher, School of the Future