Posted on June 11th, 2010 by Ian
Hi to all in Stockholm who attended the ‘Opting-Out Schools’ conference recently. It is obvious there is a strong movement there with many principals keen to work towards a more self managing model for schooling, similar to that currently operating in New Zealand.
The 1989 reforms opened up a whole new era for schooling, providing new opportunities for communities to more readily determine their own priorities. Principals gained far more autonomy, which made the working experience more challenging yet far more interesting. It was as if for the first time real decisions could be made without having to consult a bureaucratic agency. Closer relationships were able to be built with local communities and schools were able to work with parents to better meet the needs of their local students.
Changes in funding arrangements provided the greatest new opportunities for schools with savings being made in one area used to support other areas of priority.
Boards of Trustees, the elected group of parents charged with governing schools, were able to work alongside principals for the benefit of the students.
Would principals want to change back to the system in place prior to the reforms? I think not!
The self managing model provides opportunities for decision making at the local level, in each individual school, according to the needs and priorities as seen by parents and the principal.
I know some of you attending the conference will be travelling to New Zealand later in the year to visit our schools. I trust I have the opportunity to meet up with you when you are here. Welcome to New Zealand!
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Posted on February 26th, 2010 by Ian
Hi to all who attended the workshop at the Learning@ Schools Conference in Rotorua entitled Powerful Learning Journeys – Using Digital Story Telling Within an ePortfolio to Show the Learning Process.
Much has been written about Digital Story Telling, usually with respect to stories telling one’s family history, or stories about a holiday or other significant event. This same concept can be used to tell powerful stories about student learning. It can enable students to provide evidence of their learning and their journeys through the learning process.
It is very common for teachers to have students maintain a folio, portfolio or some other record of learning. Most often this is a record of the outcome of that learning with results, conclusions, or displays set out.
It is my contention that true learning takes place during the process of learning. The product is simply the outcome of that learning. Where we do not having access to the process students went through as they came to their conclusions or outcomes we have limited knowledge as to the true understandings they may have.
Through providing evidence of the process teachers gain a much greater understanding of each student’s growing development as a learner. Teachers can track the learning journey through hearing in the student’s own voice their thoughts, their hypotheses, their working steps, their conclusions and their reflections. Teachers can more readily determine a student’s true level of understanding through their record of process and progress providing greater insight than any test with a focus purely on the outcome results can ever provide.
Digital story telling can readily show that learning journey. A short video clip with the student providing an overview of their work and what led to their final outcomes can provide such evidence. More simply, this can be achieved through a series of 5-6 still photographs, put together into a simple slide show, with the student’s voice over providing an explanation of the different stages they have progressed through to reach their final conclusions or outcomes. The effect can be enhanced with the addition of an appropriate music sound track. The technology does not have to be complex. A computer and a digital camera can do all that is required.
Much has been written about digital story telling and a web search will bring up a vast number of sites to explore. I think the best starting point however would be to go to Helen Barrett’s site http://www.electronicportfolios.org
Helen has a whole section explaining digital story telling, a video tutorial, examples, and a list of tools that could be used.
I hope that all helps and wish you well with your digital story telling!
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Posted on November 28th, 2009 by Ian
Last week I attended part of the VITTA (Victorian Information Technology Teachers’ Association) Conference held in Melbourne. I spoke in a workshop session entitled “EPortfolios, Celebrating Learning. Read more »
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Posted on November 13th, 2009 by Ian
Hi to all who attended the Principals’ seminar in Hamilton on the 11th November. I hope you found what I had to present helpful as you consider the role ICT has to play in the lives of your 21st century students. Read more »
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Posted on November 1st, 2009 by Ian
Hi to all attending the seminar day on 11 November. I look forward to meeting up with you at the Hamilton Airport Motor Inn. Read more »
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Posted on October 10th, 2009 by Ian
Hi to all in Sweden who attended one of my recent seminars. I trust you found the material presented interesting, thought provoking, and practical. Read more »
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Posted on July 21st, 2009 by Ian
This paper looks at the place of electronic portfolios within the context of New Zealand schools, and discusses how an ePortfolio can be used to support student learning. Read more »
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Posted on February 24th, 2009 by Ian
Welcome to teachers and principals who attended the Learning at Schools’ Conference in Rotorua, New Zealand. Read more »
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Posted on June 10th, 2008 by Robyn
The Fox family would like to congratulate Ian for being awarded the Queen’s Service Medal in the 2007 Queen’s Birthday Honours list announced today.
Ian receives the award for his services to education. …Robyn, Howard, Sarah, Carly, Sophie & Elliott.
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Posted on February 21st, 2008 by Ian
This paper discusses the concept of an ePortfolio and how it is being used in one school to support student learning. Read more »
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