Session 1: Moodle for unleashed learning
In 2004 our school installed and made available the Moodle Learning Management System, allowing teachers to effortlessly establish tools for communication, and distribute learning resources, including podcasts and videos, to students on their own timeframe, 24/7. Since then we have gone through a rapid learning process. In 2006 we started using Moodle to offer entirely online courses to students at schools around the state, and now offer almost 30 courses to over 300 students. All our students, online and face-to-face, have come to expect and rely on the learning facilities of Moodle. I will review the process and journey of our adoption of Moodle and give examples of how we use it.
Session 2: Run a School Internet Radio Station with Audacity
For a nominal fee per month schools can establish an online radio station. Free Audacity software allows students and teachers to easily produce audio content, broadcasting student compositions to the world. These can include musical performances, but also variety shows, poetry, narratives, analysis, pretend advertisements, indeed a plethora of oral genres that reflect and celebrate the students’ learning.
This session will showcase the presenter’s own experience of running an internet radio station at school, and also canvass a variety of other educational possibilities, such as podcasting, using the free piece of software, ‘Audacity’.
About the speaker:
French/English teacher Stephen Collis heads the Innovation Unit at Northern Beaches Christian School. His particular expertise relates to using technology effectively and efficiently to engage students and facilitate differentiation. Stephen pioneered the online student collaboration network ‘Beyond Borders’, and developed accredited online language courses for distance education students. In 2007 he was recognised by the Australian Government (National Awards - ‘Excellence by a Teacher’) and Microsoft (Innovative Teacher, NSW). Recent projects by Stephen include establishing a student-run internet radio station, and using virtual worlds for learning. Read his blog at www.happysteve.com and follow him on Twitter – www.twitter.com/steve_collis