Archive – Apps, Tools and Resources

From Algorithms to Recommendations: Using AI for Personalised Readers Advisory

Catherine Barnes, Teacher Librarian, Endeavour College
Webinar replay – 60 minutes

Artificial intelligence has great potential in teaching and learning in schools. In the school library, we have been exposed to intelligent tools for acquisition and resource management for some time. However, these have been designed and managed via vendor portals. This session will discuss the benefits and challenges of using Generative AI (GenAI) directly in a School Library, both as a Teacher Librarian and by students. The effective teaching of the role, format and refinement of prompts will be explored in the context of the development of the Digital Literacy capability.

Outcomes for attendees:

  • Understand how GenAI can be used for Readers’ Advisory
  • Understand how GenAI can enhance independent text selection by students
  • Be aware of the benefits and challenges of using GenAI in a School Library
  • Develop teaching strategies for prompt instruction using a variety of GenAI tools

Catherine is a Teacher Librarian at Endeavour College, a Years 7-12 independent school in South Australia, and a Lecturer in Library Management, Metadata and Cataloguing at the University of South Australia. She has qualifications and experience in Information Management, Information Technology and Education, with a passion for creating diverse and inclusive physical and online libraries. An awareness of engaging with communities for representation is a key aspect of her practice and teaching, with a focus on effective information spaces for connection, belonging and growth.

For all States and Territories:
This webinar will provide self-identified professional development addressing the following Australian Professional Standards for Teachers at the Proficient level:
3.3 – Use teaching strategies
3.4 – Select and use resources
6.2 – Engage in professional learning and improve practice
6.4 – Apply professional learning and improve student learning
7.4 – Engage with professional teacher networks and broader communities

[Members, please log in to view this webinar and access the additional resources that accompany this webinar.]

Content Curation for Your Community

Karen Malbon, Manager of Library Services, Melbourne Girls Grammar
Webinar replay – 60 minutes

In this webinar, Karen will define curation in relation to libraries, discuss online learning tools she has used personally and in school libraries, outline ways to deliver and promote online learning tools, explain how to identify tools best suited to your community, share her own experiences of curating digital resources and provide some hints and tips for beginner and more experienced digital curators. She will also define and discuss Open Educational Resources and how they fit into digital curation.

Outcomes for attendees:

  • Understand what digital curation is and the reasons for putting it into practice
  • The ability to choose appropriate tools for digital curation
  • Awareness of Open Educational Resources

Karen Malbon knew she wanted to be a teacher librarian when she grew up. She eventually moved from her pretend childhood library in her bedroom to the University of Melbourne and then into school libraries. Today you will find her working at Melbourne Girls Grammar and this library is very different to the libraries she inhabited as a child, teenager and undergraduate student. During her 25 year career as a librarian and teacher librarian, she has witnessed the emergence of the internet and constantly changing media and digital technologies. While some things remain the same, many changes have occurred in school libraries and the role of the librarian is very different to what 8-year-old Karen imagined. Karen’s love of lifelong learning saw her complete a Master of Education in Knowledge Networks and Digital Innovation in 2017, where she developed an interest in content curation, open educational resources and digital citizenship.

For all States and Territories:
This webinar will provide self-identified professional development addressing the following Australian Professional Standards for Teachers at the Proficient level:
6.2 – Engage in professional learning and improve practice
6.4 – Apply professional learning and improve student learning
7.4 – Engage with professional teacher networks and broader communities

[Members, please log in to view this webinar and access the additional resources that accompany this webinar.]

Getting Creative with AR & VR in the Primary Classroom

Eleni Kyritsis, Curriculum & Innovation Leader, Strathcona Baptist Girls Grammar
Webinar replay – 60 minutes

In this webinar, Eleni will showcase a range of apps and products that support Augmented & Virtual Realities in the primary classroom. She will demonstrate lesson ideas you can integrate across curriculum areas that engage students no matter what your budget.

Outcomes for attendee:

  • Understanding of VR & AR
  • Lesson ideas to integrate AR/VR in primary classrooms
  • Range of apps and products that support AR/VR (free and paid)

Eleni is an award-winning teacher with a passion for sharing her creative lesson ideas to enhance teaching and learning around the world. Eleni has been recognised for her outstanding contribution and support of the education community by being awarded a 2019 Educator Rising Star, the 2017 ACCE Australian Educator of the Year and the 2016 DLTV Victorian Educator of the Year. She is a Google Certified Innovator & Trainer, Microsoft Innovative Education Expert, Apple Teacher and Hapara Certified Educator. Eleni has been honoured by the opportunity to facilitate keynote presentations and professional learning workshops across the globe.

[Members, please log in to view this webinar and access the additional resources that accompany this webinar.]

Backchannels in the Classroom

Anne Mirtschin, ICT C-ordinator, Hawkesdale P12 College
Webinar replay – 60 minutes

This session looked at the nature of backchannels, how and why to use them, their benefits, challenges, best platforms that can be used for backchannelling and classroom stories of backchannel use. Hands-on activities were demonstrated.

Following the webinar attendees will:

  • Understand what a backchannel is and how it can be used.
  • Reflect on the classroom stories shared and apply some of these to their classroom.
  • Access an online resources document, listing backchannel tools, uses, ideas for use.

Anne Mirtschin is a multi-award winning teacher who uses online tools to create powerful learning opportunities for students. Her most recent and prestigious award was the ISTE Making IT Happen Award. She teaches Information and Communications Technology (ICT), Accounting and Business Studies at Hawkesdale P12 College a remote Prep to Year 12 School in country Western Victoria. She is passionate about rural and global education, immersing technology into the classroom and loves collaborating and learning online. Anne has presented locally, nationally and internationally.

[Members, please log in to view this webinar and access the additional resources that accompany this webinar.]

Creating Infographics Using Microsoft Tools

Brendan Kelly, Digital Media Officer and Cathy Oxley, Director of Information Services, Brisbane Grammar School
Webinar replay – 60 minutes

Data is playing an ever-increasing role in everything we want to learn about or improve. Traditionally, we sought out statistics to help us understand data. This method no longer sufficiently caters to the needs of the 21st century information interpreter. Infographics are the evolution of statistical data or information when enhanced through visual symbology to effect clearer and more rapid cognition of information. They make information sharing more potent and effective.

Infographics need not be solely the domain of the digital content creator. This session will explore some of the free tools that can be used to assist creators to make infographic objects, but more importantly, users will learn how to create compelling infographic media using typical software they have likely been using since before the turn of the century!

Outcomes for attendee:

  • Understand the importance, relevance and impact infographics can have when displaying information
  • Gain knowledge of a range of free infographic creation resources that can be accessed
  • Create infographic elements using standard Microsoft applications

Brendan Kelly has enjoyed working across a range of academic and public libraries for the last fifteen years culminating in finding his dream job in digital media for one of the best performing schools in Australia. He works with teaching staff to enhance their capacity to create and deliver high quality digital learning resources as well as directly with students to increase their digital literacy skills. The unique and very special link between library services and education delivery and outcomes motivates his passion to explore meaningful ways to integrate technology into the mix.

Cathy Oxley has worked as a teacher librarian for nearly 30 years in both primary and secondary schools and, since 2009, has been Director of Information Services at Brisbane Grammar School, overseeing the three libraries at the school. She has presented locally, nationally and internationally during this time at many conferences and events and has also written articles for various library journals including ACCESS, Synergy, and International Information & Library Review. She has been a member of the Queensland School Library Association Brisbane sub-committee for nearly 20 years, with the last six years as President. In 2017 she was awarded Queensland Teacher Librarian of the Year.

[Members, please log in to view this webinar and access the additional resources that accompany this webinar.]

Virtual Reality as a Learning Resource

Chelsea Quake, Junior Campus Library Manager/Teacher Librarian
Webinar replay – 60 minutes

Virtual Reality (VR) is like no resource we have ever used before. It is entirely immersive and incredibly engaging. For schools, this technology offers some amazing possibilities for teaching and learning.

During this presentation Chelsea will:

  • Share her experience of introducing VR into two secondary schools;
  • Describe several examples of the practical application of VR in a class setting;
  • Present a sample lesson plan that is linked to the Australian National Curriculum, and includes a small formative assessment;
  • Frame VR in the context of learning research and theory;
  • Touch on some important considerations regarding how to meaningfully link this new resource with practice and pedagogy.

Chelsea’s hope is that you will come away from this presentation inspired to try new technological mediums. She also hopes that the knowledge you gain through this presentation will empower you to argue the case for VR in your own school.

VR is an incredibly powerful and versatile resource, and it is definitely time to get excited!

Outcomes for attendee:

  • Understand what VR is and how it relates to school education;
  • Describe several examples of how VR can be used in practice, in a classroom setting;
  • Argue the case for VR being brought into a school, by linking the potential benefits of the resource with current learning theory, research, and pedagogy.

Chelsea Quake (nee Wright) is a Library Manager and Teacher Librarian living in Melbourne, Australia. She is a strong advocate for school libraries and “new librarianship”. Chelsea views libraries as gatekeepers of access and equity. In a school setting, libraries are powerful support structures; continually breathing new life into teaching and learning, through the provision of expert advice, innovative resources and engaging programs. In particular, Chelsea is passionate about working with young people, and building school libraries into co-created hubs of opportunity, creativity and community.

This webinar addresses the following Australian Professional Standards for Teachers:
3.3.2 – Use teaching strategies
3.4.2 – Select and use resources
6.2.2 – Engage in professional learning and improve practice

[Members, please log in to view this webinar and access the additional resources that accompany this webinar.]

Games Based Learning

June Wall, Education Consultant
Webinar replay – 60 minutes

Games Based Learning (GBL) has been discussed and used in classrooms for the last 10 years or more. Most games used in classrooms have been identified as a connection to the curriculum, however they are not the core of teaching and learning activities.

This session will overview GBL and gamification and suggest resources for the classroom and library that can be used and teaching ideas as to how to embed games in learning.

At the conclusion of the seminar, participants will be able to:

  • Discuss the concepts of games-based learning and gamification and the application in classrooms
  • Identify some games relevant for learning
  • Begin to develop teaching ideas using games or gamification.

June Wall is an independent Consultant, eLearning and Libraries and an Adjunct Lecturer, School of Information Studies, Charles Sturt University. She was previously a Teacher Quality Consultant for the Association of Independent Schools, NSW. She has been a teacher at primary and secondary levels, a lecturer, a professional development and education consultant, Head of Department, special librarian, teacher librarian and computer coordinator in the government and non-government sectors for over 35 years.

This webinar addresses the following Australian Professional Standards for Teachers:
3.3.2 – Use teaching strategies
3.4.2 – Select and use resources
6.2.2 – Engage in professional learning and improve practice

[Members, please log in to view this webinar and access the additional resources that accompany this webinar.]

Coding using Robotics K-6

Jackie Child, JS Technologies Coordinator
Webinar replay – 60 minutes

In this webinar a constructionist approach of sequential teaching of coding to students from Kindy to Year 6 using robots will be explored. Aligning and connecting the Digital Technologies curriculum to a variety of hands-on activities. Ideas, resources, coding programs and types of robots will be discussed and shared.

Outcomes for attendee:

  • variety and suitability of robots for teaching coding
  • engaging students using constructionism
  • linking the digital technologies curriculum to tasks and lessons
  • providing a selection of coding programs and applications suitable for K-6 students

Jackie is the Junior School Technologies Coordinator at St Aidan’s Anglican Girls’ School in Brisbane and the author of TinkeringChild blog. She is passionate about teaching with over 40 years’ experience and is a sessional tutor for pre-service teachers using technology to enhance their teaching and learning at Griffith University.

This webinar addresses the following Australian Professional Standards for Teachers:
3.3.2 – Use teaching strategies
3.4.2 – Select and use resources
6.2.2 – Engage in professional learning and improve practice

[Members, please log in to view this webinar and access the additional resources that accompany this webinar.]

Skype in the Classroom

Anne Mirtschin, ICT Teacher
Webinar replay – 60 minutes

Skype is a free, user friendly and globally accessible tool and can be used on mobile devices. Teachers across the world are increasingly using Skype to break down their classroom walls.

Participants in this session will learn more about

  • Skype’s capabilities – video conferencing chat conversations, shared screens, translation options, video messages,
  • examples of different ways to use video conferencing in all subject areas,
  • classroom stories that show how student engagement is improved and inquiry-based learning is implemented,
  • how it can be used collaboratively to expand student’s authentic, real world learning,
  • experiences by engaging virtually with experts, teams and students both locally and globally,
  • other online tools that also engage students and extend the learning from initial Skype connections.

Outcomes for attendees

  • Understand the capabilities of Skype
  • Appreciate the necessary elements for successful collaborative video conferencing
  • Take away many ideas that can be implemented into their classroom immediately
  • Access a list of useful online resources for ongoing reference

Anne Mirtschin is an award winning teacher who uses online tools to create powerful learning opportunities for students. Her most recent and prestigious award was the ISTE Making IT Happen Award. She teaches Information and Communications Technology (ICT), Accounting and Business Studies at Hawkesdale P12 College a remote Prep to Year 12 School in country Western Victoria. She is passionate about rural and global education, immersing technology into the classroom and loves collaborating and learning online. The innovative use of technology together with an amazing international PLN has enabled her to make the world her classroom. Anne is the co-Australasian Chair for the Global Education Conference, a Skype Master Teacher and Microsoft Innovative Expert Educator, a Flat Connections Lead teacher and a Leader at Large for ISTE Global Collaboration PLN.

This webinar addresses the following Australian Professional Standards for Teachers:
3.3.2 – Use teaching strategies
3.4.2 – Select and use resources
6.2.2 – Engage in professional learning and improve practice

[Members, please log in to view this webinar and access the additional resources that accompany this webinar.]

Animation and Coding for Digital Storytelling 101

Karen Bonanno, National Director, Eduwebinar
Webinar replay – 60 minutes

This will be a beginner’s session on using Scratch as a tool for students to share their reflection, response or perspective on a topic, issue or cause through the production of a short animated production. A step-by-step process will be provided so you will be able to run this with your class.

This webinar will explore essential literacies within a coding environment, developing a narrative, creating a digital story, and how to publish, share and evaluate.
Teachers and teacher librarians will be able to consider how to utilise this approach by understanding

  • essential skills,
  • a structure for building a digital narrative,
  • basic Scratch tools & features,
  • feedback and evaluation options.

This webinar addresses the following Australian Professional Standards for Teachers:
3.3.2 – Use teaching strategies
3.4.2 – Select and use resources
6.2.2 – Engage in professional learning and improve practice

[Members, please log in to view this webinar and access the additional resources that accompany this webinar.]

Apps, Tools & Digital Resources that Support the Curriculum

Anne Mirtschin, ICT Co-ordinator
Webinar replay – 60 minutes

This session will share, outline and briefly demonstrate some of the apps, tools and digital resources that support the curriculum. Most of these apps, tools and resources will be free and cross platform. Some classroom stories will be related in their use.

Outcomes for attendee:

  • Become aware of a range of tools, apps and resources that are free, cross platform that can support the classroom curriculum.
  • See ‘walk throughs’ on how to use some of the apps and tools and visualise their application to the classroom.
  • Access to online resources which will list the tools, apps and resources referred to with appropriate urls for future reference.

This webinar addresses the following Australian Professional Standards for Teachers:
3.3.2 – Use teaching strategies
3.4.2 – Select and use resources

[Members, please log in to view this webinar and access the additional resources that accompany this webinar.]

3D Printing: Not Just Making Models

Leonie McIlvenny, Head of iCentre, Iona Presentation Colletge
Webinar replay – 60 minutes

3D printing is becoming a popular addition to many classrooms with some schools now replacing their computer lab with a suite of 3D printers. While the 2015 Horizon Report stated that their adoption in schools would take 3-5 years it appears their infiltration into the ‘schoolscape’ is happening much faster than anticipated. After the initial excitement of “bringing the baby home” however, many 3D printers are finding themselves abandoned at the back of a room because no-one knows how to use, maintain or manage their effective integration into the curriculum.

This webinar explores a range of issues around the effective use of 3D printers in the classroom and offers some practical advice and tips on how to maximise their potential.

A wide range of resources will be provided including links to the Australian Curriculum (specifically the Technologies curriculum), lessons plans, CAD programs to use for 3D design, 3D object repositories, videos that can be used for ‘unplugged’ lessons and much more.

By the end of this webinar you will be able to:

  • Identify where in the Australian Curriculum 3D printing is addressed
  • Identify and source appropriate CAD programs for students to use in their 3D designs
  • List the considerations that need to be made when deciding to buy a 3D printer
  • List the affordances of 3D printing within the curriculum and beyond

This webinar addresses the following Australian Professional Standards for Teachers:
3.3.2 – Use teaching strategies
3.4.2 – Select and use resources

[Members, please log in to view this webinar and access the additional resources that accompany this webinar.]

Developing Online Tutorials: Using Web Tools

June Wall, Education Consultant, June Wall Consultancy
Webinar replay – 60 minutes

Online learning can be used within face to face classrooms as well as part of a flipped learning environment. This webinar outlines a range of web tools to create online tutorials and then details the steps in creating an online learning sequence using free web tools.

At the conclusion of this webinar and using the tools provided, participants will be able to:

  • Determine the most appropriate online tool to use for their context
  • Identify parts of their teaching program that could be flipped to an online component
  • Design an online learning activity using one of the free tools

This webinar addresses the following Australian Professional Standards for Teachers:
3.3.2 – Use teaching strategies
3.4.2 – Select and use resources

[Members, please log in to view this webinar and access the additional resources that accompany this webinar.]

Developing Online Tutorials: Using Office Mix

June Wall, Education Consultant, June Wall Consultancy
Webinar replay – 55 minutes

Using Microsoft PowerPoint 2013 or any newer version with Office Mix (a free add on), you can build interactive tutorials for students or staff. This webinar provides a how to guide in developing online learning tutorials and ideas as to how they could be used

At the conclusion of this webinar, participants will be able to:

  • Design an online learning activity
  • Build an online learning tutorial using Office Mix
  • Identify resources and tools needed for online learning

This webinar addresses the following Australian Professional Standards for Teachers:
3.3.2 – Use teaching strategies
3.4.2 – Select and use resources

[Members, please log in to view this webinar and access the additional resources that accompany this webinar.]

Blogging 101

with Anne Mirtschin, ICT Teacher
Webinar replay – 60 minutes

Blogging is an essential digital literacy in the 21st century. This session is structured to suit the needs of the beginner and the devoted blogger and the following is covered:

  • why is blogging an essential digital literacy for both teachers and students?
  • posts and pages
  • what can you write about?
  • the importance of categories and tags in blogging
  • how to add those wonderful widgets to the sidebar, e.g. clustrmaps, weather, google translate, countdown, etc.
  • the importance of commenting and appropriate commenting
  • establishing an audience
  • how to expand a blog’s readership
  • how to create digital portfolios through blogging
  • tips and hints for successful blogging
  • where to find out more

This webinar may address the following Australian Professional Standards for Teachers:
2.6.2 – Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
3.3.2 – Using teaching strategies
3.4.2 – Select and use resources
2.5.2 – Use ICT safely, responsibly and ethically

[Members, please log in to view this webinar and access the additional resources that accompany this webinar.]

Book Trailers – Pitfalls & Practicalities + Process & Publication

Dr Jennie Bales
Webinar replay – 60 minutes

Book trailers provide students with opportunities to creatively express a personal response to literature. However, delivering a successful learning experience encompasses ethical considerations, planning, creativity, ICT options, publishing choices, security and clear procedures to get a project to completion. This webinar will take participants through some of the pitfalls, practicalities, processes and publication considerations with student book trailers to get you started in the classroom.

Participation in this webinar will assist teachers to make informed decision on how to include book trailers as a student response to literature around the following points:
– Curriculum relevance
– Overview of planning processes
– Selecting the most appropriate tools based on:
o Free availability
o Ease of use
o Breadth of features
– Ethical and copyright considerations for
o Sourcing visual and audio content
o Requirements for student access
o Publishing book trailer products
– Introduction to different software options for creating book trailers
o Viewing and comparing some examples

This webinar addresses the following Australian Professional Standards for Teachers:
3.3.2 – Use teaching strategies
3.4.2 – Select and use resources

[Members, please log in to view this webinar and access the additional resources that accompany this webinar.]

Using PowerPoint as a Learning Tool

June Wall, Education Consultant, June Wall Consultancy
Webinar replay – 60 minutes

There are a wide range of presentation or multimedia tools for educators – possibly the most ubiquitous is PowerPoint. We have all heard of the concept of “death by PowerPoint” and as a linear presentation tool, there are many examples of this around. This webinar outlines how PowerPoint can be used creatively and with a more individualised focus on learning. The key is not in the tool, but in the learning design and creative use of a digital tool.

At the completion of this webinar, participants will be able to:

  • Identify and use PowerPoint for a range of learning purposes.
  • Include a different teaching strategy that includes PowerPoint for teaching and learning.
  • Plan for and design a teaching strategy and tool using PowerPoint creatively.

This webinar addresses the following Australian Professional Standards for Teachers:
3.3.2 – Use teaching strategies
3.4.2 – Select and use resources

[Members, please log in to view this webinar and access the additional resources that accompany this webinar.]

Content Curation & Digital Collections

Kay Oddone, Librarian, ResourceLink, BCE
Webinar replay – 60 minutes

Content curation and the development of resource collections has always occurred in schools; resources are gathered around the topic of teaching and learning, in order to support and extend student understandings. The difference is that in the past, this consisted of gathering ‘hard’ content – books, posters, newspapers, kits, etc. Nowadays, students and teachers not only have access to these resources, but also to a huge range of digital resources and information sources – many of which provide fantastic, engaging learning opportunities.

This webinar presents a variety of tools and strategies teachers and students may use to manage digital information and resources, so that instead of feeling overwhelmed, users will feel empowered to take their teaching and learning to a new level, enhanced by ready access to organised, accessible and quality curated resources and digital collections.

At the end of the webinar, you will:

  • Understand the difference between ‘curation’ and ‘collection’; and that content curation is not simply amassing huge lists of links, but building carefully considered, value-adding resources.
  • Be familiar with a range of content curation tools and spaces to hold digital collections and be able to share this with their students
  • Save time and prevent ‘re-inventing the wheel’ by engaging with others who are already curating online and begin developing enhanced strategies for finding and managing digital information and resources.

This webinar addresses the following Australian Professional Standards for Teachers:
3.3.2 – Use teaching strategies
3.4.2 – Select and use resources

[Members, please log in to view this webinar and access the additional resources that accompany this webinar.]

Twitter 101

Ann Mirtschin, ICT Teacher, Web Conference Coach (DEECD)
Webinar replay —  60 minutes

Learning is becoming more networked, connected, organic, customized, social, ‘just in time’, global. Twitter is a great tool to provide for all this, enabling educators and classrooms to be connected in powerful ways. This webinar covers elements of twitter for all users – newbies and experienced and includes

  1. uses of twitter for educationalists and for classrooms
  2. the importance of a profile
  3. who to follow
  4. hashtags – how to use them, why use them
  5. creating lists
  6. adding multimedia and more
  7. professional development through twitter chats
  8. stories from the classroom

Outcomes for attendee:

  • create a strong profile to enable successful connections and networking
    participate in twitter chats
  • add hashtags and multimedia to a twitter update
  • access a shared online document with a list of resources, tips and hints that is accessible 24/7
    Whether you are new or experienced to twitter, there will be something for you!

This is a Teacher Identified Professional Learning course.

[Members, please log in to view this webinar and access the additional resources that accompany this webinar.]

Apps and Tools for the Connected Classroom

Ann Mirtschin, ICT Teacher, Web Conference Coach (DEECD)
Webinar replay — approximately 60 minutes

In this session, Anne shares some of her favourite apps and free online tools that allow students to both connect, collaborate and create virtually and often interactively within the classroom and beyond to globe classrooms. Many of these apps can be used across mobile devices and also on wired computers. Brief demonstrations of the apps/tools, applications to the classroom and some amazing classroom outcomes will be shared.

Outcomes for attendee:

  • Learn of a variety of simple and easy to use interactive apps/tools including potential classroom uses for both‘ one-off’ classes or ongoing projects.
  • Discover a number of ways to take learning into innovative directions with these apps and tools.
  • Choose from a range of tools and apps to apply to their classrooms immediately.
  • Access to a variety of resources and online links (tutorials) to get further help after the session.

This webinar addresses the following Australian Professional Standards for Teachers:
3.3.2 – Use teaching strategies
3.4.2 – Select and use resources

[Members, please log in to view this webinar and access the additional resources that accompany this webinar.]