Webinars and Events

with Dr Lara Cain Gray, Head of Acquisitions, Library for All + Writer, Librarian and Storytelling Advocate and Dr Belle Alderman AM, Director of the National Centre for Australian Children’s Literature

Wednesday, 4th September 2024, 7:30 pm to 8:30 pm AEST, Brisbane, QLD

Registration is $35.00 for this live webinar. [Note: After administration costs, the remaining funds will go to the National Centre for Australian Children’s Literature, a not-for-profit charity. 

Eduwebinar is hosting on behalf of the National Centre for Australian Children’s Literature Inc, with an introduction by Dr Belle Alderman AM, Emeritus Professor of Children’s Literature at the University of Canberra and Director, National Centre for Australian Children’s Literature Inc.

Dr Lara Cain Gray presents a passionate plea for greater appreciation of the picture book.

Drawing examples from her new book, The Grown-Up’s Guide to Picture Books, Lara will discuss the curious contradictions in the ways we celebrate and dismiss this deceptively simple format. On the one hand, picture books are required to facilitate literacy education and inspire a lifelong love of story; on the other, we often treat them as mere stepping stones on the path to ‘real’ literature.

This presentation will emphasise the extraordinary work required to write and illustrate a high-quality picture book and provide practical suggestions for strengthening skills as a teacher, creator or enthusiastic reader. Discover the science of page layouts, the purpose of animal characters, the potential of endpapers, and, most importantly, why a truly great picture book lingers in our hearts and minds for life.

About The Grown-Up’s Guide to Picture Books

‘I know of no other book that will so quickly improve a grown-up’s ability to engage more deeply with that which is so human – the combination of words and pictures to tell stories.’ Matt Shanks

‘This stunning book guides readers through storytelling structures, offering classroom activities and encouraging a lifelong love of picture books. An empowering must-own for authors and illustrators, educators and readers. Long live the power of a picture book!’ Andrea Rowe

Participants can expect to gain:

• a deeper understanding of picture book creation, from creative challenges to how marketing and publishing trends impact the journey to publication,
• practical suggestions for how picture books can be incorporated into education settings, home reader environments and even the workplace, at all ages,
• links to databases, reading lists and award processes that help guide the selection of diverse and engaging Australian picture books.

Dr Belle Alderman AM has spent a lifetime in children’s books as an early reader, a secondary English teacher, a teacher librarian in a primary school, and a university academic teaching and researching children’s literature. She has reviewed children’s books for newspapers, magazines, and the radio, written countless articles and a couple of books about them, served as a judge for the CBCA Awards and the Prime Minister’s Awards for children’s and young adult books. Since retirement, she became the Director of the National Centre for Australian Children’s Literature Inc. Here she is ever involved in all things children’s literature through events, exhibitions and wide-ranging activities relating to this ever-mesmerising field.

Dr Lara Cain Gray is a writer, librarian and storytelling advocate based in Brisbane. She has proudly championed the creative industries as the Australia and New Zealand Curator at the British Library and in a range of research and teaching roles in Australia and the UK. She is currently Head of Acquisitions at nonprofit publisher Library For All. She has reviewed children’s books for over 10 years in academic and popular publications, including her long running blog. She reads every day and will NEVER be too old for picture books.

Together with the Book Cow Bookshop, Canberra, attendees can purchase The Grown-Up’s Guide to Picture Books at a discounted price ($29.00) with free shipping within Australia.

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 – Using teaching strategies
3.4 – Select and use resources
6.2 – Engage in professional learning and improve practice
7.4 – Engage with professional teaching networks and broader communities

Please check the time in your time zone at Event Time Announcer

with Catherine Barnes, Course Coordinator, University of South Australia

Wednesday, 30th October 2024, 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm AEST, Brisbane, QLD

Non-member registration is $45.00 for this live webinar. 

[As we are in Daylight Saving Time in Australia, please check the time of the webinar in your time zone, e.g. NSW, ACT, VIC, TAS = 8.00 pm, QLD = 7.00 pm, SA = 7.30 pm, NT = 6.30 pm, WA = 5.00 pm]

Immersive reality technologies, including virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR), are revolutionizing the educational landscape, offering unprecedented opportunities for engagement and learning. This presentation explores the integration of immersive reality in school libraries, showcasing innovative ways to enhance educational experiences and foster a dynamic learning environment. Attendees will gain insights into the practical applications of VR and AR in library settings, understand the benefits and challenges of these technologies, and explore strategies for successful implementation. Through case studies and interactive demonstrations, this session will illustrate how immersive reality can enrich and enhance the curriculum, support diverse learning needs, and why the school library is the perfect place to position this technology.

Outcomes for attendees:

1. Understanding Immersive Reality Technologies: Attendees will gain a comprehensive understanding of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technologies, including their capabilities, differences, and potential applications in educational settings.
2. Exploring Practical Applications: Participants will explore practical examples of how immersive reality can be integrated into school libraries to enhance educational experiences, such as interactive storytelling, virtual field trips, and immersive research tools.
3. Identifying Benefits and Challenges: Attendees will learn about the benefits of incorporating immersive reality in the library, including increased student engagement and personalized learning opportunities, as well as potential challenges such as cost, accessibility, and technical requirements.
4. Developing Implementation Strategies: Participants will gain strategies for successfully implementing immersive reality in their school libraries, including selecting appropriate technologies, designing effective learning activities, and training staff to maximize the potential of these innovative tools

Catherine is a Lecturer in Information Management at the University of South Australia and a teacher librarian with qualifications in Library Management, Information Technology, and Education. She is an active member of the IFLA School Libraries Standing Committee, ALIA Schools, and ALIA ACORD. Catherine frequently presents on topics such as library technologies, diversity, and metadata, contributing to the advancement of knowledge and practices in her field.

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
7.4 – Engage with professional teaching networks and broader communities

Please check the time in your time zone at Event Time Announcer

with Gabrielle Mace, Head of Library & Information Services, St Augustine’s College – Sydney

Wednesday, 13th November 2024, 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm AEST, Brisbane, QLD

Non-member registration is $45.00 for this live webinar. 

[As we are in Daylight Saving Time in Australia, please check the time of the webinar in your time zone, e.g. NSW, ACT, VIC, TAS = 8.00 pm, QLD = 7.00 pm, SA = 7.30 pm, NT = 6.30 pm, WA = 5.00 pm]

This is no ordinary DEAR program! Step into the realm of innovative literacy intervention strategies, where Gabrielle led a groundbreaking School-Based Action Research Project in collaboration with the Association of Independent Schools (AIS). This research delved deep into the transformative potential of a whole-school reading program, transcending the traditional Drop Everything and Read (DEAR) approach.

Join us as Gabrielle discusses the intricacies of the design, implementation, and evaluation of the acclaimed ‘Just Read’ initiative, which started as an aim and was refined through rigorous action research methodology. From its inception as an experimental intervention to its evolution into a highly valued part of the school’s culture, ‘Just Read’ has emerged as a revered and highly valued asset to all students and staff.

Despite navigating the challenges imposed by a global pandemic, this embedded whole-school literacy program stands poised to enter its sixth consecutive year, a testament to its enduring impact and efficacy. Gabrielle will illuminate the pivotal role of literature review, student input, meticulous survey design, and robust data analysis in shaping the program’s trajectory.

Explore the nuances of addressing timetable constraints and navigating competing school priorities, as Gabrielle shares insights into strategically positioning the school library as a catalyst for the program’s success. Embark on a journey of discovery and innovation, as we unravel the blueprint for establishing and sustaining a transformative whole-school reading program.

Outcomes for attendees:

• Insight into designing and implementing a dynamic whole-school reading program.
• Understanding of the transformative potential of innovative literacy intervention strategies.
• Knowledge of how to navigate challenges, such as timetable constraints and competing priorities, to establish and sustain such a program.
• Practical tips on leveraging literature review, the importance of student voice & survey design to shape program success.

Gabrielle Mace, a seasoned library executive in independent education for 14 years, specializes in strategic planning and policy development, elevating library services for staff and students. Notable achievements include leading the acclaimed school-wide reading program, ‘Just Read,’ with evidence-based methodologies. With adeptness in operations and leadership, Gabrielle founded ProReading Solutions, offering tailored literacy programs and coaching for diverse school settings. Her expertise spans PreK to Year 12, empowering educators and communities to enhance literacy outcomes. Learn more at ProReading Solutions. 

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
7.4 – Engage with professional teaching networks and broader communities

Please check the time in your time zone at Event Time Announcer