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<p class=MsoNormal>Dear Colleagues (and apologies for the cross posts),<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal>I would first like to thank you for your responses and
contributions to professional learning discussions. I think it is very
important that teachers voice their concerns about the blockers to developing
their professional learning. The key issues over the lists have been:<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal>*Time<br>
* Cost<br>
*Travel/Distance<br>
*Opportunity<br>
*Relevance<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal>VITTA is a not -for-profit organisation whose funding comes
from membership, resources and professional learning and events. This money is
used to provide a range of services directed by the VITTA Committee of
Management. The eighteen members of the VITTA Committee are volunteers who are
practising educators from all sectors - primary, secondary , tertiary and
the Australian Computer Society. They work on various subcommittees
including the aforementioned areas of resources and professional learning.
These people are your representatives. You can find them on the VITTA website
under "About" or you can contact the VITTA office directly in an
email at <a href="mailto:office@vitta.org.au">office@vitta.org.au</a> to leave
a message. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal>Each year VITTA runs a Planning weekend/day to discuss
directions and policies for the organisation and its members. Professional
learning is always a key issue. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal>The VITTA Committee has requested that it seek ways to
increase the professional learning opportunities for teachers by approaching
education authorities and funding bodies. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal>VITTA has been seeding Professional Learning Networks in 13
regions in Victoria. The concept has been a response to the time, cost,
distance and opportunity issues. These hubs are in Ballarat, Geelong , Bendigo,
Otways [Warrambool], South West Victoria [Hamilton], Grampians [Horsham], North
West Victoria [Mildura], North Central Victoria, North East Victoria,
Mornington Peninsula, East Gippsland [Bairnsdale], West Gippsland and The
Ranges [Healesville]. These are designed for primary and secondary teachers in
state, independent and catholic schools. The professional development at
this stage is two hours after school.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal>VITTA hopes through its committee to provide professional
learning which is relevant and targeted. If you would like VITTA to provide
professional learning to meet your specific needs please let us know. Jo
McLeay, our Professional Learning Officer will collate these to be tabled at
the VITTA PD subcommittee. This request also relates to resources.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal>The eKnowledge Resource portal provides members with
resources contributed by teachers and presenters at VITTA professional
learning. After the VCE IT Roadshow for the new study design, resources will be
uploaded to the VITTA website. Any teacher will be able to access these study
materials. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal>So, if you have any feedback about professional learning
strategies, resources and policies that the VITTA Committee should consider
please let us know. You are also most welcome to join us at a VITTA Committee
meeting or be coopted onto a sub-committee. The dates are available on the website.
VITTA relies on its members being pro active and giving constructive criticism
on how we can specifically improve. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'>We look forward to working with
you positively for the benefit of our members and the organization that
represents its members both on a state and national basis. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'>Regards,<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'>Adrian Janson,<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'>VITTA President<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'>On behalf of the VITTA Executive
and VITTA Committee<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p>
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