The technology example on the VCAA website is based on my satellite
modeling activity and it uses Google Sketch-up. I have run this for
several years now. It is a good example of an ICT rich VELS progression
point task that is embedded in a real-world example. Trick is to broaden
it with other activities such as a Moodle blog for recording progress
and reflections rather than rely on just Google Sketchup or the
satellite construction alone.<br><br>I have a really cool example of 3D modeling from Geoscience Australia to simulate a Tsunami wave crashing over a beach. I picked up a copy last week when I was invited to Canberra to contribute to a cool workshop they were running about Visualizing Data. Students program in different barriers to slow the progress of the wave, hills / trees / buildings etc. It runs on Python and is easy to modify and adapt at the code level by students. This was trimmed down from an even larger project that they are using. Stuff is still in Beta but quite engaging, usable and certainly real world.<br>
<br>Regards Roland<br><br><div class="gmail_quote">On 30 April 2010 10:42, Kevork Krozian <span dir="ltr"><<a href="mailto:K.Krozian@fhc.vic.edu.au">K.Krozian@fhc.vic.edu.au</a>></span> wrote:<br><blockquote class="gmail_quote" style="margin: 0pt 0pt 0pt 0.8ex; border-left: 1px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); padding-left: 1ex;">
Hi Everyone,<br>
<br>
Just looking at the VELS standards at Year 9 (and 10 )<br>
By the middle of Year 9 we should have students working at VELS level 5.25.<br>
The link at <a href="http://vels.vcaa.vic.edu.au/support/progression/ict.html#lev6" target="_blank">http://vels.vcaa.vic.edu.au/support/progression/ict.html#lev6</a> shows<br>
<br>
ICT for visualising thinking<br>
<br>
* use of nominated dynamic modelling tools and manipulation and editing techniques to describe the relationships between ideas or components; for example, building simulations of dynamic automotive systems and processes<br>
* use of complex ICT tools to visually represent, model, reframe or refine thinking strategies; for example, using three-dimensional multimedia tools to construct complex representations of molecules<br>
* selection, from a given list, of ICT tools and editing techniques to support problem solving, based on their technical capabilities<br>
ICT for creating<br>
<br>
* identification of similarities and differences between the strategies for organising and managing files used by school teams and by small organisations; for example, use of passwords to enter a school network or locked keyboards to restrict access to files in a business<br>
* identification of threats to data security caused by accidental loss, stealing or data corruption<br>
* use of ICT presentation conventions and efficient processing techniques to reduce the time taken to process data; for example, macros<br>
* designs for web-based information products that acknowledge the common characteristics of a targeted audience; for example, transcripts of audio files on a website for the hearing impaired<br>
ICT for communicating<br>
<br>
* identification, in existing communications, of nominated protocols that are used when exchanging ideas and considered opinions through online forums; for example, language that respects gender<br>
* location of targeted websites, using general and specialised search engines, and nominated search directories such as BUBL<br>
* identification, in existing communications, of features that reflect ethical considerations and legal responsibilities; for example, copyright statements<br>
<br>
As we are doing games programming ( programming the Xbox console) I was specifically interested in any feedback regarding any suggestions or experience with :<br>
<br>
dynamic modelling tools and manipulation and editing techniques<br>
complex ICT tools to visually represent, model, reframe or refine thinking strategies<br>
<br>
Of course we could use mind mapping software and it could be a set of frames to represent progression in the game and or algorithm, but I am not sure the dynamic nature of the modeling will be there.<br>
<br>
Any and all suggestions welcome<br>
<br>
With thanks<br>
<br>
Kevork Krozian<br>
Digital Learning Manager<br>
Forest Hill College<br>
<a href="mailto:k.krozian@fhc.vic.edu.au">k.krozian@fhc.vic.edu.au</a><br>
Mobile: 0419 356 034<br>
<br>
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</blockquote></div><br><br clear="all"><br>-- <br>Roland Gesthuizen - ICT Coordinator - Westall Secondary College<br><a href="http://www.westallsc.vic.edu.au">http://www.westallsc.vic.edu.au</a><br><br>"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed it is the only thing that ever has." --Margaret Mead<br>