[Design and Technology] Openlearning and Technology

Tue Mar 27 15:07:27 EST 2012

Hi David
We are a new campus and are currently building a new Yr7 & 8 building that has a central focus of an Innovation Hub that houses Design Tech, Art, Vis Com, Drama, IT and Media fuelled by an Ideas Kitchen.  Fortunately we realised from the beginning that 20th century subjects don't fit into the 21st century notion of education....not at this level at least.

In the above space we'll have 60 students with 2 teachers and an Aide.  We've thrown out the curriculum and gone back to basics and are using an Integrated Curriculum "philosophy" as our starting point that is allowing us to incorporate the above subjects.  The key is to ensure that the relevant VELS outcomes are still being taught AND assessed.  Additionally we want to make sure that the students are still receiving the key functional skills required for each subject area so that they can achieve success in VCE/VET/VCAL.  We are also using the cross-curricular priorities from the Australian Curriculum to map out our planning documents -based on the Understanding by Design process.

We also believe that this type of learning (and pedagogy) - Integrated Curriculum, needs to change as students move through the different stages of learning and also realise that most "post-compulsory" style subjects are a lot more prescriptive and tightly structured.  That is why we are also designing/planning/will build discreet spaces that will accommodate the learning demands of studying a VCE/VET/VCAL subject in the above subject areas.

I've made it sound simple, it hasn't been.  It's been a long journey and we have a long way to go.  Feel free to contact me if you want to discuss further.

Regards
James

James Roberts
Head of Campus - Cranbourne East
St Peter's College
PO Box 615
Cranbourne, VIC 3977
PH: (03) 5990 7777  FAX: (03) 5996 8277
www.stpeters.vic.edu.au
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From: destech-bounces at edulists.com.au [mailto:destech-bounces at edulists.com.au] On Behalf Of Grech, Mark A
Sent: Tuesday, 27 March 2012 9:14 AM
To: Design and Technology Teachers' Mailing List
Subject: Re: [Design and Technology] Openlearning and Technology

Hi David

At Wangaratta HS we have a new (12 months old) open "flexible" work space which was "designed" for 3 classes of 25 students, (1 Metal and 2 wood). We have faced a number of issues with the space which we are attempting to over-come.

The biggest issue is timetabling and getting the mix of classes right. It is very difficult when you are teaching cross purposes. It works best when you double up on classes e.g. 2 yr 7 wood classes or two yr 8 classes etc. Otherwise delivery is very difficult. Having three classes on at once is very noisey and a little stressful so we try to minimize this happening (difficult to acheive sometimes).

As you could imagine the movement of students is also an issue especially if there are 75 students and three teachers using the workspace.

We have found teaching unit 1 & 3 classes works really well in the space you just need to make sure you are well organised and keep each other in the loop about what you are planning. The other thing that is important is that you have plenty of tools and equipment to share around at peak times (managing all this of course is another issue!).

If you want to come and see our space or chat over the phone please feel free to ring me on 57230500.

Regards

Mark

________________________________
From: destech-bounces at edulists.com.au<mailto:destech-bounces at edulists.com.au> [destech-bounces at edulists.com.au] on behalf of Foster, David B [foster.david.b at edumail.vic.gov.au]
Sent: Monday, 26 March 2012 9:40 PM
To: destech at edulists.com.au<mailto:destech at edulists.com.au>
Subject: [Design and Technology] Openlearning and Technology

Hello all,

I am seeking some help on behalf of my fellow technology teachers. We have moved into our new POD building but our admin have not been able to help us with how we fit into the open-learning curriculum. We have one technology room, to cater for systems and design and we now have 40 students in this one room.

The admin has a vision for junior level classes but they have not thought about how this will blend into VCE. I was hoping there are schools out there that have dealt with this problem, my staff are struggling and our new principal has encouraged us to seek help, weather locally, Melbourne or interstate.

Regards, David Foster

Design and Technology Leader

Western Heights College

03 5277 1177

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