[Yr7-10it] response to open letter...KentB

[Kent Beveridge]

A response if I may, from a country PLN leader:

I am one of the persons who is keen to promote I.T. as a subject and learning field in our schools as much as any other. Additionally, I freely admit to having perhaps less technical skills than some and occasionally find it intimidating at some of the terminology used and even some of the practical skills perported to be possessed by many of our colleagues. What I lack in skills, I endeavour to balance via enthusiasm, discussion and attempted hands on learning with often, little or even zero external support...ie self paced/motivated/driven learning to ensure my pupils can have the best opportunities I can offer them. Industry experience, although now some years ago, I do have, and find that a vital key skill that often graduates dont offer.
A big issue I am finding now is a very simple one...trying to actually register via the online system created...ahh, sorry, but its just a nightmare. Rarely has it worked first or even second attempt for me and some of my work colleagues and often that is a cause why PD sessions perhaps are not as populated as well, they could be.
The effort to get presenters to regional centres is to be admired but we MUST keep costs down to minimal levels...unless you've won tatts that is!  I personally, look at a PD that costs >$300 and often just move on to the next email...the budget at schools in regional centres and smaller country towns, just would cave in if we all tried to attend every PD at those costs.  Adding travel, accom and meals etc..it all builds up.
Perhaps a billet system could be considered(I personally stay with a family member but often feel a little guilty at times doing this but accom costs are ridiculous!).
So, in summary, I suggest this:
If there are teacher types out there in country centres (locals that is) who can run specialist sessions to help others within an hour's drive radius, then PLEASE DO SO. Us PLN leaders need you to let us know who you are and what you can offer so we can promote you and your offering!  Here in Horsham, I have a fully equipped class space with current hardware and smartboards at the ready! The Foods teacher looks after our catering for my, and many PTF related functions at a dirt cheap rate - plus its always yummy and healthy too.
The staff here and locally all want PD, just that they need it LOCAL and not hours away. Many have families you know and some too, have kids here at our school too.
Support the PLN's, Support VITTA where possible, Offer your skills...
Just DO IT and stop sitting back and just letting people like me take the brunt of criticisms just because I choose to speak up and say what many are thinking!

PS..I just set up my first server in a few years, after some hw hiccups. I am not a techie and it is Server2008 32bit version. Next...to connect the workstations and actually USE it as a mini network!  Its been a while since I was a network admin so this was a YAY! moment. (done as a trial run for one of my subjects on a now superseded former server box). Its not going to be connected to the school network as its a learning tool. So if we break it, we can reload it and not cause havoc!.Its part of my 'have a go' strategy I sometimes use!  Next...add a switch and some workstations, DHCP and some other nice extra 'ingredients' create a few users and then...do our worst!!  Hope I dont break the cake!

Kent Beveridge
PLN Wimmera region
ICT Co-ordinator
St.Brigids CSC, Horsham.

________________________________________
From: yr7-10it-bounces at edulists.com.au [yr7-10it-bounces at edulists.com.au] on behalf of Adrian Janson [janson.adrian.a at edumail.vic.gov.au]
Sent: Thursday, 18 March 2010 11:19 AM
To: 'Year 12 Software Development Teachers' Mailing List'; 'Year 12 IT Applications Teachers' Mailing List'; yr11it at edulists.com.au; yr7-10it at edulists.com.au; primaryit at edulists.com.au
Subject: [Yr7-10it] An open letter to all from VITTA

Dear Colleagues (and apologies for the cross posts),

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:

*Time
* Cost
*Travel/Distance
*Opportunity
*Relevance

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 office at vitta.org.au to leave a message.

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.

The VITTA Committee has requested that it seek ways to increase the
professional learning opportunities for teachers by approaching education
authorities and funding bodies.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Regards,

Adrian Janson,

VITTA President

On behalf of the VITTA Executive and VITTA Committee






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