Full STE(A)M Ahead Event

Was thrilled to get another opportunity to visit Microsoft in Brisbane today to participate in the Full STEAM Ahead event. 

STEAM is an educational approach to learning that uses Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics as access points for guiding student inquiry, dialogue, and critical thinking. 
The end results are students who take thoughtful risks, engage in experiential learning, persist in problem-solving, embrace collaboration, and work through the creative process.  These are the innovators, educators, leaders, and learners of the 21st century! (source)

Play Time!

My three rotations gave me a taste of Makey Makey, Raspberry Pi and Minecraft. 

Makey Makey was a highlight for me. My group made an "Operation" style game with Stan from South Park. The Makey Makey was connected to the Surface which had a program in Scratch running which caused a "beep" to sound when you touched the foil edges and you to loose a health point. 

Josh Burker's Blog has more information on this activity.

New Learning Environments: Linq Precinct

Murray James and Vanessa Noonan from Sheldon College spoke at length about their whole school approach and showcased the Linq Precinct at the college. This drool worth state of the art building provides the space required to make new pedagogical approaches to teaching and the implementation of Digital Technologies possible. 

LINQ Precinct from Sheldon College on Vimeo.

The College also used Project Based Learning to facilitate the integration of Digital Technologies with some really exciting units that has great links to curriculum and the real world. There was an impressive commitment to teacher professional development with teachers getting into the Maker Movement. The culture of sharing about their projects was hugely impressive and placed value on the work of the students. 

Blended Learning - Shane Mason

Blended learning is a formal education program in which a student learns at least in part through delivery of content and instruction via digital and online media with some element of student control over time, place, path, or pace.

ST2P

Dr Tina Doe is a professional learning consultant who works with schools to create capacity for enhanced capability for an increasing demanding profession. She discussed the changing needs of learners and presented her ST2P model for instructional leadership.

The image below outlines the model:​