http://virtualstaffroom.net Sun, 20 Jan 2008 13:38:08 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.0.4 en ©Chris Betcher 2003-2006 chris@virtualstaffroom.net (Chris Betcher) chris@virtualstaffroom.net Educational Technology 1440 education, technology, teaching, school, learning, web2.0, smartboards, gis Conversations with leading teachers about technology in the classroom. Conversations with leading teachers about technology in the classroom. Chris Betcher Chris Betcher chris@virtualstaffroom.net No no http://www.virtualstaffroom.net/podcast/PodcastGraphic_144.jpg http://virtualstaffroom.net 144 144 Episode 21: Teaching Tech http://virtualstaffroom.net/2008/01/20/episode-21-teaching-tech/ http://virtualstaffroom.net/2008/01/20/episode-21-teaching-tech/#comments Sun, 20 Jan 2008 13:28:10 +0000 Chris Admin http://virtualstaffroom.net/2008/01/20/episode-21-teaching-tech/ As more and more teachers start to understand the role that technology plays as a core component of a 21st century curriculum, the need grows for teachers to learn about how to best integrate the use of new technologies in their classrooms. Recognising this, many schools are now employing ICT savvy teachers as technology integration specialists whose role is to work with classroom teachers and show them what’s available, teach them how to use it, and help them make it work effectively with their students.

Kim Cofino from Thailand and Susan Sedro from Singapore are two such teachers. In their jobs they get to work with other teachers at their schools and assist them to successfully integrate technology in authentic and meaningful ways. Both American educators, they work at large international schools in Asia where technology integration is taken seriously and done well, and in this podcast we get to hear some of the success stories and wise advice that Kim and Susan have learned as they fulfill their demanding roles.

Links for this episode…

As always, your comments are more than welcome!

]]> http://virtualstaffroom.net/2008/01/20/episode-21-teaching-tech/feed/ 00:01:01 As more and more teachers start to understand the role that technology plays as a core component of a 21st century curriculum, the need grows ... As more and more teachers start to understand the role that technology plays as a core component of a 21st century curriculum, the need grows for teachers to learn about how to best integrate the use of new technologies in their classrooms. Recognising this, many schools are now employing ICT savvy teachers as technology integration specialists whose role is to work with classroom teachers and show them what's available, teach them how to use it, and help them make it work effectively with their students. Kim Cofino from Thailand and Susan Sedro from Singapore are two such teachers. In their jobs they get to work with other teachers at their schools and assist them to successfully integrate technology in authentic and meaningful ways. Both American educators, they work at large international schools in Asia where technology integration is taken seriously and done well, and in this podcast we get to hear some of the success stories and wise advice that Kim and Susan have learned as they fulfill their demanding roles. Links for this episode... About CST10 - Mandatory technology skills from the NSW Board of Studies Possible Interview Questions for Teachers - from Jeff Utecht's blog Work with the Willing - Post from Kim's blog The Perfect Match - Another post from Kim's blog Projects at ISB - And you thought YOU were busy! Always Learning - Kim's Blog Adventures in Education - Susan's Blog As always, your comments are more than welcome! Admin Chris Betcher no No Nominated for an Edublog Award! http://virtualstaffroom.net/2007/11/25/nominated-for-an-edublog-award/ http://virtualstaffroom.net/2007/11/25/nominated-for-an-edublog-award/#comments Mon, 26 Nov 2007 05:25:41 +0000 Chris Admin http://virtualstaffroom.net/2007/11/25/nominated-for-an-edublog-award/ Thank you to whoever nominated the Virtual Staffroom for an Edublog Award in the Best Use of Educational Audio category.  It’s truly an honour to be nominated!  Thanks!
Edublog Award Nomination for Best Use of Educational Audio

]]> http://virtualstaffroom.net/2007/11/25/nominated-for-an-edublog-award/feed/ Episode 20: The Kiwi Connection http://virtualstaffroom.net/2007/11/23/episode-20-the-kiwi-connection/ http://virtualstaffroom.net/2007/11/23/episode-20-the-kiwi-connection/#comments Fri, 23 Nov 2007 14:25:51 +0000 Chris Episode http://virtualstaffroom.net/2007/11/23/episode-20-the-kiwi-connection/ Jane Nicholls, Chrissy Hellier, Allanah King and Simon Evans are leading educators from New Zealand who live and breathe collaborative technologies. In this episode I get to chat with them about topics as diverse as podcasting, Skype, Twitter and Second Life, and have a lot of fun in the process. Simon had a bit of trouble with Skype and only managed to make a couple of cameo appearances, but the rest of us had a great chat as we flitted from topic to topic. Although these Kiwis know how to have a laugh, there is still plenty of educational wisdom in this podcast.

  • Appleby Podcasts - Allanah’s class podcasting
  • Skype - For internet telephony, if you can make it work
  • Twitter - For building community, once you finally “get it”
  • Second Life - A place to do the caramel dance and land naked in fires

Also, you might like to check out the blogs of Allanah, Chrissy, Jane and Simon.

Not much else to add about this one, but I think you’ll like it. Don’t forget to leave a comment!

]]> http://virtualstaffroom.net/2007/11/23/episode-20-the-kiwi-connection/feed/ 00:01:01 Jane Nicholls, Chrissy Hellier, Allanah King and Simon Evans are leading educators from New Zealand who live and breathe collaborative technologies. In this episode ... Jane Nicholls, Chrissy Hellier, Allanah King and Simon Evans are leading educators from New Zealand who live and breathe collaborative technologies. In this episode I get to chat with them about topics as diverse as podcasting, Skype, Twitter and Second Life, and have a lot of fun in the process. Simon had a bit of trouble with Skype and only managed to make a couple of cameo appearances, but the rest of us had a great chat as we flitted from topic to topic. Although these Kiwis know how to have a laugh, there is still plenty of educational wisdom in this podcast. Appleby Podcasts - Allanah's class podcasting Skype - For internet telephony, if you can make it work Twitter - For building community, once you finally "get it" Second Life - A place to do the caramel dance and land naked in fires Also, you might like to check out the blogs of Allanah, Chrissy, Jane and Simon. Not much else to add about this one, but I think you'll like it. Don't forget to leave a comment! Episode Chris Betcher no No Episode 19: Beyond the Filters http://virtualstaffroom.net/2007/11/22/episode-19-beyond-the-filters/ http://virtualstaffroom.net/2007/11/22/episode-19-beyond-the-filters/#comments Thu, 22 Nov 2007 13:04:08 +0000 Chris Episode http://virtualstaffroom.net/2007/11/22/episode-19-beyond-the-filters/ In this episode of Virtual Staffroom, podcaster and teacher Chris Betcher gets interviewed by Texan librarian Carolyn Foote. Carolyn and Chris discuss a range of issues including different techniques for recording podcasts, dealing with the restrictions of policies and filters, the use of Skype as a powerful tool for cross-cultural learning, and pretty much anything else that came to mind!

Carolyn asked if we could record this chat for a librarian’s research project she was working on about the use of Skype for educational purposes, and we agreed to have the chat and release it on the Virtual Staffroom as well.

Thanks to Carolyn for suggesting this chat and helping us to have such a fun (and hopefully useful) conversation.

Leave us a comment!

]]> http://virtualstaffroom.net/2007/11/22/episode-19-beyond-the-filters/feed/ 00:01:01 In this episode of Virtual Staffroom, podcaster and teacher Chris Betcher gets interviewed by Texan librarian Carolyn Foote. Carolyn and Chris discuss a range of ... In this episode of Virtual Staffroom, podcaster and teacher Chris Betcher gets interviewed by Texan librarian Carolyn Foote. Carolyn and Chris discuss a range of issues including different techniques for recording podcasts, dealing with the restrictions of policies and filters, the use of Skype as a powerful tool for cross-cultural learning, and pretty much anything else that came to mind! Carolyn asked if we could record this chat for a librarian's research project she was working on about the use of Skype for educational purposes, and we agreed to have the chat and release it on the Virtual Staffroom as well. Skype - Free VOIP Internet telephony Audacity - Free and Open Source multitrack audio recorder GarageBand - Apple's amazing multitrack audio and podcast editor Levelator - Make your recordings sound their very best Operator11 - Multi camera video shoots Women of Web 2.0 - An excellent educational webcasting project iSight - Apple's built-in webcam tool The Plague of Plagiarism - Chris's blog post about plagiarism The Economist - Article about debating mentioned by Carolyn Thanks to Carolyn for suggesting this chat and helping us to have such a fun (and hopefully useful) conversation. Leave us a comment! Episode Chris Betcher no No Episode 18: The Learning Trail http://virtualstaffroom.net/2007/11/03/episode-18-the-learning-trail/ http://virtualstaffroom.net/2007/11/03/episode-18-the-learning-trail/#comments Sat, 03 Nov 2007 12:20:56 +0000 Chris Episode http://virtualstaffroom.net/2007/11/03/episode-18-the-learning-trail/ Anne Wade is research project manager at Montreal’s Concordia University, and her focus is on a project known as ePearl - the Electronic Portfolio Encouraging Active Reflective Learning. ePearl is a web-based tool that enables students to gather, present and reflect upon their class work, creating a trail of digital assets that follows them through their school life.

In this episode Anne presents an overview of the system and gives some insight into the background of this project.

Links from this episode…

Login details for the demo site as follows:

Student environment:
Early elementary - Level 1 : Usernames: student1a, student1b, student1c
Late elementary - Level 2: Usernames: student2a, student2b, student2c
Secondary - Level 3: Usernames: student3a, student3b, student3c

Teacher environment:
Level1: Usernames: teacher1a, teacher1b, teacher1c
Level 2: Usernames:teacher2a, teacher2b, teacher2c
Level3: Usernames:teacher3a, teacher3b, teacher3c

Password is always - 123

Enjoy.

]]> http://virtualstaffroom.net/2007/11/03/episode-18-the-learning-trail/feed/ 00:01:01 Anne Wade is research project manager at Montreal's Concordia University, and her focus is on a project known as ePearl - the Electronic Portfolio ... Anne Wade is research project manager at Montreal's Concordia University, and her focus is on a project known as ePearl - the Electronic Portfolio Encouraging Active Reflective Learning. ePearl is a web-based tool that enables students to gather, present and reflect upon their class work, creating a trail of digital assets that follows them through their school life. In this episode Anne presents an overview of the system and gives some insight into the background of this project. Links from this episode... ePearl Overview - for an explanation of what the system does ePortfolio Information - More background on ePortfolios CSLP/CEAP - the homepage for the project Demo site - Go have a look for yourself Login details for the demo site as follows: Student environment: Early elementary - Level 1 : Usernames: student1a, student1b, student1c Late elementary - Level 2: Usernames: student2a, student2b, student2c Secondary - Level 3: Usernames: student3a, student3b, student3c Teacher environment: Level1: Usernames: teacher1a, teacher1b, teacher1c Level 2: Usernames:teacher2a, teacher2b, teacher2c Level3: Usernames:teacher3a, teacher3b, teacher3c Password is always - 123 Enjoy. Episode Chris Betcher no No Episode 17: I Like Chinese http://virtualstaffroom.net/2007/10/15/episode-17-i-like-chinese/ http://virtualstaffroom.net/2007/10/15/episode-17-i-like-chinese/#comments Mon, 15 Oct 2007 07:42:34 +0000 Chris Episode http://virtualstaffroom.net/2007/10/15/episode-17-i-like-chinese/ A small school in country Australia might seem an unusual place to find students learning to speak Chinese, but not for Jess McCulloch’s students. Jess is an extremely enthusiastic Chinese language teacher who is turning to technology to help engage and excite her students about the language. In this episode Jess talks about some of the cool tools she is using, and planning to use, in her classroom.

Jess is also looking to set up her website as a place for language teachers to be able to network and connect, so if you are a language teacher (or know one) take a look over at www.technolote.com.

Some links from this episode…

Comments welcome, in any language, in the comment box below.

Technorati Tags: , ,

]]> http://virtualstaffroom.net/2007/10/15/episode-17-i-like-chinese/feed/ 00:01:01 A small school in country Australia might seem an unusual place to find students learning to speak Chinese, but not for Jess McCulloch's students. ... A small school in country Australia might seem an unusual place to find students learning to speak Chinese, but not for Jess McCulloch's students. Jess is an extremely enthusiastic Chinese language teacher who is turning to technology to help engage and excite her students about the language. In this episode Jess talks about some of the cool tools she is using, and planning to use, in her classroom. Jess is also looking to set up her website as a place for language teachers to be able to network and connect, so if you are a language teacher (or know one) take a look over at www.technolote.com. Some links from this episode... Technolote.com - Jess's main website TechnoChinese - The class blogs for Jess's classes So Damn Hard! - Great article about learning Chinese ChinesePod - Learn how to say all sorts of useful things! Skype - Free communication tool for connecting classrooms Langwitches - Silvia Tolisano's site for language teaching Voicethread - Digital storytelling for Web 2.0 Rudd at APEC - Kevin Rudd's address to the Chinese delegates at APEC Comments welcome, in any language, in the comment box below. Technorati Tags: lote, technolote, virtualstaffroom Episode Chris Betcher no No Episode 16: Global Conversations http://virtualstaffroom.net/2007/10/10/episode-16-global-conversations/ http://virtualstaffroom.net/2007/10/10/episode-16-global-conversations/#comments Thu, 11 Oct 2007 02:42:26 +0000 Chris Episode http://virtualstaffroom.net/2007/10/10/episode-16-global-conversations/ The K12 Online Conference is a unique and innovative approach to professional development for educators. Started in 2006, the conference offers an amazing array of downloadable presentations on a wide range of topics. In this episode we talk with some of the conveners of the K12 Online Conference, Darren Kuropatwa, Lani Ritter-Hall and Sheryl Nussbaum-Beach. Along with Wes Fryer who unfortunately couldn’t join us for this recording, we discuss the history and philosophy of the event and the incredible opportunity it presents to educators for the 2007 conference.

At the time of recording, the pre-conference keynote by David Warlick has been released, and the official launch of the main conference is only days away… hopefully this podcast will encourage you to go check it out a little more and to take part. (Of course, the presentations will be archived for future access so you can visit them at any time, but it will be great to take part in as it unfolds.)

Thanks also go to Simon O’Carroll, Kim Cofino, Graham Wegner and Carolyn Foote for their insights into what they got out of last year’s event.

Some links for this episode…

Blogs of contributors to this episode…

I really hope you get inspired to take part in the conference after hearing this!

PS: Virtual Staffroom just turned 1 year old! Happy Birthday VSR! :-)

Technorati Tags: , , ,

]]> http://virtualstaffroom.net/2007/10/10/episode-16-global-conversations/feed/ 00:01:01 The K12 Online Conference is a unique and innovative approach to professional development for educators. Started in 2006, the conference offers an amazing array ... The K12 Online Conference is a unique and innovative approach to professional development for educators. Started in 2006, the conference offers an amazing array of downloadable presentations on a wide range of topics. In this episode we talk with some of the conveners of the K12 Online Conference, Darren Kuropatwa, Lani Ritter-Hall and Sheryl Nussbaum-Beach. Along with Wes Fryer who unfortunately couldn't join us for this recording, we discuss the history and philosophy of the event and the incredible opportunity it presents to educators for the 2007 conference. At the time of recording, the pre-conference keynote by David Warlick has been released, and the official launch of the main conference is only days away... hopefully this podcast will encourage you to go check it out a little more and to take part. (Of course, the presentations will be archived for future access so you can visit them at any time, but it will be great to take part in as it unfolds.) Thanks also go to Simon O'Carroll, Kim Cofino, Graham Wegner and Carolyn Foote for their insights into what they got out of last year's event. Some links for this episode... www.k12onlineconference.org - The main conference blog The Schedule of Events - See what's coming up Where do I start? - A guide for first time attendees Preconference Keynote - from David Warlick Blogs of contributors to this episode... Darren Kuropatwa Lani Ritter-Hall Sheryl Nussbaum Beach Wes Fryer David Warlick Simon O'Carroll Kim Cofino Graham Wegner Carolyn Foote I really hope you get inspired to take part in the conference after hearing this! PS: Virtual Staffroom just turned 1 year old! Happy Birthday VSR! :-) Technorati Tags: k12online07, k12onlinevsr, virtualstaffroom, k12online Episode Chris Betcher no No Episode 15: Whiteboards Everywhere! http://virtualstaffroom.net/2007/09/02/episode-15-whiteboards-everywhere/ http://virtualstaffroom.net/2007/09/02/episode-15-whiteboards-everywhere/#comments Sun, 02 Sep 2007 17:37:08 +0000 Chris Episode http://virtualstaffroom.net/wordpress/?p=33 This episode comes to you directly from the Fourth National Interactive Whiteboard Conference held at Emmanuel College on the Gold Coast. Organised by IWBnet, the conference assembled a great team of presenters to share a huge variety of ideas, techniques, tips and advice on using IWBs with their colleagues. In this podcast we wander around the conference doing on-the-spot interviews with delegates, as well as bringing you part of a Skype videoconference session with Ben Hazzard from the SmartBoard Lesson podcast.

Links from this show…

Enjoy! A big shoutout to everyone I met at the conference who was so friendly and encouraging to me about the podcast too… it was great to meet some listeners!

Technorati Tags: , ,

]]> http://virtualstaffroom.net/2007/09/02/episode-15-whiteboards-everywhere/feed/ 00:01:01 This episode comes to you directly from the Fourth National Interactive Whiteboard Conference held at Emmanuel College on the Gold Coast. Organised by IWBnet, ... This episode comes to you directly from the Fourth National Interactive Whiteboard Conference held at Emmanuel College on the Gold Coast. Organised by IWBnet, the conference assembled a great team of presenters to share a huge variety of ideas, techniques, tips and advice on using IWBs with their colleagues. In this podcast we wander around the conference doing on-the-spot interviews with delegates, as well as bringing you part of a Skype videoconference session with Ben Hazzard from the SmartBoard Lesson podcast. Links from this show... IWB.net.au - The organisers of the event Emmanuel College - the school that hosted the event Commander - The major sponsor for the event PDtoGo - Ben and Joan's Smartboard Lesson Podcast Enjoy! A big shoutout to everyone I met at the conference who was so friendly and encouraging to me about the podcast too... it was great to meet some listeners! Technorati Tags: iwbnet, iwb, virtualstaffroom Episode Chris Betcher no No Episode 14: Questions are the Answer http://virtualstaffroom.net/2007/08/27/episode-14-questions-are-the-answer/ http://virtualstaffroom.net/2007/08/27/episode-14-questions-are-the-answer/#comments Mon, 27 Aug 2007 13:42:03 +0000 Chris Episode http://virtualstaffroom.net/wordpress/?p=32 As a leading teacher-librarian, Barbara Braxton knows about information literacy. In this episode, we talk with Barbara about the information process, the concept of literacy in the 21st century, the art of developing”thick questions”, and how to create tasks that minimise the need to plagiarise in the first place. Barbara is well respected amongst the Australian online teaching community and she has some great insights into how we get kids to use information. Oh, and a couple of political viewpoints as well….

Links mentioned in the podcast…

Thanks to Barbara for making the time to chat to me on one of her fleeting visits back to Canberra. As always, listeners’ comments are welcome below.

Technorati Tags: ,

]]> http://virtualstaffroom.net/2007/08/27/episode-14-questions-are-the-answer/feed/ 00:01:01 As a leading teacher-librarian, Barbara Braxton knows about information literacy. In this episode, we talk with Barbara about the information process, the concept of ... As a leading teacher-librarian, Barbara Braxton knows about information literacy. In this episode, we talk with Barbara about the information process, the concept of literacy in the 21st century, the art of developing"thick questions", and how to create tasks that minimise the need to plagiarise in the first place. Barbara is well respected amongst the Australian online teaching community and she has some great insights into how we get kids to use information. Oh, and a couple of political viewpoints as well.... Links mentioned in the podcast... Evaluating Internet-based resources - An article by David Warlick Jimmy Wales on Ted Talks - The insiders story on Wikipedia Velcro crop under challenge - If it's on the Internet it must be true, right? From Now On - Great resources from Jamie Mackenzie Questioning.org - More great Mackenzie stuff The Quizzard of Oz - Barbara's pet quiz project Thanks to Barbara for making the time to chat to me on one of her fleeting visits back to Canberra. As always, listeners' comments are welcome below. Technorati Tags: literacy, virtualstaffroom Episode Chris Betcher no No Episode 13: Happy Birthday Edublogs! http://virtualstaffroom.net/2007/07/31/happy-birthday-edublogs/ http://virtualstaffroom.net/2007/07/31/happy-birthday-edublogs/#comments Tue, 31 Jul 2007 10:45:03 +0000 Chris Episode http://virtualstaffroom.net/wordpress/?p=31 Edublogs is a well-respected free educational blogging service started two years ago by James Farmer. Since then, the service has grown in leaps and bounds, and now hosts nearly 100,000 individual blogs for teachers and students. In this episode we talk to James about the Edublogs service, where it grew from and where it’s going, and some great ideas for classroom blogging. It’s been an amazingly valuable and versatile service for the educational blogging community, and Edublogs offers one of the most cutting edge free blogging services on the Web.

I’d been trying to arrange this interview with James for a while, and coincidentally we just happened to record this on Edublogs’ second birthday. Happy Birthday Edublogs and thanks for sharing the love James!

Links from this show…

As always, we welcome your comments. Heck, you ought to at least wish Edublogs a happy birthday!

PS. I also tried some new techniques for getting the filesize of these podcasts down a bit, and this 27 minute episode comes in at a slim 11Mb. I think the quality is still pretty reasonable, but please drop me a comment and let me know what you think.

]]> http://virtualstaffroom.net/2007/07/31/happy-birthday-edublogs/feed/ 00:01:01 Edublogs is a well-respected free educational blogging service started two years ago by James Farmer. Since then, the service has grown in leaps and ... Edublogs is a well-respected free educational blogging service started two years ago by James Farmer. Since then, the service has grown in leaps and bounds, and now hosts nearly 100,000 individual blogs for teachers and students. In this episode we talk to James about the Edublogs service, where it grew from and where it's going, and some great ideas for classroom blogging. It's been an amazingly valuable and versatile service for the educational blogging community, and Edublogs offers one of the most cutting edge free blogging services on the Web. I'd been trying to arrange this interview with James for a while, and coincidentally we just happened to record this on Edublogs' second birthday. Happy Birthday Edublogs and thanks for sharing the love James! Links from this show... Edublogs - The main Edublogs site WPMUDEV - Another of James' WP projects Wordpress - The official Wordpress website IncSub - James' personal blog As always, we welcome your comments. Heck, you ought to at least wish Edublogs a happy birthday! PS. I also tried some new techniques for getting the filesize of these podcasts down a bit, and this 27 minute episode comes in at a slim 11Mb. I think the quality is still pretty reasonable, but please drop me a comment and let me know what you think. education, technology, teaching, school, learning, web2.0, smartboards, gis Chris Betcher no No