Education Technology Solutions Issue #86

FOR PRINCIPALS | EDUCATORS | NETWORK ADMINISTRATORS

ISSUE 86 - MAR/APR 2019

WHY TEACHING

CYBER SECURITY IN SCHOOLS IS ESSENTIAL

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CONTENTS ISSUE 86

20

32 REGULARS

FEATURES

6 FROM THE EDITOR

28 COVER STORY

8 CALENDAR OF EVENTS 66 PRODUCT SHOWCASE 70 NOTICEBOARDS

A question that often appears in conferences, workshops and articles around the future of work in education circles today is, “How do we prepare students for jobs that have not been created yet?” The grand challenge this ambitious question poses to global enterprise will remain a focus for business, government and academic leaders for years to come. One particular area within the future of work conversations that underpins all emerging technologies, and their relative technical and non-cognitive skills, is cybersecurity. How much do you know about cybersecurity or the tools available to help your students take advantage of this rapidly growing market?

22 AUSTRALIAN LEADING SCHOOLS PARTICIPATE IN GLOBAL EDTECH CAPABILITIES RESEARCH Technology can help transform learning but, as numerous studies have shown, more technology in the classroom does not automatically equate with better results. Effective learning and technology use depend on complex systems and behaviours. When conditions are right, technology can advance learning significantly. But how do you create the right conditions?

38 THE BINARY DELUSION

In the third and final article in a series on Screens in Schools, Peter West looks at some of the statements that are raised by the press and the community around the use of technology in education and why those ideas are not so simple or correct.

4 | EDUCATION TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS

54

12 INTERACTIVE LEARNING

Mal Lee and Roger Broadie look at why trust is critical to the young growing ‘being digital’.

20 PLUGGED IN

How can you avoid the common pitfalls when mapping out and designing your class video project?

42 NEXT STEP

Dr Shelley Kinash examines how to design and deliver quality online education.

46 LET’S TALK PEDAGOGY

Gary Bass provides a quick tour, with references, for readers who wish to dig deeper into why data visualisation is becoming an important tool in education.

50 PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Brett Salakas debunks recent comments around popular education tools.

58 TEACHING TOOLS

How can you effectively manage the multitude of digital resources a school is expected to use?

62 GET CONNECTED

How well are you protecting your information on social media?

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FROM THE EDITOR www.educationtechnologysolutions.com.au

EDITORIAL

EDITOR John Bigelow EMAIL john@interactivemediasolutions.com.au SUBEDITORS Helen Sist, Ged McMahon

CONTRIBUTORS Renee Horeau, Sue Beveridge, Mike Reading, Peter West, Mal Lee, Roger Broadie, Gary Bass, Brian Host, James Taylor, Shelly Kinash, Christine Haynes, Philip Brookes, Brett Salakas, Brett McCall

ADVERTISING

Keith Rozairo PHONE 1300 300 552 EMAIL keith@interactivemediasolutions.com.au

John Bigelow Editor

DESIGN AND PRODUCTION Jonathan Rudolph

PHONE 1300 300 552 EMAIL graphics@interactivemediasolutions.com.au

MARKETING AND SUBSCRIPTIONS

PHONE 1300 300 552 EMAIL admin@interactivemediasolutions.com.au $18.50 AUD per annum inside Australia

M

ost of our readers would be unaware

that will best serve them during years 11 and 12 so

that in addition to my role as editor of

that they have the best chance of getting into both

Education Technology Solutions (ETS),

the course and university they would like to attend.

I have also spent the last 20 years as

For traditional professions such as law, medicine,

the editor of Security Solutions, Australia’s most

dentistry, engineering, robotics and the like, this is

PHONE 1300 300 552 EMAIL finance@interactivemediasolutions.com.au

widely read resource for security professionals. I

perfectly reasonable, as these professions form a

mention this because, in the last few years, we have

part of any teacher, parent or student councillor’s

PUBLISHER

begun to see a significant convergence between

discussions. However, how many teachers ever

education technology and security. In fact, there is

talk to students about cybersecurity? How many

one area in particular that has become of significant

teachers actually know enough about cybersecurity

interest to both sectors – cybersecurity.

to have that discussion with a student?

ACCOUNTS

Cybersecurity is one of the fastest growing ABN 56 606 919463

Level 1, 34 Joseph St, Blackburn, Victoria 3130 PHONE 1300 300 552 EMAIL enquiries@interactivemediasolutions.com.au WEBSITE www.educationtechnologysolutions.com.au

DISCLAIMER

The publisher takes due care in the preparation of this magazine and takes all reasonable precautions and makes all reasonable effort to ensure the accuracy of material contained in this publication, but is not liable for any mistake, misprint or omission. The publisher does not assume any responsibility or liability for any loss or damage which may result from any inaccuracy or omission in this publication, or from the use of information contained herein. The publisher makes no warranty, express or implied with respect to any of the material contained herein.

The contents of this magazine may not be reproduced in ANY form in whole OR in part without WRITTEN permission from the publisher. Reproduction includes copying, photocopying, translation or reduced to any electronic medium or machine-readable form.

WRITTEN CORRESPONDENCE TO:

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6 | EDUCATION TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS

This issue’s cover story by Renée Hoareau and

industries in the world today, right alongside

Tim Edwards of LifeJourney takes a look at the

industries like artificial intelligence, machine

importance of promoting cybersecurity amongst

learning, robotics and mechatronics. In fact, in

students as a legitimate career option. They outline

most countries around the world, Australia included,

some great free resources for students interested

the demand for qualified and skilled cybersecurity

in exploring cybersecurity and, equally importantly,

professionals is significantly outpacing supply.

some great resources for teachers who would like to

Therefore, one must reasonably conclude that we

be better equipped to have those conversations.

need to be doing more to attract potential candidates

The world of cybersecurity is a rapidly growing

to the profession, and that process needs to begin in

one, with great job prospects, career opportunities

secondary school.

and potential for significant remuneration for those

Some years ago, long-time contributor to

students looking to build a career that will provide an

ETS, Dr Shelley Kinash, put forward the idea that

interesting, engaging, challenging and stable career.

students looking to go on and study at university

I would encourage every educator to read this

really need to begin thinking about what they might

issue’s cover story and explore the resources it

like to study around year nine. This gives them the

outlines. We need to be preparing students for the

best opportunity to focus their studies in the areas

jobs of the future and this is where it starts. n

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8 | EDUCATION TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS

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| INTERACTIVE LEARNING

Trust And Being Digital

BY MAL LEE AND ROGER BROADIE

12 | EDUCATION TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS

educationtechnologysolutions.com.au

The family trusts their children to

use a tightly controlled network and

‘being digital’ (Lee & Broadie, 2018a).

suite of digital technologies, free

take charge of their learning with digital

to follow the prescribed syllabus and

Without trust, young people will never

to configure them as they wish,

technology; they decide what they want

assessment regime.

normalise the use of digital technology

digitally connected families are very

to learn, when, how and with the help

and naturally enhance their use of

strongly communicating their trust in

of whom. Moreover, they are trusted

schools that have trusted and

and learning with continually evolving

their children.

to do so from as young as three, and

empowered their teachers, students

supported from that age onwards to

and families, that have successfully

use the prescribed digital device and

become autonomous learners, charting

built upon that trust in a bring your

and governments do not appear to

software, in monitoring its every use

their individual path. Importantly, the

own technology (BYOT) program,

have grasped. Instead, we see them

and in failing to recognise and value

families – likely unwittingly – trust their

normalised the whole school use

continuing to distrust and disempower

students’ out-of-school learning with

children to judge their own capabilities

of digital technology and vitally

students, somehow imagining their

digital technology, schools are saying

and to decide when and how they best

collaborated with families in enhancing

unilateral control of students’ every

very strongly – intended or not – they

enhance their learning.

students being digital (Lee & Levins,

use of technology will enable its

not only distrust students, but they do

normalisation and enhance the nation’s

not trust anything students do out of

schools allow the same empowered

exception – their continued success

young being digital.

their eyesight.

young people no voice in in-school

strongly depends on visionary, often

learning with digital technology, with

maverick, heads able to politic their

Trust is critical to the young growing

digital technologies.

It is a new reality that most schools

It is no wonder that nearly two

In providing children their ‘own’

In schools insisting students

In enabling children to connect to

In contrast, governments and their

There are, as indicated, exceptional

2016). However, they remain the

billion young people (ITU, 2017;

digital technology and the networked

the experts and teachers deciding what

way through the myriad of bureaucratic

UNICEF, 2017) have normalised the

world the moment they desire, and to

needs to be learned, controlling every

and government constraints.

24/7/365 use of digital technology

do so largely unfettered, the family is

aspect of teaching and assessment,

outside the school walls, but relatively

affirming both its trust in the children

with most schools neither valuing nor

education decision makers understand

few schools globally have been able

as well as trust in the upbringing and

recognising the students’ individualised

the centrality of trust and openly

to achieve that normalisation and have

education the family has provided.

learning with digital technology.

promote school cultures that build on

Tellingly, not only are the students

trust and empowerment, schools will

anywhere that allows, let alone

distrusted, so too are their parents.

likely continue to have limited impact

interconnected conditions are critical to

encourages, students to digitally

Most schools are strongly

on the nation’s young being digital. Yes,

the young’s sustained, natural learning

connect the moment they believe

hierarchical organisations, tightly

there will always be exceptional heads,

with the digital (Lee, Broadie & Twining,

it will assist their learning, free to

controlled by both government and

schools and classroom teachers who

2018):

access the desired sites and facilities.

the school executive, with not only

do make a difference. But there will

1. Ready access to personal,

Rather, access is tightly controlled,

students and parents distrusted

continue to be, as there has been for

with students invariably needing to get

but so too most teachers. Teachers

nearly 40 years, great teachers burnt

2. Digital connectivity.

teacher permission to operate within a

globally are disempowered and micro-

out by dated, stultifying organisational

3. Support, empowerment and trust.

mandated acceptable use policy, to do

managed to the nth degree. Teachers,

structures and decision makers who

4. Largely unfettered use.

at specified times and to work through

almost as much as the students, are

refuse to let go of their control and

5. Self-directed learning, able to

a tightly controlled, filtered and indeed

invariably obliged to use school-

genuinely trust and empower the

censored network.

specified hardware and software, to

professionals, parents and students.

digital technology underpin all learning.

We know now that five

preferably mobile, technology.

collaborate when desired.

educationtechnologysolutions.com.au

One will struggle to find a school

Until governments and their senior

EDUCATION TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS | 13

| INTERACTIVE LEARNING

Trust is critical to the young growing ‘being digital’. Without trust, young people will never normalise the use of digital technology and naturally enhance their use of and learning with continually evolving digital technologies.

14 | EDUCATION TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS

In advocating working from a position

In 2016, we wrote Trust and Digital

Mal Lee is a former director

of trust, we are not naively saying there

Schooling, noting then the inability

of schools, secondary college

is no need for astute control, for agreed

to successfully create digital schools

principal, technology company

operational parameters, for hierarchical

without trust. We observed that

director and now author and

structures and final decision makers.

without trust, schools cannot thrive

educational consultant. He has

We are also conscious of the profound

in a socially networked society and

written extensively on the impact

impact of digital technology in the last

sharing economy. Two years later, and

of technology and the evolution

20-plus years and that public policy

having scrutinised the evolution and

of schooling.

makers invariably lag 10–15 years behind

success of digitally connected families

the technological developments (Deloitte,

and researched the digital education

experience helping schools get the

2017). We are simply commenting on

offered by schools worldwide between

maximum impact on learning from

the global reality that, in the last 20-plus

1993 and 2016 (Lee and Broadie,

technology. He is the Naace Lead for

years outside of the school walls, when

2018b), we more than ever stand by

the 3rd Millennium Learning Award.

students are trusted and supported to

that observation and add that, without

In his 30-plus years of working at the

use and learn with the evolving digital

trust, schools cannot grow the nation’s

forefront of technology in education,

technology, they naturally grow and evolve

young being digital.

he has worked with a huge range

their being digital. Moreover, they are on

For a full list of references, email

Roger Broadie has wide

of leading schools, education

trend to do so lifelong. When distrusted

admin@interactivemediasolutions.

organisations and policymakers in

and disempowered, they do not.

com.au n

the UK and Europe.

educationtechnologysolutions.com.au

| PLUGGED IN

MAPPING OUT YOUR OWN SCHOOL OR CLASS VIDEO PROJECTS Avoiding The Common Pitfalls And What Tools Are Available For Success

BY JAMES TAYLOR

Founder of the Scout Movement

for students. Write a script. Even if

together before you even film it. It lets

cannot think of a clever idea or a style,

Robert Baden-Powell once said, “Be

you are planning to use nothing but

you, and others involved, see what you

spend time on YouTube, or watch some

prepared.” In the world of shooting

visuals, write a list of the shots you

want to achieve.

of your favourite videos for inspiration.

video, this could not be truer. Planning

want to get along with a description.

and preparation are everything when

Script templates are easily sourced

Tip 2: Research

embarking on a production. If you are

on the Internet and typically consist of

Speak to some experts in the field

underprepared or taken by surprise

two or more columns that allow you

before you go anywhere near a

for any reason it can be very costly in

to break your script into components,

camera or set. Do not be afraid to ask

Tip 3: Selecting Video Equipment

terms of your production values, not to

such as audio and video. More

questions; it helps you realise exactly

There is a common misconception

mention your bottom line.

advanced templates give you columns

what you want and, more importantly,

in the production world that more

to add in things like sounds effects

what is achievable for your budget.

expensive is always best. This is most

Tip 1: Planning

and timecode.

Watch commercials or documentaries

Research your idea to achieve

for inspiration.

definitely not the case. Only use price

Whether your video project is for your

Storyboard your script. After

your goals – before you invest time

as a guide; it is far more important to

school or your class, plan your shoot

the script is written, draw or create

and effort in a video, see if it already

get the right tools for the job.

before you pick up a camera. This can

a picture of each key scene so that

exists. Before producing anything, think

Too often, schools purchase the

be an invaluable part of the process

you can see how your video will go

about the purpose for your video. If you

latest professional DSLR to then set

16 | EDUCATION TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS

educationtechnologysolutions.com.au

it to automatic and never use the

be around a while, can be repaired, that

quality cameras has come down

web, education, TV or cinema, or

features. This is a classic example of

you can obtain additional parts and

significantly over the last few years,

perhaps just a bit of fun? There

where a camera costing thousands is

accessories for and will not become

but the camera itself is just one part of

are many camera options to suit

doing the same job as one costing a

obsolete in a year.

the equation. You also have to consider

few hundred. Choose your equipment

In the world of professional video,

lenses, accessories and the post

budgets and intended use.

2. Microphone – Do you want clear

wisely, based on your requirements

all equipment is not created equal. Take

production workflow or, in layman’s

audio of people or do you want it

and from a reliable supplier. Sound

cameras for example. There are a host

terms, what you do with the footage

to sound like it was recorded in

simple? You would be amazed

of different cameras shooting different

after you have shot it. There are many

how many productions we rescue

formats at different frame rates hooked

obsolete technologies that people have

because these three simple rules are

up to different storage and recording

stashed away in their garages and lofts

not followed.

devices. Without research and expert

because the post-workflow was either

opinion, it is very easy to make the

too hard or too costly.

The tools you use to create your video will directly impact your final product. As video equipment is a major

wrong choice.

Do not get misled by cameras that

purchase, it will take time to get hold of

promise you the earth for hardly any

these items. Consider brands that will

cost. It is true that the price of broadcast

educationtechnologysolutions.com.au

As a minimum, you will need the following items to produce a video: 1. Camera – What are you or your students shooting for? Is it for

a bathroom?

3. Tripod – Not everything needs to be shot handheld! A tripod is more important than you think.

4. Editing software – You will need special video editing software in order to create your video.

5. Storage – Where are you going to store all of your footage? Video can

EDUCATION TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS | 17

| PLUGGED IN

“CHOOSE YOUR EQUIPMENT WISELY, BASED ON YOUR REQUIREMENTS AND FROM A RELIABLE SUPPLIER. PLANNING AND PREPARATION ARE EVERYTHING AND NOWHERE DO YOU NEED TO BE BETTER PREPARED THAN AT THE BUDGETING STAGE.”

take up a lot of space and fill up

exemptions for education, but it is

shot? How will it be stored? How will

philosophy: no equipment – no matter

better to be safe than sorry. Also

it be edited and finished? How will it

Practice makes perfect. Well, maybe not

how cheap it was to acquire – is any

be aware that many corporate

be broadcast or shown? Then decide

perfect, but unless you are a seasoned

good to you if it fails whilst you are

logos (Nike, Google, and so on) are

who best can help you achieve all of

professional you have to try before

shooting and you cannot get it fixed or

copyright and cannot be used without

the above. Sometimes, people multi-

you buy. Practice using the equipment

replaced quickly and easily.

permission. Certain buildings are also

task, but sometimes a different person

considered copyright (such as the

will be required for each role.

your hard drive quickly!

before you start your production. Never

It is wise to remember one simple

If your school is looking to

use equipment for the first time at a

purchase equipment, or has purchased

Sydney Opera House). Get releases

shoot. You will be amazed how different

equipment, make sure it is through

(permission) from people you film!

equipment feels when you use it and

someone who will support you when

how picky you will become about using

things go wrong. There is nothing worse

a certain camera with a certain lens and

than having a class full of students

editing with a certain software. It is all

In larger productions, the producer and/or executive producer will often make many of these decisions. As far as the look and feel of a production,

relying on gear that will not be available

Tip 5: Sharing is Caring – Find the Right Production Partners

about finding the workflow that suits you

for weeks. The same goes for staff.

You will find as you start to experiment

the Director of Photography or DOP).

and your production’s needs.

If you need to film an event, class or

that there are many people and skills

this almost always falls to the director and cinematographer (also known as

Depending on the size and

project, then you need a partner who

required to shoot a production. Most

Tip 6: Show Me the Money

complexity of your production, you

can make sure you are covered when

people latch onto the director and

Budget and budget wisely; budget

may wish to find an equipment supplier

things go wrong, not someone who is

talent, but what about the producer,

for your needs, not your aspirations.

to partner with. There are many out

just willing to take your money when

cinematographer, sound guy, grip,

Is this a school project, or are you

there. What is critical when choosing

you have budget to spend.

gaffer… this list goes on. Whilst it

creating a promo piece to showcase

may not be a full-scale Hollywood

the school to potential new students

an equipment supplier is that they are

Never, ever take for granted that

experienced in the field of production,

equipment will not fail. In production, we

production, someone will need to fulfil

and parents? Do not spend all

up to date with all the latest equipment,

call it having good redundancy. Never just

those roles.

your money on any one part of the

formats and workflows, and have solid,

store to one source and always have a

comprehensive and reliable support.

back up. Ignore this tip at your peril.

The world of equipment hire and

People often play to their strengths

production. Remember that there are

and finding the right partners,

costs to set the production up and to

especially where equipment and

acquire equipment, talent and visuals.

systems integration are concerned, can

Then you will spend money crafting

be invaluable.

your final edit in post.

you will find people offering you kit at

Tip 4: Avoid Legal and Copyright Issues

knock down prices or grey (overseas)

Just because you bought that new

Have a think about the size and

imports whose warranties are not

Macklemore track on iTunes does

scope of your production and what

planning and preparation are everything

worth the paper they are written on

not mean you can use it as your

is going to be required from script

and nowhere do you need to be better

in Australia.

theme music. Yes, there are certain

to screen. How and where will it be

prepared than at the budgeting stage. n

sales can often be a cut-throat one and

18 | EDUCATION TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS

As we said at the beginning,

educationtechnologysolutions.com.au

Teaching Kids to Learn... by Teaching Kids to Code

| COVER STORY

20 | EDUCATION TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS

educationtechnologysolutions.com.au

CYB E R S E C U R I T Y AN ESSENTIAL CO M PE T E N CY F O R T H E F UTU R E O F WO R K

BY RENÉE HOAREAU AND TIM EDWARDS

The Cyber Skills Gap Within the Future of Work Discussions

work conversations that underpins

community that make Australia one of

weaknesses and the general weak

all emerging technologies, and their

the most highly-desired places to live

implementation of cybersecurity.

relative technical and non-cognitive

in the world. Furthermore, students

A question that often appears in

skills, is cybersecurity.

working in emerging technology

around the future of work in education

released by AustCyber, Australia

the Internet of Things and robotics

Addressing the Cyber Skills Gap Through an Education Technology Solution

circles today is, “How do we prepare

requires an estimated 20,000 new

(that is, the future of work) will need

The question then is how to excite,

students for jobs that have not been

cybersecurity professionals over

a fundamental understanding and

inspire and train a specialised group of

created yet?” The grand challenge this

the next 10 years to meet industry

appreciation of cybersecurity, even

professionals and the larger population

ambitious question poses to global

demand, with global estimates

if they are not working directly in the

to be smart in cybersecurity. EdTech

enterprise will remain a focus for

reaching into the millions. A dedicated

field. A large number of recent cyber

solution provider LifeJourney has been

business, government and academic

legion of cybersecurity experts is

incidents in Australia have been the

working towards this challenge for the

leaders for years to come. One

required to protect the economy,

result of attackers seeking to penetrate

past two years in Australia. In May

particular area within the future of

infrastructure, institutions and

networks by exploiting human

2017, LifeJourney launched the Optus

conferences, workshops and articles

educationtechnologysolutions.com.au

According to a 2018 report

fields such as artificial intelligence,

EDUCATION TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS | 21

| COVER STORY

Cyber Security Experience, a program

industry mentors working in areas like

adaptive course co-developed with

latest information and threat landscape,

designed to build career awareness

cybersecurity. LifeJourney reverse-

CompTIA and LifeJourney that is built

case studies from Australian

amongst secondary students. The

engineers the journey taken by real-life

into all LifeJourney programs in the

teachers using LifeJourney in the

program focuses on the benefits of

cyber professionals and transforms

US, Singapore and Australia. To help

classroom, industry speakers and

achieving a successful and satisfying

them into virtual mentors, inviting

support the Cyber Teacher Certificate,

tertiary providers.

cyber career through the perspective of

students to experience a ‘day in the

LifeJourney launched a professional

professionals working on the managed

life’ of leaders in the field. Through

learning series in July 2017, in

services side of Optus Business. The

LifeJourney’s programs, students

partnership with professional teaching

Introduction of the ASD CyberEXP Program in 2018

program is available to all students

learn about different cyber roles, tools

organisations under the Australian

The latest addition to LifeJourney’s

(Year 7 to tertiary) and schools in

used on the job, tertiary pathways

Council for Computers in Education

cyber education offerings in Australia

Australia through the sponsorship

and recommendations from the

(ACCE) group.

is the ASD CyberEXP, a program

from Optus. It can be undertaken

mentors through a series of videos,

by students in their own time, or

Steve Morrill, an international

sponsored by the Australian Signals

simulations and interactive challenges.

award-winning educator from Loyola

Directorate (ASD). ASD is a statutory

facilitated by a school with a range

All that is required to participate in

Blakefield, Maryland (US), has visited

agency with the Defense portfolio that

of supporting resources designed to

LifeJourney’s programs is a tablet

Australia for the last two years to

is responsible for defending the nation

support teachers in the classroom.

or PC and an internet connection,

support Australian teachers using

from cyber threats, offensive cyber

To date, the Optus Cyber Security

making the resource available anytime

LifeJourney’s cybersecurity programs.

operations and supporting Australia’s

Experience program has reached

and anywhere.

Steve is the teacher mentor within

armed forces with signals intelligence.

the LifeJourney programs, wherein

The program takes students through

Developing the Cyber Skills of Australian Teachers

he shares his approach to integrating

a day in the life of five cyber experts

cybersecurity within traditional

working in the ASD helping to secure

in 2012 after working with

Another critical ingredient in solving

pedagogies in curriculum areas

the Government’s information, services

underprivileged secondary students in

the cybersecurity workforce gap is

such as English, history, computer

and personnel.

inner city Baltimore (US) and coming

building the knowledge base and skills

science and psychology. Steve sparks

to the realisation that the majority of

of Australian secondary teachers.

students’ imagination and curiosity in

sponsored the program, making the

students do not have connections

Teachers should be equipped with

co-curricular activities whereby senior

resource freely available to all students,

to mentors or access to information

the latest information and resources,

students mentor younger students

teachers, parents and schools in

about the most in-demand career

in addition to understanding why

in computer science, collaboration,

Australia. While anyone can participate

opportunities available in science,

cybersecurity is an important skillset

problem solving, critical thinking,

in the program, the target audience is

technology, engineering and maths

for the future and how it connects to

risk taking and divergent thinking.

Year 7 to 12, with a focus on reaching

(STEM). LifeJourney was created to

subjects and curricula currently being

Since 2017, LifeJourney has reached

young women, underprivileged groups

help solve this perplexing challenge

taught in schools. To help achieve

over 500 Australian teachers across

and regional/remote parts of Australia.

by developing an online, cloud-based

this, LifeJourney has developed the

all states and territories through the

Tertiary students are also encouraged

platform that introduces students to

Cyber Teacher Certificate, an online

professional series, which includes the

to participate as part of their career

3,500 secondary students in over 200 Australian schools.

Rick Geritz founded LifeJourney

The ASD has co-designed and

"STUDENTS WORKING IN EMERGING TECHNOLOGY FIELDS SUCH AS ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE, THE INTERNET OF THINGS AND ROBOTICS (THAT IS, THE FUTURE OF WORK) WILL NEED A FUNDAMENTAL UNDERSTANDING AND APPRECIATION OF CYBERSECURITY, EVEN IF THEY ARE NOT WORKING DIRECTLY IN THE FIELD." 22 | EDUCATION TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS

educationtechnologysolutions.com.au

exploration and partnerships with

and skills. A few examples of these

designed to provide high school

cyber courses, increasing job-ready

major Australian universities and

activities, include:

teachers with resources to support

university students to enter the

TAFE providers have been formed to

• Cyber Challenge Australia

the teaching of cybersecurity

cybersecurity workforce and provide cutting-edge research.

solidify this opportunity. LifeJourney

(2012): The flagship Government

concepts and to inform students

will continue implementing the ASD

competition for university students

of career opportunities in the

CyberEXP program in partnership

supported by the Australian

field. Developed by the University

with ASD, university and TAFE

Government and industry.

of Sydney and the Australian

Cybersecurity Education in Australia, 2019 and Beyond

• Cisco Networking Academy –

Computing Academy (ACA),

Australia is moving boldly in the right

professional teaching organisations

Introduction to Cyber Security

in partnership with AustCyber,

direction towards developing more

in 2019. This implementation will

(2016): An online offering designed

ANZ, Commonwealth Bank, NAB,

cybersecurity professionals, while

include a range of online and in-person

to introduce students (all ages)

Westpac and BT.

ensuring that everyone has familiarity

activities for students, teachers and

to the world of cybersecurity,

Universities and TAFE institutions

with the subject matter. Skills and

the community across Australia. ASD

including threats and trends,

have also stepped up their game with

knowledge in cybersecurity are a

CyberEXP aligns to Australia’s Cyber

information security and staying

a range of certificate, bachelor and

prerequisite in what many term the

Security Strategy (2016), which

smart online.

post-graduate programs now available

future of work, where the students

across Australia. In early 2018, the

of today will work on the technology of tomorrow.

providers, education departments and

provides a comprehensive framework

• SecEDU (2016): A partnership

for the entire cybersecurity ecosystem

between the Commonwealth

Certificate IV in Cyber Security became

in Australia, a key component of which

Bank and the University of New

the first national TAFE program to be

includes education.

South Wales, including online

rolled out across Australian states and

collaborative effort will these goals

courses from industry and

territories. This certificate program

be achieved. No single program,

academic experts, aimed at

was modelled on Box Hill Institute

initiative or partnership will solve this

training the next generation of

curriculum in Victoria and was scaled

massive challenge. It will take a diverse

cybersecurity professionals.

nationally through the Australian

range of programs, both online in

Department of Education and Training

the cyber space and in face-to-face

and AustCyber.

environments that require human

Cybersecurity Education Ecosystem in Australia Continues to Grow To keep up with the rapid development

• Cyber Taipan (2018): A national

Only through a sustained and

of the field, the cybersecurity education

team competition sponsored by

ecosystem has continued growing

AustCyber and Northrop Grumman

at pace over the last few years in

where secondary students

backed the Australian Centres of

Australia. A range of challenges,

are challenged to protect the

Cyber Security Excellence program,

activities, partnerships and resources

network of a small company in a

supporting Edith Cowan University

Education and Engagement

aimed at different audiences continue

simulated environment.

and the University of Melbourne to

at LifeJourney.

to be implemented and developed to

• ACA Schools Cyber Security

help bridge the workforce shortage

educationtechnologysolutions.com.au

Challenges (2019): A program

In 2016, the federal government

become learning hubs with the goal of encouraging more students to enrol in

interactions and judgements. n Renée Hoareau is Director,

Tim Edwards is Vice President, Strategic Partnerships at LifeJourney.

EDUCATION TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS | 23

| FEATURE

AUSTRALIAN LEADING SCHOOLS PARTICIPATE IN GLOBAL EDTECH CAPABILITIES RESEARCH

BY SUE BEVERIDGE

24 | EDUCATION TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS

educationtechnologysolutions.com.au

Technology can help transform learning.

the Collaborative for Academic, Social

But, as numerous studies have shown,

and Emotional Learning (CASEL) to

more technology in the classroom does

propose a set of EdTech capabilities.

not automatically equate with better

Consultation with 31 education leaders

results. Most notably, the Organization

and technology consultants followed

for Economic Co-operation and

and four categories and 22 EdTech

Development (OECD) and John Hattie,

capabilities were identified:

Director of the Melbourne Educational Research Institute, have raised concerns

1. Strategic Technology Planning

that education spending does not equate

• leadership vision and stakeholder

to better outcomes.

Effective learning and technology

engagement • strategic planning

use depend on complex systems

• technology change management

and behaviours. When conditions

• evaluation of technology and

are right, technology can advance learning significantly. Getting the conditions right is vital for the success of today’s learners and teachers.

SMART Technologies therefore commissioned research undertaking a literature review and sourcing best

implementation effectiveness • teacher participation in technology

“Effective learning and technology use depend on complex systems and behaviours. When conditions are right, technology can advance learning significantly.”

planning • parent and wider community engagement • acceptable technology use practices

practices from agencies such as the in Education (ISTE), the European

2. Integration of Technology into Teaching and Learning

Digital Competencies, the United

• embedding technology in learning

Nations Educational, Scientific and

• use of digital content and

International Society for Technology

Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and

educationtechnologysolutions.com.au

applications

EDUCATION TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS | 25

| FEATURE

• assessment of student progress

and their reported success in driving

• support for social and emotional

favourable learning outcomes.

learning • development of teacher and student mindset

On average, schools are less

increases in student achievement,

developed in several of the capabilities

improved school performance, high

that show the greatest relative impact

teacher satisfaction and advanced

evidence-based EdTech capabilities

and not prioritising several of the

student readiness and digital

and asked respondents to indicate their

capabilities that show the greatest

competencies. Conversely, leaders

success in achieving or advancing

relative impact.

who reported less developed EdTech

The survey evaluated the 22

3. Professional Development

outcomes, including student test

• professional development planning

scores, teacher satisfaction, school

respondents prioritised EdTech

• focus of professional learning

rankings or ratings and student

capabilities differently. High-outcomes

• training offering and options

career readiness.

respondents placed a much higher

schools who reported higher

priority on leadership vision and

learning outcomes prioritised the 22

stakeholder alignment.

capabilities very differently from the

• evaluation of professional development effectiveness • opportunities for collaborative

Schools whose leaders indicated high outcomes also reported higher development in all 22 EdTech

High- and low-outcomes

High- and low-outcomes

capabilities indicated lower levels of success in these outcomes.

The 27 percent of Australian

22 percent of schools who reported

capabilities, especially those related to

respondents indicated differences in

low outcomes. The two groups

strategic and collaborative technology

their technology mix. High-outcomes

of schools also showed different

4. Technology Infrastructure and Management

planning. Interestingly, not all EdTech

schools indicated using more software

approaches to their technology

capabilities showed an equal impact

relating to assessment, game-based

mix, with the high-outcomes

• network infrastructure

on outcomes. Some capabilities

learning and student collaboration.

group favouring technologies that

• design of learning spaces

were more strongly correlated to

The US and China showed the

promote progressive student-centred

• technical support

better outcomes.

highest stage of EdTech capability

pedagogies. The results confirmed a

development. The UK, Spain, Germany

2016 study showing that technology

who reported high outcomes in their

and Canada fell near the mean, while

drives better learning outcomes when

schools were more likely to have

respondents from the Netherlands

it is chosen to complement defined

Education leaders (536) from 11

detailed technology visions and plans

indicated a stage of development

teaching practices.

countries, including Australia, the US,

and to involve teachers and students

slightly below the mean.

China, the UK, Germany, Canada,

in technology planning. They were also

the Netherlands and Spain, were

more likely to formally evaluate the

survey respondents who reported a

individual, a school or network/district

then surveyed to understand the link

effectiveness of the technology they

high stage of development in EdTech

to profile their capacity in terms of the

between a schools’ EdTech capabilities

were implementing.

capabilities were more likely to indicate

22 EdTech capabilities. The results

professional development

• compatibility of learning technologies

26 | EDUCATION TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS

The research showed that leaders

In Australia, as well as globally,

SMART Technologies has developed an online tool which enables an

educationtechnologysolutions.com.au

“The research showed that leaders who reported high outcomes in their schools were more likely to have detailed technology visions and plans and to involve teachers and students in technology planning. They were also more likely to formally evaluate the effectiveness of the technology they were implementing.”

point schools to focus areas for

equity and reduce conflict within the

quality professional learning can enable

improvement, enabling them to strategise

school, where it might be possible to

effective change management and

more effectively.

provide a range of solutions based on

technology adoption.

For example, in reviewing

Many teachers and schools in

the responses from Australian

not all teachers have the same level of

Australia have already used the online

schools who participated in the

expertise or interest.

tool to profile their EdTech capabilities.

In 2019, SMART ANZ Team will be

first survey, the profiling indicated

Typically, in terms of the normal

that these schools could focus on

curve and EdTech capabilities, teachers

supporting these schools. Currently,

improving collaborative professional

fall into four general categories. In

Australian teachers from one of these

development, stakeholder engagement

the first quartile are the innovators,

schools are in London working with

in technology planning and providing

who are usually more advanced than

the SMART Global Team at BETT to

more support for social and emotional

the school’s infrastructure and their

develop strategies for their next steps

learning. The schools would benefit

colleagues and who seek support

and to assist other schools.

from seeking technologies which

from external networks, such as using

support student-centred pedagogies,

Twitter and other social networking

we learn more about the effective

including game-based learning and

tools to learn from like peers.

use of technology for learning and

formative assessment.

The second group are the

These are very exciting times as

develop these ideas globally. Add

influencers, who are the respected

your voice to the dialogue and take

schools may not have included

educational leaders within the school

the survey at www.smarttech.com/

technology specifically in their school

and who will adopt a technology when

profile or contact Sue Beveridge at

vision or identified technology’s role in

they have evidence of its impact on

sbeveridge@smarttech.com for more

enhancing learning outcomes. Schools

learning in their classroom. They

information. n

may also not regularly evaluate the

are generally respected across the

effectiveness of technology solutions in

school and will influence the majority

terms of improving student learning.

of teachers, including those who fall

Advisor at SMART Technologies, a

Students and parents may not

It is interesting to note that some

educationtechnologysolutions.com.au

the level of teacher competence, as

Sue Beveridge is an ANZ Education

into the third quartile, the skeptics to

leading provider of technology solutions

be formally part of the planning

use a new technology, software or

that enable inspired collaboration

process regarding technology choices.

device. The fourth group may never

in schools and workplaces around

Technology is often purchased based

change or adopt a new technology.

the world by turning group work into

on cost rather than the learning benefit.

Supporting the influencers in a school

a highly interactive, engaging and

Technology is also selected to ensure

with evidence of learning impact and

productive experience.

EDUCATION TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS | 27

| OFFICE SPACE

DOES USING TECHNOLOGY IN THE CLASSROOM IMPROVE STUDENT OUTCOMES?

BY BRIAN HOST

Technology is ubiquitous, touching

commented that technology would

almost every part of our lives, our

not be treated as a separate subject

communities and our homes. Yet

in the early years and its integration

many schools lag far behind when it

was mandated.

comes to integrating technology into

Research has suggested that

classroom learning. Many are merely

technology-enabled project learning

exploring the potential technology

has the greatest benefits as it allows

offers for teaching and learning.

students to be intellectually challenged

Properly used, technology can assist

while providing them with a realistic

students to acquire the skills they

snapshot of what real-world problems

need to thrive in the complex, highly

look like. Through projects, students

technological knowledge-based

acquire and refine their analysis and

economy we now find ourselves.

problem-solving skills as they work

Integrating technology into

individually and in teams to find,

classroom instruction is more than

process and synthesise information

training students in basic computer

they have found online. The myriads of

skills and software programs in a

resources held within the online world

separate computer class. It also

also provide each classroom with more

means more than allowing a free for

interesting, diverse and current learning

all, allowing students to play with

materials. The Internet connects

everything. Essentially, effective

students to experts in the real world

technology integration happens across

and provides numerous opportunities

the curriculum in areas that research

for expressing understanding

shows deepen and enhance the

through images, sounds, texts, apps

learning process. It must support four

and manipulation.

key components of learning: active

New technology tools for

engagement, participation in groups,

visualising and modelling offer students

frequent interaction and feedback

ways to experiment and observe

and connection to real-world experts.

phenomenon and to view results in

Effective technology integration is

graphic ways that aid in understanding.

achieved when the use of technology

As an added benefit, with technology

is routine and transparent and when

tools and a project-learning approach,

technology supports curricular goals.

students are more likely to stay

Barry McGaw, Chair of the Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA),

engaged and on task, reducing behavioural problems in the classroom.

Technology also changes the way

states that an Information and

teachers teach, offering educators

Communications Technology (ICT)

effective ways to reach different

strategy for Australian schools was

types of learners and assess student

being developed alongside everything

understanding through multiple means.

else in the new curriculum. He

It also enhances the relationship

28 | EDUCATION TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS

educationtechnologysolutions.com.au

educationtechnologysolutions.com.au

EDUCATION TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS | 29

| OFFICE SPACE

between teacher and student. When

and education are a great combination

3. Students can develop valuable

relationships between objects and

technology is effectively integrated into

if used together with a right reason

research skills at a young age:

events, which helps to build abstract

subject areas, teachers grow into roles

and vision.

Technology gives students immediate

conceptual understandings. Using

With technology, educators,

access to an abundance of quality

virtual manipulatives improves

Technology assists teaching and

students and parents have a variety

information that leads to learning at

understanding of math concepts and

learning to become more meaningful

of learning tools at their fingertips.

much quicker rates than before.

attitudes toward maths, and blending

and enjoyable.

Here are some of the ways in which

of adviser, content expert and coach.

In the past, technology in education was a debatable topic

physical and virtual manipulatives has

technology improves education

4. Online learning is now an

also been shown to improve maths

over time.

equally credible option: Face-to-

learning. Other research suggests

face interaction is huge, especially

computer-managed learning, such as

amongst society. There was a myriad of views on modernising

1. Students and teachers have access

in the younger years, but some

Mathletics, produces a positive effect

education and making it technology

to an expanse of material: There are

students work better when they can

on mathematics achievement.

aided. There were a huge number of

plenty of resourceful, credible websites

go at their own pace using a blended

positives and negatives to education

available on the Internet that both

learning philosophy.

technology. Gradually, as schools

teachers and students can utilise.

embraced technology, the importance

6. Effectiveness in science K–12: According to research, technology

5. Effectiveness in mathematics

can improve inquiry-based science by

of technology in education was

2. Teachers can collaborate to share

for K–12: Technology has proved

allowing students to:

realised. Its positives outnumbered the

their ideas and resources online:

to be effective for making students

• conduct virtual experiments using

negatives and now, with technology,

They can communicate with others

efficiently adept with maths. Interacting

education has taken a whole new

across the world in an instant, meet

with the physical environment by

meaning that it leaves us with no

the shortcomings of their work, refine

manipulating objects such as tiles,

doubt that our educational system has

it and provide their students with the

coloured squares or circles improves

been transformed thanks to the ever-

best. This approach definitely enhances

understanding of math concepts

advancing technology. Technology

the practice of teaching.

by allowing learners to experience

30 | EDUCATION TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS

dynamic simulations of difficult-tosee scientific phenomena • generate and test models of complex data • collect and analyse data to test predictions

educationtechnologysolutions.com.au

When digital capabilities like online

the technology used to deliver the

Over the past years, a numbers of

environments are incorporated

instruction. Educators and educational

studies have shown benefits from

meaningfully into instruction, students

researchers should be encouraged to

the use of technology in education.

7. The blended or flipped classroom:

have new opportunities to learn

focus on determining how to better

The role of technology in education

This is a practice in which students

and achieve.

integrate the use of a given technology

is vital and the question is no longer

to facilitate learning, rather than asking

if technology enhances learning, but

• gather feedback from different sources to refine work.

watch tutorial videos as homework and discussion is carried out on

9. Long-term research indicates the

if it works or if one is more effective

rather how do we improve our use of

them in class time by teachers. It has

positives of technology on learning:

than another.

technology to enhance learning. n

resulted in remarkably better student

Research has been undertaken to

performance, with a noticeable grade

address the question, does the use of

that successful technology integration

boost-up. Students can now learn

computer technology affect student

generally involves some key principles:

based primary school classroom

at their own pace and save class

achievement in traditional classrooms

• students playing an active role

teacher and learning coach with a

time for interaction. According to

as compared to classrooms that do not

in their learning and receiving

specific focus on ICT skills. He is

Cheung and Slavin’s meta-analyses,

use technology? An extensive literature

frequent, personalised feedback

excited to see edcamp rolled out

blending technology with face-to-face

search and a systematic review

teacher time generally produces better

process were employed and insights

outcomes than face-to-face or online

about the state of the field, implications

learning alone.

for technology use and prospects for

activities to the world outside the

has achieved in the northern

the future were discussed.

classroom

hemisphere. Brian will be facilitating

The review of literature also finds

• students critically analysing and actively creating media messages • teachers connecting classroom

• teachers actively monitoring

8. Educational technology improves

students’ work and engagement

Brian Host is an Australian-

globally and has read quite a bit about the revolution in professional development and what edcamp

a session on global connections

student-learning outcomes: Evidence

10. The effect of technology on

suggests that educational technologies

education depends on the design

can improve student achievement,

of instruction: The design of the

students to learning experiences

games, social media and video

as long as such tools are integrated

instruction accounts for more variance

in the areas of cybersafety and

conferencing. His twitter handle is

thoughtfully into teaching and learning.

in how and why people learn than

appropriate use of technology.

@hostbrian

educationtechnologysolutions.com.au

• teachers explicitly exposing

for teachers, students and classes using tools such as blogs, global

EDUCATION TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS | 31

| FEATURE

school transformation is easy... but it is not simple

BY MIKE READING

32 | EDUCATION TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS

educationtechnologysolutions.com.au

Change Management Versus School Transformation

1. Vision

unique and purpose built for

You have to own your vision and make

your school. It cannot be the

encouraged to be #futureready,

Change management is executing a

this clear to all stakeholders. Very

government’s, industries’ or your

#futurefocused, #innovative,

single, well-defined initiative, whereas

rarely do I find a school leadership

parents’ vision; it must be yours.

#revolutionary.

transformation is a portfolio of initiatives

team that can clearly and concisely

The above stakeholders can help

that are interdependent and intersecting.

articulate their vision, let alone all

craft the vision; however, at the

staff, parents and wider community

end of the day, if you do not own it,

members being able to do so.

nobody will.

There has been a lot said about school transformation. Schools are

We have attended conferences, been involved in online discussion

Have you tried to make a cake

programs, attended webinars,

without any flour? You have 95 percent

read articles and held exploration

of what you need – you worked hard

meetings. We have tried bring your

beating the ingredients, you had the

There are three essential elements to

2. Learning Design

own device (BYOD) programs (which

right tray and the oven was set to the

your school vision:

The best way to understand this

for many schools stands for bring

perfect temperature, but it did not

• It must be visual. This might

element is to ask yourself, “How will

your own disaster), Innovative

turn out. When we approach school

sound obvious. Afterall, we are

our teachers teach, and how will our

learning environments, flexible

transformation through individual

talking about having a vision.

students learn?” I cannot tell you how

learning environments, deconstructed

projects, it is like baking a cake with

You need to understand that you

many times I have been asked which

timetables, project-based learning,

no flour. You miss the opportunity to

speak in pictures, not words. Most

device is best. My answer is always,

STEM and coding (the list goes

holistically change the organisation

schools will have a well-articulated

“Best for what?”. Until you can tell

on), but not seen the change we

and re-invent the system. This is

document, or words on a wall or

me how your teachers will teach,

hoped for.

why you may see improvement but

page on their website, but when

and students learn, we cannot have

not transformation.

I ask them what the vision looks

a discussion about which device,

like, few can paint a picture with

platform or infrastructure you need.

Why? It is not because we have not tried, but because we

When looking to transform your

have missed some of the essential

school, there are seven essential

ingredients that make school

elements (ingredients) that must

transformation a reality.

be included.

those words.

• It must be measurable. Your vision

The learning design phase is the glue that brings all the

must be worded in such a way that

elements together and acts as

you know whether you are moving

the bridge between your vision

The Seven Essential Elements of School Transformation

closer to achieving it. How do you

and the other elements in the

When it comes to school transformation, Google, Apple and Microsoft all agree that

know that your time, energy and

transformation roadmap.

there are seven essential elements that must be included in the portfolio of school

finances are having an impact?

transformation initiatives, as listed in the table below.

When determining the language

3. Team/Culture

of your vision, we suggest you

The definition of culture is, “That’s just

avoid any terms that cannot be

what we do around here.”

Apple Vision

Learning

Team (culture)

Microsoft Vision

Learning

System (culture)

Google Vision

Learning

Culture

quantified. If you say you want to

not realise you are thinking, speaking

need to paint the picture of what

and acting in a certain way. This is no

that will look like in your school

more obvious than when I fly to China

context, and clearly outline how

for work. As soon as I land, I am aware

you will measure the improvement.

that I am no longer acting, thinking and

Alternatively (and preferably),

speaking on autopilot. I have stepped

choose another term.

out of my culture.

• It must be your vision. You cannot PD

PD

PD

Technology/ infrastructure

Technology/ infrastructure

Technology/ infrastructure

Funding

Finance

Funding

Community

Communication (community)

Community

Measurement (goals)

Part of vision

Part of vision

When you are encultured, you do

improve learning outcomes, you

Your school culture will either

borrow someone else’s vision,

be the force that propels you

nor can you have a vision forced

towards success or stops you from

on you. It has to be something

moving forward.

Image from the School transformation slide deck provided to PD partners

educationtechnologysolutions.com.au

EDUCATION TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS | 33

| FEATURE

One of the best activities you

Both principles go hand-in-hand. We

can do is to have a discussion as

have seen the most significant shifts in

a leadership team about what your

a school when teachers have all taken

cultural anchors and engines are and

their next step together towards the vision

then set about deliberately building

and been held accountable over what

the culture you need to see your

that step is and when they have to take it

vision become a reality.

by. This does not mean they all take the

Building culture is not easy! It

same step together, but rather they set a

takes on average three to five years

goal for improvement, receive the training

of intentional work to develop a

they need, implement the training and

culture. Like a steam train, you will

then reflect and report back so they can

need to exert a lot of energy and

determine their next step in the journey.

The transformation progress map from the Google transformation centre

5. Technology And Infrastructure

allowances are great but cannot be relied

is not simple. The good news is that

upon. For example, if you use a grant to

the hard part has been done for you.

Until you have a clear vision and

buy devices, what is your plan to refresh

Google, Apple and Microsoft have

4. Professional Development

understand how your teachers will

those devices in three years?

transformation pathways already

Did you know that when companies

teach and how your students will

like Google and Microsoft make

learn, you cannot set goals to develop

we do is help a school set a goal to

goals in the right areas, asks the

large changes in the way people

infrastructure that is purpose built

reduce printing costs or reduce software

right questions and engages the right

work (for example, when Microsoft

to meet your needs. We tend to

licensing, and allocate that money saved

people. You just need to bring all the

moved from workstations to

overcomplicate things here. Generally

to a project such as a fun training retreat

ingredients together.

flexible working spaces), they

speaking, you want to have data on

for staff.

spend 70 percent of their budget

two things. First, how competent and

on staff training and 30 percent on

confident do your staff feel with a range

7. Community

tools that complement these resources

infrastructure? You may need to

of technologies available? Second,

Engaging community goes beyond

that help you define, track and report

stop and let that sink in. Most of the

how reliable does your infrastructure

having the odd parent night to inform

on your progress in each of the seven

budget is spent on developing their

feel. The feeling teachers have about

parents on your progress or sending

elements. If you would like to receive

people, yet in schools, the opposite

the infrastructure, despite what the

home a PDF newsletter that few

the links to the pathways and extra

is true.

IT team says, is crucial to building

actually read from front to back.

resources, simply send an email to

effort building your culture, but once you have momentum, it will take a massive wall to stop you.

Effective professional

momentum. There are strategies

One of the most motivating activities

We have also developed frameworks, surveys and leadership

There are many community

development is not cheap, but

around communication and testing that

groups that are looking to support

ineffective professional development

are essential for success in this area.

your school and projects, they

is even more expensive in terms

built to ensure that your school sets

just do not know you exist. We

support@usingtechnologybetter.com and we will send them to you. n Mike Reading is the Director

of wasted money, time, energy,

6. Funding

have seen so many great projects

and Lead Trainer at Using Technology

momentum and unfulfilled

There are two types of funds to

launched and funded due to schools

Better, Australia and New Zealand’s

vision. The two fundamental

consider. The first is soft costs

having measurable goals for better

only Google, Microsoft and Apple

principles of effective professional

such as wages, efficiency gains and

engaging all stakeholders around the

Professional Development partner

development are:

so on. The second is hard costs

school campus.

company. For more information

• just in time, not just in case

such as printing, infrastructure and

learning • providing training to staff in little pieces and often.

software licences.

Your funding plan must be sustainable. Grants and special

about the services and support,

A Simple Plan

visit usingtechnologybetter.com or

I started with the statement that

send them an email at support@

school transformation is easy, but it

usingtechnologybetter.com

"The learning design phase is the glue that brings all the elements together and acts as the bridge between your vision and the other elements in the transformation roadmap. Effective professional development is not cheap, but ineffective professional development is even more expensive in terms of wasted money, time, energy, momentum and unfulfilled vision."

34 | EDUCATION TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS

educationtechnologysolutions.com.au

We are experts in the art of timetabling Timely Solutions

Technical Know-How

“The saving in time for timetablers and the ease of manipulation of data have helped reduce stress and shorten timelines.”

“There is always someone to answer your technical or timetable questions at any time, and the quality of their solutions is great.

We love it.”

Noel Thomsen, Deputy Principal, Sydney Girls High School, NSW

Real Savings

Service & Support

“We used to budget for over 400 staff hours to complete the timetable, but Edval has proved more cost effective, as well as providing a very fast solution for our school.”

“No matter how complicated a timetable you may have, Edval and the Edval team can find a solution for you.”

Rob Abbey, IT Director, Redlands, NSW

Sydney:

Tina Harb, Curriculum Coordinator, Saint Marouns College, NSW

02 8203 5455

Melbourne: 03 9020 3455 Adelaide:

08 8120 0855

Brisbane:

07 3088 4066

Perth:

08 6230 3066

sales@edval.education support@edval.education

www.edval.education

Anthony Gorman, Director of Studies, Trinity Catholic College, NSW

| NEXT STEP

36 | EDUCATION TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS

educationtechnologysolutions.com.au

HOW TO DESIGN AND DELIVER QUALITY ONLINE EDUCATION

BY PROFESSOR SHELLEY KINASH

Which is better, online or face-to-face

and vice-versa. Some people choose

learning? This used to be a common

to have a dog and a cat and love them

research question. Later, the research

equally. Is there a diagnostic test to

results were aggregated and meta-

reliably predict which humans will be

analysed, yielding the no significant

happier with dogs or cats as pets?

difference finding. It turned out that

Returning to the context of online

there is no clear winner. Students

learning, a current popular line of

choose online or on-campus or,

research is based on the proposition

increasingly, a combination of the

that we can predict which types of

two, for various reasons and with

people are most likely to succeed in

diverse outcomes. In addition, some

online learning and which are not. The

education is high quality and some

most robust hypothesis to date is that

teachers are inspirational and some

people who have high self-regulation

are not, in both online and face-to-

skills tend to succeed in online

face designs.

learning. How useful is this research?

This is similar to the dogs or cats

What about people who have low

debate. There are large and small

self-regulation, but live in rural,

dogs. Some need regular walks

regional and remote areas, without

and are therefore good for human

access to physical campuses? What

fitness. Others are great companions

about people who want/need to work

for couch potatoes. Likewise, some

full-time during the day and can only

cats purr and snuggle and others are

fit learning into late evening hours after

independent and treat humans with

they have put their children to bed?

disdain. Cats can often be left to their

Educators cannot cater to only the

own devices, accommodating their

most suitable students. The onus is on

humans’ weekend away and can live

the educational institutions (and thus

successfully in high-rise apartments.

educators) to accommodate diverse

Most dogs need to be escorted out

learners in their chosen mode/s and to

and cannot be left. Some sworn

design and deliver high-quality learning

dog-lovers adopt a cat and convert,

opportunities to all enrolled students.

| NEXT STEP

When students are asked what

are looking for. If students are

ONLINE as a framework to guide the

controlled and restricted behind

they want (and need) in a quality online

taking multiple courses (units)

design and delivery of quality online

a curtain.

learning experience, the responses

through the same university,

education for diverse learners. High

Nonsense: chaotic interfaces prevent

are consistent across universities.

then items should be named

quality ONLINE education is:

students from finding what they need.

Students say:

consistently and located in the

Open: learning resources are

Lazy: sites are only about completion

• The curricular materials must

same places. In other words,

accessible and available, including

and do not promote positive change.

be up-to-date and relevant. The

once is enough for learning how

after the course.

Isolating: students feel alone,

selected materials are designed

to get around in a course site.

Navigable: well-planned interfaces

and often lonely, throughout

to prepare graduates to meet the

(Aligned with framework quality

allow students to find what they need.

the experience.

entry expectations and preferably

Learning: sites are designed to

Narrow: curriculum and activities are

lead the way in their chosen

develop knowledge, skills, attributes

analogous to a locked filing cabinet.

industry. If a textbook is required

be graded, must be fair, relevant,

and identity.

Empty: teachers abandon the site and

reading, it must be actively used

reasonable and clearly described.

Interactive: dialogue is supported

the overall experience is unfulfilling.

throughout the course. In addition,

Students prefer to have access to

links must be made to current

exemplar submissions to guide

This article uses the acronym

amongst and between teachers

Obstructed: learning resources are

The evaluation tool presented as

– Navigable) • Assessment, and how students will

and learners.

Figure One, on the next page, can

research, updates and authors

their own work. There must be a

Networked: curriculum and activities

be used to honestly assess existing

in the respective field. (Aligned

clear rationale for each choice of

foster broad-reaching connections.

online education course sites and

with framework qualities – Open

assessment, and at least some

Engaging: teachers invite, model

set priorities for development and

and Networked)

of the assessment should be

and sustain enthusiastic presence

improvement. It is recommended that

for learning.

students and teachers separately and

organisation of the course should

actively engaged in doing similar

anonymously rate the online education

be so straight-forward and

work to what they will be doing

acronym can be used to describe

sites and that the stakeholder

intuitive that students do not have

in industry upon graduation.

the antithesis. Poor quality ONLINE

(student/teacher) perspectives are

to dedicate any mind space to

Students need regular, clear and

education is:

then compared and contrasted.

navigation or to finding what they

specific feedback, which can be

Likewise, the same ONLINE

38 | EDUCATION TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS

• The structural interface and

designed such that students are

educationtechnologysolutions.com.au

Figure One: Evaluation Tool to Rate Online Education Design/Delivery Highlight the most accurate descriptor for each row below.

Open: learning resources are accessible & available.

There is not enough access to learning resources.

Obstructed: resources are controlled and temporary.

Navigable: interfaces make it easy to find things.

The interface could be improved for findability.

Nonsense: interfaces do not make sense.

Learning: develops skills, knowledge and attributes.

The site feels mostly about completion – not beyond.

Lazy: site does not promote pos. development.

Interactive: promotes teacher and student dialogue.

Mostly experienced alone, without others present.

Isolating: experience is alone (sometimes lonely).

Networked: fosters broad-reaching connections.

Extends minimally beyond course site and curriculum.

Narrow: feels like a locked filing cabinet.

Engaging: teachers enthusiastically present.

Teachers do not seem to care about course/learners.

Empty: overall experience is unfulfilling.

Figure Two: First Steps for Quality Online Education Design and Delivery Open

Navigable

Learning

Interactive

Networked

Engaging

Create links from and to key industry research and websites.

Develop, share and follow a consistent program glossary of educational terms.

Identify the key digital tools that graduates are likely to use and include them in the course.

Create a marked discussion forum and post a clear marking guide. Model strong interaction.

Dedicate marks to students posting completed assessment on a digital portfolio.

Create and post an autobiographical video about you and what attracted you to the taught discipline.

iteratively applied to improving

them in the course site, sends

be so straight-forward and intuitive

said, “As a teacher, I have just as much

their performance. In other

an announcement to commence

that students do not have to dedicate

power to make learning boring or

words, there should be multiple

and then disappears. Mature-

any mind space to navigation or to

fun. Why would I choose the former?

chances/opportunities to learn

age learners who experienced

finding what they are looking for. Online

That would be boring for me too.”

and demonstrate knowledge, skills

correspondence education say

interfaces have more structural control

Even subjects that are not associated

and attributes. Since students

that some online learning feels

of this environment. The teacher

with fun, such as taxation law and

are already online, they should

as though the binders have now

creates the online course site. In on-

multivariate statistics, can be taught in

be encouraged to post, and

been put up online and the printing

campus environments, some students

ways that genuinely interest, engage

thereby showcase, their work

costs deferred to the students.

are better at maintaining clear and

and motivate students. National citations

and their profiles. (Aligned with

(Aligned with framework qualities –

organised study notes than others.

awarded to teachers in these disciplines

framework qualities – Learning

Interactive and Engaging)

Third, it is critical that

for making outstanding contributions to

Notably, these student expectations

assessment, and how students will

student learning are evidence that this

apply to both online and on-campus

be graded, is fair, relevant, reasonable

is possible. When asked to describe

carnival. The enthusiasm of the

education. The distinction is that

and clearly described. Professor David

their approaches, these award-winning

teacher is tangible and exciting.

online education is situated in a

Boud famously said, “Students can

teachers usually talk about digital

The learning resources have been

digital environment and thus readily

survive bad teaching, but they cannot

innovation. They use online interactivity,

chosen with care. The assessment

lends itself to technologically enabled

survive bad assessment.” Online

visualisation and practice tools to foster

is active and involves doing. The

and enhanced learning and thereby

assessment affords opportunities for

student learning and to provide feedback

students get to know one another.

disruptive innovation. Returning

innovation. Students can employ the

and specific instruction along the way.

The teacher actively invites

to the four student expectations

same digital tools in their assessment

engagement and models how to do

described above, first, the curricular

that they will use upon graduation in

specific strategic design advice

so appropriately. Online interaction

materials must be up-to-date and

the workforce. Digital submissions

for commencing design of online

tools are applied and moderated

relevant in all education. However,

can be posted online, creating a digital

education that complies with the

throughout the course. The

whereas print textbooks go out of

portfolio and profile for students

ONLINE framework. n

alternate metaphor – that students

date, online education can link to

to develop networks and attract

too often report experiencing – is

new developments immediately upon

graduate employment.

that of a filing cabinet. In advance

digital publication.

and Networked) • Online learning should feel like a

of the course, the teacher selects and organises the files, posts

educationtechnologysolutions.com.au

Second, the structural interface and organisation of all courses should

Fourth, and finally, all education

This article concludes with

Professor Shelley Kinash is the Director, Advancement of Learning

should feel like a carnival. Another

and Teaching at the University of

influential David, Professor David Field,

Southern Queensland.

EDUCATION TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS | 39

| LET’S TALK PEDAGOGY

DATA VISUALISATION

IS ON THE RISE

BY GARY BASS

In recent years, improvements in

The distillation and concentration of

No-one is Average, Everyone is Normal

data science technologies has made

hundreds, or thousands, of data records

There is a danger in referring to averages. In education, excluding outliers (single

advanced analytical tools available to

into a single visual provides an indication

data points well outside the expected or mainstream) removes the main points

everyone in education. This article will

of overall trends that can be understood

of interest where intervention will be necessary and is often essential. Our best

be a quick tour, with references for those

in seconds.

teachers respond to the outliers, knowing when a student is underperforming or not

who wish to dig deeper. Long tables of

From administrator to educator,

numbers (can) have a mind-numbing

there is a desire to make evidence-

impact on someone who is prepared to

based decisions. However, this can

make a decision, yet lacks the insight

only be accurate if there is appropriate

provided by the data which represents

data, and that data is processed and

a large array of collected evidence.

manipulated carefully.

meeting expectations. Every success story is usually an outlier; someone who does not do the usual thing.

So, how do we know when expectations are not being met?

(a)Two event distributions combined and the effect on outliers.

From https://theconversation.com/the-seven-deadly-sins-of-statisticalmisinterpretation-and-how-to-avoid-them-74306

From https://informationisbeautiful.net/visualizations/what-makes-a-gooddata-visualization/

40 | EDUCATION TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS

(b) Three distributions with the same average (the symbol mu is Greek letter em for middle). Variance is a better measure of spread.

From https://schoolofdata.org/handbook/courses/common-misconceptions/

educationtechnologysolutions.com.au

With data visualisation, plot ALL the data. Trends can only be acted on when all data

While Microsoft Excel has been an application in every standard operating

is included. The trend lines, quartiles and averages can be overlaid and all analysis

environment for 20 years, the use of Excel has barely moved past tables,

can be included. Nothing is excluded and a fully informed decision can be made.

simple bar charts and line graphs. Pie charts, often useless for comparisons of more than about six items, are a regular cosmetic addition to reports and PowerPoint presentations.

An example showing the limitations of tables and pie charts for quick accurate comparisons.

A limitation of the bar chart is that it is not immediately apparent that it represents a total of 100 percent so each bar is a proportion of the whole.

From https://medium.com/ geckoboard-under-the-hood/thinkbefore-you-pie-chart-and-moreeffective-ways-to-visualize-yourdata-862ea3456b26

These distributions have nearly the same average and variance. It is only when you see all the data, that you can observe any patterns. In set 4 there is a clear stand out that the stats summaries would ignore. Summaries of metadata especially suffer this limitation.

From https://data36.com/data-visualisation-discovery-tableau/

Software is readily available that achieves the data visualisation purpose. This purpose is to simply and quickly convey meaning and understanding by a visual representation, usually a chart or graph. A good chart is like a good joke. If you need to explain it, they have missed the point. Choose your chart to match its intended purpose.

There are plenty of charts to choose from; maps are not included here.

From https://extremepresentation. typepad.com/blog/2006/09/ choosing_a_good.html

educationtechnologysolutions.com.au

EDUCATION TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS | 41

| LET’S TALK PEDAGOGY

Another application, Tableau, is available to educators that has many of the features of spreadsheet applications, with the added benefit that it is visually orientated and has drag and drop functionality. If you want to plot the listed variable, just drag the name over to the axis.

Tableau, while expensive for a business, is free for educators, teachers and their students. You will need to apply for a 12-month academic licence; however, this is usually approved within a few days if you use your email with “.edu.au”. This verifies you as an Australian educator.

A few Simple Approaches If you want to convey understanding of a comparison, use a horizontal bar chart.

Keep the colours simple. Bear in mind that 1 in 20 males and 1 in 200 females have a colour blindness condition, so do not use red and green in any your charts.

Legends are essential to label the elements and variables.

Maximise the Data-Ink Ratio. The Data-Ink Ratio is a concept introduced by Edward Tufte, who says you should dedicate as much ‘ink’ on a view to the data as possible. This means getting rid of unnecessary lines, effects and anything else that detracts from the data itself, such as too many tick marks, too many colours, bold

Then there are stats, which is not the focus of this article. However, The

titles, a dotted grid instead of solid, grey instead of black and so on. While attractive

Conversation (29/3/2017) ran a piece on statistical misinterpretations.

design is important, non-functional cosmetic decoration often detracts from the

From https://theconversation.com/the-seven-deadly-sins-of-statistical-

message being conveyed.

misinterpretation-and-how-to-avoid-them-74306

Enter Infographics A recent boost to data visualisation has been the increased popularity of information graphics or infographics. There are several types, ranging from conceptual, which

From https://visual.ly/ community/infographic/socialmedia/best-and-worst-timespost-social-media

have very little data and can be considered persuasive opinion, through to data driven, which can have a fact-sharing or an exploratory purpose. The goal for an infographic is to provide information and understanding through a visual medium.

Several recent studies claim over 60 percent of people respond more favourably to a visual message. Teachers of visual communication have known this for years.

Quality schools have long used visuals instead of signs to ensure everything from the main school entrance, visitor parking or the staffroom cupboards have a coloured visual graphic, icon or logo which instantly communicates to the observer.

There are several styles of infographic, each suited to a particular purpose.

Categories of infographics, including the amounts of data represented in the graphic. From https://visme.co/blog/what-is-an-infographic/

42 | EDUCATION TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS

educationtechnologysolutions.com.au

So, at your next staff meeting, consider using an infographic approach, instead of the traditional PowerPoint template with too many bullet points. Remember, use: • one idea per slide • large graphics • a simple colour-blind safe colour scheme • a small branding presence • the appropriate infographic format depending on whether you are informing or persuading your audience

The Choice of Chart Makes a Difference Simple rearrangements can achieve a better understanding.

Education spending illustrated by using size and colour, with a lookup table.

From https://visme.co/blog/best-infographic-examples/#education]

educationtechnologysolutions.com.au

EDUCATION TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS | 43

| LET’S TALK PEDAGOGY

A powerful dashboard – this single Tableau screen contains all student performance data. Hover pops up student and assignment specifics. A further links goes to the student assignment submission.

From https://www.tableau.com/solutions/workbook/identify-and-monitor-underperforming-students As a conversation starter, this Venn diagram is better than a few hundred words. Note the author’s comment: “I have labelled the areas in ways that should guarantee maximum flaming, while being easy to remember…”

From https://datascience.stackexchange.com/ questions/2403/data-science-without-knowledge-of-aspecific-topic-is-it-worth-pursuing-as-a-ca

44 | EDUCATION TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS

educationtechnologysolutions.com.au

The VCE Experience

specifications developed in conjunction

In 2020, VCE computing will undergo

with a ‘client’. Each subject will have an

a name change to applied computing.

area of study on cybersecurity, with a

There will be three subjects offered

particular emphasis on physical, logical

across VCE. At Unit 1-2 level, applied

and human factors (hardware, software

computing will introduce students

and humanware).

to networks, infographics and data

There are exciting times ahead for

visualisation, and there will be a choice

computing sciences, data sciences and

of several hands-on projects, from

data analytics. n

robotics to functional devices.

Two subjects will be available

Gary Bass teaches VCE

at Unit 3-4 level. In data analytics

computing subjects at Virtual School

(formerly informatics), there will be a

Victoria (formerly the Distance

renewed focus on complex datasets

Education Centre Victoria). He is

and data manipulation analysis and a

preparing resources for the new

final presentation of a dynamic data

VCE study designs Data Analytics,

visualisation. Software development will

Software Development and Applied

continue largely unchanged, with a focus

Computing for implementation in

on the main stages of problem solving

2020. Tableau will be used extensively

methodology, project management

in the 2019 VCE Computing Unit

and the major project, which develops

1–2 in preparation for Data Analytics

a software product that meets

in 2020.

educationtechnologysolutions.com.au

“There is a danger in referring to averages. In education, excluding outliers (single data points well outside the expected or mainstream) removes the main points of interest where intervention will be necessary and is often essential.”

EDUCATION TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS | 45

| PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

LET’S KEEP REALITY TV TO THE KARDASHIANS, NOT THE UNI OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA

BY BRETT SALAKAS

50 | EDUCATION TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS

educationtechnologysolutions.com.au

have easily dismissed if they had

of controversial quotes from Ben

The Elephant In The Room

a group of educational researchers

collected data, instead of opinions

Williamson (a loud opponent of

Manolev, known online as

at the University of South Australia

from academics that simply echoed

ClassDojo). One such allegation

@EpicureanVision, has a long,

all have something in common; they

their own preconceived conclusions.

was that, “ClassDojo exists as an

well-established connection with

each filter reality and use ‘clickbait’

As someone who is lucky enough to

instrument of governance available

Ben Williamson and both have been

phrases to increase the exposure of

have a platform to celebrate teachers

to schools through which political

publicly deriding ClassDojo since

their random thoughts and opinions.

and the teaching profession, I feel it’s

objectives that prioritise state interests

2017. Unfortunately, the researchers

Real educational research plays a

important to explain why this so-called

may be realised.”

of the original paper, “The datafication

valuable role in helping to light the path

research should not be taken at

for educators to maximise the quality

face value.

The Kardashians, Paris Hilton and

of the learning and the overall student

It took two tweets and an email

of discipline: ClassDojo, surveillance

to fact check and disprove this claim.

and a performative classroom culture”

ClassDojo keeps all personal data

seem unable to put their bias aside

experience. Jamie Manolev (a PhD

The ‘Tin-foil’ Hat Conspiracy

private. It doesn’t share any user

and conduct actual research into

candidate at the University) recently

The wildest claim made by Manolev

data with advertisers, marketers,

an area that desperately needs to

departed from this usual methodology

included tying ClassDojo with

other companies and definitely not

be researched. In 2014, Jon Nixon

and produced an opinion piece that

government surveillance and control

governments. In addition to this,

argued that integrity in research and

targeted ClassDojo, an online tool that

of the population. In an article

it protects its data with industry-

the morals of scholarship are integral

many school teachers have found so

featured in Sydney Morning Herald,

leading safeguards you can learn

to effective research (Education for the

useful that it now exists in over half of

based on his report, he was found

about yourself in clear detail on their

Good Society: the integrity of academic

the Primary Schools in Australia.

to be soliciting the idea that, “If we

website. And it goes even further,

practice). This was published as part

look at the fundamental basis of how

deleting all inactive accounts after 12

of the London Review of Education;

to include any teacher voices in his

China’s social credit system works,

months and wiping all but the most

it holds wisdom that could be utilised

research of this teaching tool (a very

we see similarities with ClassDojo.”

basic of information from them each

here in Australia, especially in

curious choice) and instead quoted

(https://www.smh.com.au/education/

year. In short, it is absolutely wrong to

this case.

from academics who had an opinion

it-s-all-about-controlling-students-

insinuate that ClassDojo is connected

that already matched his own. Manolev

researchers-slam-popular-app-

with any political agenda. And the

the information that unbiased research

and the other researchers listed in

20190118-p50s8l.html)

fact that this was a main talking point

can provide. We want research to

Manolev kept pushing should be

quantify and measure our hunches

disturbing to those at his university.

as practitioners. We want to shape

Unfortunately, Mr Manolev failed

the paper (Anne Sullivan and Roger

His original paper doubled

Slee) raised issues that they could

down on this claim with a series

educationtechnologysolutions.com.au

As Australian educators, we crave

EDUCATION TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS | 51

| PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

what we do in an informed manner.

may go wrong and the opposite of

What we don’t want is media hungry

the desired outcome is achieved. I do

researchers who are more interested

not doubt the authenticity of the worst

in gaining publicity with provocative

case scenarios that Manolev draws

statements that have little to do with

our attention to, but I too believe it is

student performance and actually

unfair to cherry-pick anecdotal stories

helping students and teachers learn.

and present it as the norm and proof

One of the gaping holes in

of the narrative he is trying to build.

Manolev’s research was his inability

That, in fact, is in direct opposition to

to reconcile why he was so opposed

what unbiased, academic research

to the ClassDojo tool but such a

should be.

huge percentage of educators in

For example, Manolev raises

the classroom have embraced it.

concerns that, “Through its digitised

Educators are not naughty boys

communication network ClassDojo

and girls who need to be scolded

provides teachers with the ability

by researchers in ivory towers who

to deliver a child’s behaviour data

think that they know better. Manolev

directly to parents, in real time, along

judges all teachers for ‘uncritically’

with continual access to constantly

adopting a so-called dangerous tool.

updated behaviour profiles in the form

How unbelievably condescending. We

of student reports.” What is forgotten

demand more than this!

is that the teacher is in the box seat

The real lighthouse here is British

and in control of all of these features.

researcher Tom Bennett. Rather than

The teacher makes an informed,

have a gulf between researchers

educated decision about the amount

and teachers Mr Bennett founded

of information shared and the level of

the ResearchED movement. Utilising

communication between home and

conferences and magazines the goal of

school. Leveraging technology in a

ReseachED is to create a, “...platform

sensible manner that suits the school

are very reluctant to set up smart

teaching. Since introducing it to my

to further help the teaching profession

environment fosters connections

classrooms. There appears to be a

school, every teacher has seen an

connect research and practice in the

between home and school that are

social double standard where adults

increased level of family engagement,

classroom. It supports educators at all

incredibly powerful.

are willing to trade off some privacy

and my students love it too.”

levels by encouraging and provoking

for the convenience of a smart home

Sue also shared this powerful

debate surrounding research, evidence

Refocusing the Research

but the children of those same homes

anecdote that showcases the

and best practice” (https://researched.

Despite being critical of Manolev’s

are fiercely protected from the exact

effectiveness of the ClassDojo

org.uk/). Bring on more of this!

report I think it is important to

same technology at school. This

‘Growth Mindset’ videos.

identify aspects of the report that

clearly needs further analysis. Why

Debunking Other Assertions

were on the right track and require

are we more conservative with a

father was a refugee from Sudan. His

School is a place where all children

further analysis. Rather than hone

school’s application of technology

village was totally destroyed and she

should feel safe and happy. Teachers

in on a particular tool or app, real

than our own? What are the concerns

was traumatised. She was also quite

craft an environment that is rich and

academic research around topics

that people have? And importantly,

behind in her learning. She said to her

nurturing. ClassDojo is one tool that

such as student data privacy

what are the true dangers of

mum one day, ‘I can’t do it yet but I

a number of teachers use in their

should become a priority; not only

using such technologies in an

think my neurons really connected

repertoire to manage their classroom.

for Manolev but for educational

educational context?

today’ and then proceeded to read.

The law demands that teachers

researchers in general. During the

supervise students at all times. It is

Australian summer holidays one

part of our ‘Duty of Care’. No one

“Last year I had a little girl whose

Her mother was crying about what a difference the videos had made. She

American educator, Lisa Johnson,

What do the Teachers Who Use ClassDojo Actually Say?

claims that ClassDojo is a silver

sparked vigorous debate online when

Finally, I think it is important I do

she was stupid but after the videos

bullet. However, it is a tool that a large

she raised the idea of utilising smart

something Manolev did not - and that

she said ‘I just can’t do it YET.’ In my

number of teachers use effectively. Like

devices like Amazon Echo in the

highlights the viewpoint of a teacher

school you hear ‘I just can’t do it YET’

all tools the real power is in how they

classroom. It is curious to witness

who uses ClassDojo in her classroom

all the time. It has made a dramatic,

are used. For the most part, teachers

the exponential uptake of smart

and has seen very positive results.

positive difference for our students.”

who are caring professionals use the

devices like the ‘Echo’ where people

tool in an effective and professional

are increasingly establishing smart

way. Unfortunately, like in every aspect

homes with air conditioners, TVs and

of life, there are times where things

even wifi enabled light globes but

52 | EDUCATION TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS

I will turn it over to Sue, a Year 1 teacher in Queensland: “ClassDojo is by far the best thing I have encountered in my 36 years of

said her daughter used to always say

Disclaimer: In the ‘Disclosure’ section of Manolev’s paper it clearly states that none of the researchers have a “Potential Conflict of Interest.”

educationtechnologysolutions.com.au

While this could be debated I would like to go on record to say that I do not (nor have I ever) worked for ClassDojo and that I have not received any payments of any kind for writing this response. I am simply a teacher who was an early adopter of the tool. I acted as an Ambassador for a time where I received tote bags and stickers that I shared out. I am always happy to share what I believe are good tools and good ideas with other educators. n Brett Salakas is an international keynote speaker, an author, the founder of #aussieED and a moderator of multiple Twitter chats.

He is a primary school teacher and Google Certified Innovator who, over the past 20 years, has taught in South East Asia and Australia in both public and independent schools.

He is passionately committed to turning educational theory into real classroom practice. Brett is all about connection, collaboration and inspiration.

educationtechnologysolutions.com.au

EDUCATION TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS | 53

| FEATURE

The B1nary

DELUS10N

BY PETER WEST

This is the third and final article in a series on Screens in Schools. The previous articles are available in issues 83 and 84 of Education Technology Solutions.

50 | EDUCATION TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS

educationtechnologysolutions.com.au

of books, and the books are used.

ensure students develop good habits.

it is not black and white. While

same, with the negative end of the

They do not just sit on dusty shelves.

We ensure they dress appropriately,

computers may operate on 0s and 1s,

continuum regularly emphasised.

It is an important and well-used

behave courteously, respect their

with no decimal values in between,

However, there are many examples of

part of the school, and books are a

surroundings, respect others and so

education (and the world) is not really

schools that are at the positive end of

favoured medium. If books have been

much more. Why would we abdicate

like that. It is a continuum.

the continuum. They are there because

eliminated, then it is the school with the

responsibility just because technology

they have put in the hard yards; the

problem, not the technology.

is involved?

Technology in education is not binary;

Hans Rosling summarises this

Technology in education is the

tendency of humans to live in a

planning, the implementation, the

binary delusion in his bestseller

training of staff and so much more.

2. Young students need to be active

3. Students need to be able to

Factfulness: “… human beings have

Instead of focusing on the negative

and they are not when computers

write with a pen; they cannot write

a strong dramatic instinct toward

end of the continuum, we need to learn

are around.

any more.

binary thinking, a basic urge to divide

from the schools that have success in

This implies that all students who use

This implies that use of computers

things into two distinct groups,

technology-enhanced learning.

a computer are inactive. However,

excludes the use of a pen when

why should computers in school stop

appropriate. This does not have to

with nothing but an empty gap in

This article examines some of the

between. We love to dichotomise.

statements that are raised by the press

students being active? Some tech

be the case. Students need to write

Good versus bad. Heroes versus

and the community.

schools have adventure playgrounds

by hand. Cognitive research shows

that are used extensively. They have

that handwritten notes lead to better

villains. My country versus the rest.

Dividing the world into two distinct

1. Students need books.

students running around, playing

outcomes than typed notes. Why

groups is simple and intuitive, and

This implies that schools that invest in

football and other games during

should handwriting disappear because

also dramatic because it implies

technology to enhance education do

breaks. The vast majority do not sit

of laptop computers?

conflict, and we do it without thinking

not use books, or use books rarely.

around in front of screens. If students

all the time.

However, why would reading or using

are stuck in front of screens during

own laptop program where pen-based

Some tech schools have a bring your

books be excluded in a technology-

breaks, the school needs to take

computers are the norm. The pen is used

their narratives as conflicts between two

rich world? There are many tech

control and change its paradigm. After

when it is appropriate, and the keyboard

opposing people, views or groups.”

schools that also have a library full

all, that is what we do in schools. We

is used when it is appropriate. Technology

“Journalists know this. They set up

educationtechnologysolutions.com.au

EDUCATION TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS | 51

| FEATURE

technology that you are good with

course and then you have a starting

important. Digital paper also has many

behaviour in class. This is not

technology-enhanced learning. They

point that is worthwhile.

advantages over physical paper, but that

complex. Each teacher knows which

are two different things.

could be an article of its own.

students are likely to be distracted

has actually made handwriting more

Teachers need to manage

Being able to teach effectively

Conclusion

by technology. Sit them nearby and

using technology requires excellent

There are many more statements that

immensely over the past few years

have their screen visible. Do not

online courses in a robust online

circulate at times. Each is part of a

and the cost of pen-based computers

let them sit in a back row or back

learning environment (a learning

continuum. Moving to new paradigms

has dropped considerably. In fact,

corner where it is difficult to walk

management system, for example), a

and dismantling some old paradigms

some are much cheaper than a brand

and see a screen. Watch for levels

good understanding of how to work in a

is complex and uncomfortable for

that produces only non-touchscreen

of engagement and eye contact. It is

blended classroom, a good knowledge

many. Instead of pulling back and

computers with only a keyboard. They

relatively easy to identify a student

of how to really undertake flipped

reverting to the old methods, and

have also become much more robust

who is off task.

learning, and so much more. For most

instead of complaining that the new

teachers, online course materials take

approach does not work, schools need

and I use these techniques, and

time and expertise to develop, and the

to seek out those organisations that are

4. Students are distracted when

they work. It is not impossible and

knowledge and skills to teach effectively

achieving success in this area. They

computers are used.

it is not time consuming. It is basic

using technology also take time

may not be the majority yet, but they

This is not true. Some students are

behaviour management.

to develop.

are out there. n

Digital pens have improved

than they were a few years ago.

distracted. Students have been distracted

This is not theory. I am a teacher

If lots of students are distracted

Enhancing learning with technology

and off task in a traditional classroom

lots of the time, either the school needs

requires much more than being able to

Peter West currently leads a

since schools began. Many students

to act or the teacher needs to act.

use a computer. Any school or teacher

Learning Technologies Team that

who ‘dives in’ without a considerable

explores new learning technologies for

rarely. Should they have technology and

5. I tried it and it does not work.

amount of preparation and knowledge is

a leading VET organisation. Previously

the educational advantages removed

So, does this mean nothing worked? It

doomed to failure. They may say it does

he was Director of eLearning at

because of a minority of students?

will work for you if you do it properly.

not work, but they have not really tried it!

Saint Stephen’s College on the Gold

are not distracted, or are distracted

Schools and teachers need to be

Do not just give students computers

A good place to start developing

Coast, Australia. He has been leading

responsible for student behaviour.

or tablets. They are the final step when

expertise in flipped and blended

learning organisations in technology

Schools need to filter Internet access

working to enhance education with

learning is the Flipped Learning Global

and technology-enhanced learning for

and police hotspot use/tethering to

technology, not the first step. Also, do

Initiative (http://flglobal.org/) Certificate

over 20 years. He can be contacted at

mobile phones.

not assume that if you are good with

1 course. Complete this or a similar

peterwest_@outlook.com

52 | EDUCATION TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS

educationtechnologysolutions.com.au

BUY NOW

DISTRIBUTED BY DICKER DATA LTD

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54 | EDUCATION TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS

educationtechnologysolutions.com.au

DIGITAL RESOURCES:

MANAGING THE MULTITUDE

BY CHRISTINE HAYNES

With an education and learning

consent implications. Education in a

marketplace estimated at $446.4 billion

digital age requires intentional resource

by 2020 globally, a plethora of resources

management approaches to maximise

in various and evolving forms are making

investment in technology for learning.

tutoring models (for example, maths, literacy, typing, coding)

their way into the learner’s toolkit at

Resources come in all shapes

an unprecedented rate. While digital

and sizes, and are introduced through

resources pose opportunities to equip

many channels by students, teachers,

The most effective resources align with

learners for anywhere, anytime learning,

resource managers, technical integrators

approaches to learning and extend

they also bring challenges for schools

and technicians. Resources as well as

learning. Whether targeted for a specific

to manage and administer the extremes

models of purchasing continue to evolve

body of knowledge, a cross-curricular

of byte-sized digital assets and large-

at a rapid pace, further complicating

learning tool, or a full-blown course,

scale implementations.

purchasing and implementation

considerations for pedagogical

decisions. Some examples of today’s

compatibility address the specific context

has hands-on experience managing

digital resources and variations include:

and approach to learning.

personal technology. Yet what appears

• apps and programs: volume

Increasingly, the general population

simple in home life brings complexities to school environments. Additionally for schools, duty of care and age restrictions require diligence in selecting resources considering privacy and

educationtechnologysolutions.com.au

learning objects, story libraries • subscriptions: learning programs,

purchases, licensing models • books: iBooks, ePubs, PDFs, subscriptions

• assessment: progressive achievement tests (PAT), ePortfolios.

Determining Pedagogical Alignment • Does the resource provide

• online resources: sound, video and

opportunity for student choice?

image libraries, encyclopaedias,

Personalisation? Differentiation?

EDUCATION TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS | 55

| TEACHING TOOLS

• Does the resource fit within digital learning practice (for example, flipped, blended, student-led)?

• Is the resource suitable for learner age and developmental ability?

• Are learning achievement and

Determining Technical Fit • How will content be purchased and delivered? Are volume purchases

track record of improvement and

available? Is the technical

accessible technical support?

platform compatible?

• How will resources be managed,

next steps visible to teachers

tracked and deployed (for example,

and learners?

asset, device and software

• How is the resource accessed (for example, teacher assigned, student selected)?

• Will the resource be a digital distraction? Is it safe?

While learning benefit is key to

with predicted changes over time?

• Is the vendor reliable with a

management programs)?

• What privacy implications are there

• Does the resource provide equitable access?

need to work within the given

organisational perspective looks at the

technological context. Likewise,

risk of the product and the longevity of

resources that cannot be deployed,

the vendor relationship.

are not tracked or are incompatible

• Intentional decisions around

• Assemble a team to evaluate

• Quality assurance assessment

for learning and relevance for the

with future plans?

Key Points

pedagogical, technical and

resources based on the potential

Quality evaluation from an

Phillip Green.

digital resourcing include

storage or consent requirements?

digital decision making, resources

you are going to be left behind.” -

Moving Digital Decision Making Forward

for personal data collection, data • Does the lifecycle of the asset align

are not investing in new technology,

school context.

• Maintain a forwardthinking approach.

• Define processes and considerations for purchases.

• Include the technical team.

organisational perspectives. includes risk assessment and longevity.

• Digital decision making requires collaborative and forwardthinking approaches.

For a full list of reference, email admin@interactivemediasolutions. com.au n

• Consider a coordinated approach

with the organisation’s technical

Assessing Quality

to purchasing considering learning,

environment will have little impact

• What are the risks and rewards?

technical and quality perspectives.

on learning. Determining technical

• What sustainability

Christine Haynes, Ed.D. is an Apple Distinguished Educator who

“The secret of change is to focus all

has won multiple education awards

fit requires both an understanding

requirements exist? Budget?

your energy not on fighting the change

including ACEL New Voice Scholar

of the learning potential and

Professional learning?

but on building the new.” - Socrates

2018 and the ACCE Educator of the

technological implementation.

56 | EDUCATION TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS

• Will the resource remain suitable

“Good, bad or indifferent, if you

Year 2013.

educationtechnologysolutions.com.au

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58 | EDUCATION TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS educationtechnologysolutions.com.au

SOCIAL NET WORKING SECURIT Y

BY PHILIP BROOKES

It is amazing to think that in just over

conditions and privacy policies, very

often visible to the public, but you can

public domain may leave you exposed

a decade, social media has evolved

few people actually take the time to

usually control who sees it. Telling

to identity theft or hacking.

from being something that was only

read and understand what will happen

people where you are can reveal your

used by early adopters and kids,

to their personal data.

workplace, children’s school, home

information which can be misused is,

Another example of personal

address and favourite haunts, and it

of course, your date of birth. Many

communication with more than half

networks do give you a lot of control

can tell them where you are NOT, which

Facebook users will publish, at the very

the Australian population having a

over which of your information is

is very useful information for burglars

least, their day and month (although

Facebook account. In fact, if you did a

available to other people. Most often,

who would like you to be away from

they may omit to display the year).

quick online search on any individual,

privacy issues arise out of a lack of

home when they strike.

However, your friends will probably

the odds are you will be able to find

awareness of the controls that are

information about him or her.

available. ‘Human error’ is the most

connect with other people identifies

you on the occasion of your 21st,

common cause of security breaches in

your acquaintances and friends. For

40th, 50th or any other milestone

perhaps most especially teachers,

most environments and online/social

example, on LinkedIn you may be

birthday. Combining the two sources

is: What information about you is

media is no exception. The fact that

telling your former students who all

of information can make it a breeze

available online? Can you control

security controls exist is no guarantee

your friends and colleagues are.

for people to obtain your entire date

access to it? Will it get into the wrong

that people will not make mistakes

Often, when participating on

hands? Do you want this information to

and inadvertently allow access to

social networks, people are invited by

be accessible?

information they had not anticipated.

their friends to respond to a simple

to being a mainstream method of

The dilemma for users, and

Australian users have created

As a general rule, the social

So, what are you revealing about

Additionally, the very fact that you

make a big deal and congratulate

of birth.

questionnaire about them – 10 Things

Information You are Deceived into Revealing

almost 11 million Facebook accounts,

yourself if you engage in social media,

You Didn’t Know About Me – and pass

The information you inadvertently

2.1 million LinkedIn accounts, 1.8

who can get their hands on it, and what

it on to the rest of their friends who, in

share with the world is not the only

million Twitter accounts and 920,000

are the risks?

turn, may do the same thing. A lot of

concern users may have about

the questions seem pretty innocuous,

participating in social media. The

Information You Choose to Reveal But may not Realise How Far it Travels

but they are often the same type of

very fact that you are participating on

questions and answers that are used as

Facebook, LinkedIn or Twitter makes

challenge/response questions for online

you more susceptible to old-fashioned

and so on. Each one of these social

When you use social networks such

banking, eBay, or any of a number

‘phishing’ scams in which genuine-

networks vehemently denies that they

as Facebook, Google+ or Twitter, they

of online transactional systems. For

looking invitations, apparently from a

will abuse or misuse your information

frequently ask to use your location

example: What was the first school you

trusted source, dupe you into clicking a

and promises to always do the right

information (this is particularly

attended? What was the name of your

bogus link or even providing your login

thing by you. However, with (virtual)

powerful when you are using a

first pet? What was your first teacher’s

credentials when you believe you are

reams of fine print in their terms and

smartphone). This information is

name? Putting this information in the

logging into the genuine site.

Flickr accounts, and there are almost 1.1 million active Google+ accounts on our continent alone, not to mention platforms like Instagram, Snapchat

educationtechnologysolutions.com.au

EDUCATION TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS | 59

| GET CONNECTED

"As a general rule, the social networks do give you a lot of control over which of your information is available to other people. Most often, privacy issues arise out of a lack of awareness of the controls that are available."

60 | EDUCATION TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS

Twitter has ramped up the adoption of

Data that You do not Realise is Being Compiled about You

URL shortening services which take

Perhaps the biggest concern many

a long website address and substitute

Internet users (again, educators

a shorter alias for convenience. The

in particular) have is how their

difficulty with this is that you are

personal activities are being secretly

clicking on links without knowing

monitored and analysed, and whether

where they will actually take you and,

or not they are being profiled without

while many of them are genuine, users

their knowledge.

Similarly, social media such as

are lowering their guard and also visiting unintended destinations.

But in social media, they can go

If you read the fine print, you will discover that virtually every social media system collects voluminous

much further than that. Scammers

information about your online

can don an assumed identity and look

behaviours, purportedly to help

like the world’s greatest boyfriend,

improve the quality of their services.

winning your trust and then separating

This includes more directly targeting

you from your hard-earned cash or,

you with advertising you will be

perhaps, confidential trade secrets

receptive to, recommending people you

from the company you work for.

might want to connect with/follow and,

This could be described as ‘social

in other ways, trying to predict your

engineering’, which is a very real threat

behaviours, desires and wants before

when people start to get involved with

you even know them yourself.

‘real’ people online. Once someone

Facebook is well known for doing

is a ‘friend’ on Facebook, Twitter or

this, but did you know that Facebook

LinkedIn, there is a dangerous increase

knows when you visit somebody

in the level of assumed trust.

else’s website which incorporates

educationtechnologysolutions.com.au

Facebook tools such as the Like or

headquarters in countries with strong

situation where students post videos

So, what are we to make of

Share buttons? Likewise, if there is

law and order.

of themselves doing stupid things in

these threats? It is clear that social

uniform on school grounds and the

media is now ubiquitous and

around the world, then Twitter

social media companies misusing

fall-out it might have for the school?

education institutions, as well as

records your visit against your unique

the information they glean about you,

Alternatively, imagine a teacher

individuals, can posit a strong case

profile record. They claim to use this

there is also a growing phenomenon

berating and possibly losing his or her

for participation. The most revealing

information to improve the quality

that has been fuelled by social

cool with a student, only to have the

and confidential information about

of their recommendations of topics

media – the download and installation

whole thing filmed on a camera phone

ourselves need not be shared if

you may be interested in, and similar

of numerous ‘apps’ to computers

and uploaded to a social media site.

we are concerned about it, and the

‘quality improvements’.

and mobile devices. Many of these

In a similar incident, in March

majority of risks can be adequately

a Tweet this button on any website

Beyond the risk of the major

integrate with the major platforms, but

2011, an employee of a marketing

managed if we are appropriately

concerned that with great power

are produced by third-party developers

agency that provided social media

educated. From a professional

comes great responsibility, and

and pose a significant risk because,

services to Chrysler accidentally

perspective, there should, therefore,

corporations are not famed for living

as well as obtaining information from

tweeted from the Chrysler Twitter

be a strong commitment to continual

up to their responsibilities. What are

you, they have been known to secretly

account rather than his own personal

education and intentional review of

the potential risks if an organisation

install spyware and viruses. In fact,

account, lambasting the poor driving

social media participation. However, a

knows so much about you?

for many education IT departments,

of the Detroit populace.

certain degree of caution is not a bad

Of course, many people are

Realistically, there are a number

the proliferation of user-installed

However, a blanket ban on social

thing and, particularly when it comes

of commercial realities to discourage

apps is one of the greatest risks they

media is not necessarily a great solution.

to using lesser known tools and

most corporations from pursuing

face and it is challenging the tightly

A survey in Canada by the security and

social media companies, education

any underhand exploitation of your

controlled IT regimes that, historically,

risk consulting firm, TELUS, discovered

organisations need to wrangle with

personal information – the most

were the norm in education

that “companies that ban employees

ways to educate and guide acceptable

significant of these being that any

computing environments.

from using social media are 30 percent

practice by their own users. n

more likely to suffer computer security

organisation discovered to have

From an education perspective,

condoned gross abuses of your

another social media concern is the

breaches than firms that are more

personal data would likely lose

rapid propagation of damaging or

lenient on the issue of workers tweeting

of Aktiv Tactics, a marketing and

their customer base rapidly and be

confidential information. In 2010,

and checking Facebook posts in the

communications consultancy that

bankrupted. However, concerns of

two Domino’s Pizza employees

office”. In essence, the data suggests

works with businesses and not-for-profit

abuse by rogue staff and lone rangers

thought it would be amusing to video

that employees who are given some

organisations in the Asia-Pacific region.

or students are realistic and a serious

themselves engaging in a variety of

flexibility in their use of social media are

He has a particular interest in poverty

consideration both for users and for

health and safety breaches and then

unlikely to bypass their approved devices

relief, and using social media and viral

providers of services in the social

post the videos on YouTube. Domino’s

and Internet access channels, whereas

marketing techniques to effect social

media space. For this reason, the

was not well equipped to respond

those in strictly controlled environments

change. You can follow his blog at blog.

security conscious are best to limit

to this new threat to their brand and

have a higher propensity to use non-

aktiv.com.au. For more information, visit

themselves to only the largest and

their stock price dropped 10 percent

trusted sites and devices to get around

www.aktiv.com.au or phone

most reputable social networks with

within a week. Can you imagine a

company security.

03 9017 2996.

Philip Brookes is the Director

SHOWCASES

BenQ 4K UHD RP Series Interactive Flat Panel

BenQ Interactive Flat Panels RP

simply scanning ID cards with the

making it challenging for students

performance and screen extension.

Series offer a new collaborative

built-in sensor, as well as easily

to see, take notes, and remain

Additionally, the repositioned side

and interactive classroom

lock screens when not in use. AMS

focused. The RP654K’s anti-glare

IO ports make plugging cables

environment, featuring germ-

also offers instant access to major

glass surface can effectively reduce

resistant screen and smart eye-care

cloud storage services without

reflections, freeing students from

solution. Available in sizes from

having to enter password.

excessive squinting with more

65” to 86”.

BenQ interactive flat panels

As a leading pioneer in the

legible text and clearer images,

more convenient while avoiding any visual distraction.

The BenQ Interactive Flat Panels can work seamlessly with

Interactive Panel market, the

avoiding eye strain and facilitating

incorporate a number of key

RP Series supports multi-touch

more effective instruction.

features including EZWrite 4.1: An

capability up to 20 points, allowing

Easy and Fun Annotation Solution

more students to participate in

with the panels is the software

operating systems, from Windows

for students and teachers. Pre-

discussion and highly engaging

designed for seamless wireless

to Mac, Linux and Chrome, through

installed exclusively on BenQ’s

activities at once.

presentation and collaboration

its plug-and-play feature.

IFPs, this annotation app that is

BenQ interactive flat panels

InstaQ Share, included

during lectures. It allows the

a wide range of computing and mobile devices running most major

Last but by no means least,

designed to facilitate interactive

also feature NFC Pens with tap

smooth streaming of visual,

learning with a tap. EZWrite

and write simplicity. With a simple

audio files and Full HD quality

4 Series instantly turns the

tap of the NFC Pen at the sensor,

videos. Users can also mirror

interactive flat panel into a full-size

teachers can instantly activate the

content from mobile devices, and

whiteboard for illustrating ideas,

EZWrite 4.1 annotation app, and

invite up to 16 participants for

school IT to remotely control the

recording notes, brainstorming, and

begin to annotate with different

seamless collaboration.

general display settings of IFPs

more. More than just taking notes,

colors. Built with NFC technology,

EZWrite 4 Series also comes with

the NFC Pen is battery-free and

functionality saves you from the

which helps to create hassle-

all sorts of tools that can encourage

doesn’t require device pairing. It is

hassles of complicated setup.

free maintenance.

cooperation and participation. It’s

also waterproof while being able to

Simply connect to a PC via USB and

accessible and easy to use for both

withstand long-term use.

you’re all set to deliver compelling

teachers and students.

Another great feature of the

Furthermore, the panels incorporate a video recording

Instant Plug and Play

IFP touch-enhanced lessons.

Another great feature is the

BenQ interactive flat panels is

feature, which allows teachers

Multiple Multimedia Device

the Account Management System

to record lectures for class

Connectivity. These panels feature

(AMS), which Allows teachers to

preparation or review purposes.

multiple ports, including 6 USB

directly access their personal system-setting and folders by

62 | EDUCATION TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS

Screen glare can cause reflected images on the screen,

the BenQ Interactive Flat Panels incorporate Multiple Display Administrator (MDA) which allows

and schedule their on/off times,

Alloys is the main distributor of BenQ interactive Flat Panels in Australia with showrooms across Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Adelaide.

For more information call 1300

ports, slot-in-PC port, HDMI 2.0

368 348 or email hello@alloys.

and an HDMI out for enhanced

com.au. n

educationtechnologysolutions.com.au

Unless otherwise expressly stated, the review of the product or products appearing in this section represent the opinions of the Editor or relevant editorial staff member assigned to this publication and do not represent the views or opinions of Interactive Media Solutions or the advertisers or other contributors to this publication.

Belkin Portable Tablet Stage Stand The Belkin Portable Tablet Stage is

mobile device at the ideal angle

highlight key points throughout

a travel-friendly stand designed to

for recording video or capturing

the presentation, and share your

enhance your tablet experience.

images of objects, textbooks or

content in real time over AirPlay

Perfect for presenting, reading,

documents. The integrated cable

or a wired connection. Available in

recording video or surfing the web,

management system keeps your

the Apple App Store or Google Play.

this lightweight, durable stand

desk, podium or workspace neat

Retailing for around $125, this is

also folds flat so you can take it

and clutter-free.

an ideal device for anyone using a

with you wherever you go making

The Belkin Portable Tablet Stage

tablet device in the classroom.

it ideal for both general classroom

is also ideal for use with the free

use, as well as special needs and

Belkin Stage app, an interactive

Maximise Technology 1300

teacher education.

whiteboard and document camera

769 374 or visit https://www.

app. Stage makes it easy to capture

maximisetechnology.com.au/

features an adjustable platform

images or live video on your

product/belkin-portable-tablet-

that lets you position your

tablet, overlay text and labels,

stage-stand/ n

Belkin Portable Tablet Stage

For more information contact

HAVING THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS WITH PARALLELS DESKTOP 14 Enter Parallels Desktop 14 for Mac

technologies. Apps that are only

Parallels Desktop 14 is Parallels’

system are no longer an issue,

latest virtualisation software

such as Windows Touch Bar, as

which enables multiple operating

users can explore and develop

systems to run side by side

their technological skills to its

on a single Mac device. This

full potential.

available on a specific operating

includes any of the Windows operating systems, macOS or

To learn more about Parallels

Linux. The latest version runs with

Desktop 14 and our special

significantly less disk, memory and

education pricing, please

CPU usage, allowing Windows and

contact Ilia Tregoubenko at Ilia.

applications to run 35% faster

Tregoubenko@techdata.com n

than its predecessors.

Windows can be used side by side with macOS across a wide range of devices (MacBook, MacBook Pro, iMac, Mac Mini, and In today’s technological age,

and disadvantages, the gap

Mac Pro). There’s no need to restart

students and teachers are spoilt

between the two camps is what’s

the actual device, so students

for choice when it comes to digital

concerning. Users of one system

and teachers can access files and

devices. From mobile phones, smart

are rarely able to use the other

folders interchangeably between

whiteboards, to the latest selection

system as efficiently. But with the

Mac and Windows applications.

of laptops, the world is their oyster.

current focus on digital literacy

Yet in all of this, one thing

Ultimately, Parallels Desktop

and innovation, how can students

provides students and teachers

has remained constant: the

continue honing their digital

with the best of both worlds and

battle between Apple Macs and

skills yet maintain the freedom

over 50 new features; including

Microsoft Windows PC. While each

to use which operating system

performance improvements,

system has its own advantages

they desire?

graphics and support for new

educationtechnologysolutions.com.au

EDUCATION TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS | 63

SHOWCASES

NEW DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES COURSES 100% ALIGNED WITH AUSTRALIAN AND STATE CURRICULA

With a growing number of

curriculum itself is separated into

States implementing the Digital

3 groups by school year:

Technologies section of the

• Years 1 - 2

school with a portable MacBook

ScopeIT Education’s courses. There

Australian Curriculum, there is a

• Years 3 - 4

Air computer lab, internet

are a variety of programs, allowing

growing struggle faced by schools

• Years 5 - 6

connection, lesson plans and

students to explore robotics,

trained instructors. Classes are fun,

electronics, coding, 3D printing,

interactive and educational.

apps, web design and more.

and teachers. This curriculum is full of jargon, requires technical

Each Digital Technologies

and creative arts and design.

Lessons are provided in-

the program and 15,000+ students every week are participating in

knowledge and understanding, and

course is 20 lessons, delivered in

is very specific in places.

2 parts which can be delivered

from schools to find solutions to

more about us or receive a

For a teacher without a

With an increasing demand

If you would like to know

anywhere in the above year

incorporate digital technologies

copy of our latest Tech Talk

technology background, who has

blocks. ScopeIT Education’s

lessons in their classrooms,

For Principals newsletter that

not specialised in this field, it is a

detailed lesson plans come with

ScopeIT aims to support

includes an extensive list of

big challenge.

outcomes in specific Key Learning

educators so that every student

digital technologies terminology

Areas (KLAs) to ensure that your

can gain access to the skills and

and their meanings, contact

courses take a “curriculum-

students not only receive efficient

knowledge they will need for their

ScopeIT Education.

first” approach, which aims to

delivery of lessons, but have deep

future careers.

address the Digital Technologies

integration with other subjects

Over 200 schools across

curriculum without exception. The

including mathematics, science

Australia already have access to

ScopeIT Education’s new

64 | EDUCATION TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS

Call 1300 761 254 or visit www. scopeITeducation.edu.au n

educationtechnologysolutions.com.au

Unless otherwise expressly stated, the review of the product or products appearing in this section represent the opinions of the Editor or relevant editorial staff member assigned to this publication and do not represent the views or opinions of Interactive Media Solutions or the advertisers or other contributors to this publication.

Schools asked. We listened.

Edval is proud to announce its latest product – Edval Primary!

“Primary timetabling is easy….” is a

simplicity and intuitiveness

specific time and auto timetable

comment we often hear. However,

the main objectives. A school’s

around

Primary school timetables can be

timetabler is able to log in and

complex, with their own specific

complete a timetable quickly

requirements and nuances. While

and efficiently, without the need

many Primary schools currently

for training.

use Edval for timetabling, we

To use Edval Primary, schools

• Allocation of non-teaching time for core teachers • Better use of school resources and improved timetables for students and staff

multiple requirements such as pairing and separating students • Fast generation of Yard Duty roster • Data contained in one place for easy reference, transparency and accuracy

realised that we could better meet

can simply register at primary.

the needs of our existing Primary

edval.education/register and

individually or in combinations,

schools and provide a product

get started straight away. Edval

for teachers, student groups,

for any school still timetabling

Primary’s dashboard guides

year levels and rooms, with

Coming soon

manually. Rather than trying

the timetabler through easy to

colour coded subjects

• Sync to SIS via Edval Daily

to adapt our current software,

complete steps to create the

Edval - which is a market leader

timetable, generate the yard duty

in Secondary school timetabling

roster, and create class lists.

- we developed a solution

Existing Functionality

Primary schools.

• Automated scheduling of

solution enabling automated construction of timetables, with

educationtechnologysolutions.com.au

• Capacity to add special interest programs and support lessons • Display of allocated time for

• Easily accessible help on every page

• Reporting of allocated Subject time for ACARA requirements and KLAs

each subject and student group

custom designed specifically for Edval Primary is a cloud based

• Timetable views, either

specialist lessons, considering part-time teacher constraints • Ability to ‘lock’ a class to a

• Manual adjustments to

Stop shuffling pieces of paper at

timetable made easy with drag

your school and give staff more

and drop

time to spend on why they became

• Automatic assignment of students to classes, considering

involved in education – teaching students! n

EDUCATION TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS | 65

SHOWCASES Music Technology When we think of education

BY JOHN BIGELOW

Established in 1980, Alesis

technology, one often tends to

was founded on innovative semi-

think most immediately about

conductor chip technology and

interactive displays or tablet

award winning industrial designs

computers, laptops, robotics, 3D

that allowed entry level musicians,

printing and the like. However,

students and recording artists to

technology has become a

afford professional studio recording

pervasive part of every area of

products that were never affordable

education, which is why there has

before. Their list of innovations

been a significant push in recent

goes on and on and includes

years to move thinking away

some amazing products. The new

from STEM (Science, Technology,

Alesis Recital Pro - Digital Piano is

Engineering and Maths) to STEAM,

no exception.

including the arts. Truth be told, the use of technology in education

This feature rich digital piano

extends well beyond even those

includes 88 full-sized hammer-

dedicated areas.

action keys with adjustable touch

Over the next few issues, we

response and 12 premium built-in

will be looking at some of great

realistic voices such as:

new technology set to change the

• Acoustic Piano

way school teach in areas outside

• Acoustic Piano (Bright)

the traditional classroom. This

• Electric Piano

issue, we kick things off with music

• Vibraphone

technology, a subject close to my

• Organ

own heart. Whether it be music

• Church Organ

instruments, software, hardware,

• Harpsichord

or digital interfaces, there is no

• Clavi

shortage on great new ways to

• Synth

POWERFUL EDUCATIONAL FEATURES

engage students in the classroom

• Strings

The Alesis Recital Pro has an incredibly useful feature called “Lesson

and inspire and capture their

• Acoustic Bass

Mode.” This feature divides the 88 keys into two zones with the same pitch

creativity. The following represents

• Fingered Bass

and voice. This enables both the student and teacher to easily watch each other and play together without having to take turns or reach over one

some of the great new products we felt were worthy of highlighting.

Over the last few decades,

You can easily customize the

another. Recital Pro also features an easy “Record Mode” that enables you

voices by combining any two at

to record your playing and then critically listen back to your performance.

Alesis has revolutionized the

once in Layer Mode for a full,

music industry time and time again

rich tone by using the intuitive

with their ground-breaking studio

onboard controls and display

recording, electronic percussion,

screen. Voices can also be

ALL THE RIGHT CONNECTIONS

keyboard and live sound gear.

assigned to only the left or right

The Recital Pro features a ?” (6.35mm) headphone output which mutes the

Their passion for innovation

hands in Split Mode. You can even

internal speakers for convenient, quiet private practice. In addition to a ?”

is unmatched, and they're

add adjustable Modulation, Reverb

(6.35mm) sustain pedal input (pedal not included), Recital Pro also features

dedicated to creating gear that

and Chorus to further tailor your

stereo ?” (6.35mm) outputs to connect to a recorder, mixer, amplifier or

empowers students, musicians,

sound. With powerful 20-watt

other sound system. Recital also features a USB-MIDI output for connecting

producers and engineers at all

built-in speakers and a 128-

to a computer and using educational software or virtual instrument plugins.

skill levels to unleash their full

note maximum note polyphony,

Recital Pro can be powered using the included power supply or with 6 D

creative potential at home, in

Recital Pro delivers ultra-

cell batteries (not included).

the classroom, on-stage and in

realistic sound with an authentic

$599 RRP

the studio.

playing experience.

For more information visit elfa.com.au or call 03 9474 1000

66 | EDUCATION TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS

educationtechnologysolutions.com.au

Unless otherwise expressly stated, the review of the product or products appearing in this section represent the opinions of the Editor or relevant editorial staff member assigned to this publication and do not represent the views or opinions of Interactive Media Solutions or the advertisers or other contributors to this publication.

Alesis Command Mesh Kit - Electronic Drumkit cymbal with choke, a 10” crash

triggering your favourite virtual

with choke, and a 10” hi-hat

instrument plugins.

with foot pedal. The included

The whole kit mounts to a

Command Advanced Drum

premium 4-post chrome rack

Module features 74 drum kits (54

with non-slip clamps, providing a

preset, 20 user programmable)

durable foundation that is easy to

with 671 sounds. You can build a

set up and move.

custom kit from your own sounds by loading them via a USB thumb

Load Your Own Samples

drive. Plus, with 60 play-along

The Command Drum Module also

tracks and a built-in performance

features a USB memory stick

recorder, this kit is ideal for

input. Students and teachers can

teaching and enabling students

use this input to load their own

to engage in real-time practice.

.WAV samples for the ultimate

To help students further

flexibility. Once the .WAV

sharpen their skills, there’s a

samples are loaded, teachers can

built-in metronome and 1/8-

easily assign these to any zone of

inch input for playing along

any pad on the Command Kit. The

with mobile devices such as

sonic possibilities are endless!

phones or an iPod, so they

Teachers can also can also load

can be ready for that school

in .WAV files of play-along tracks

The Command Mesh Kit features

8”mesh kick with pedal, a 10”

concert or performance. There

using this input.

all mesh-head pads that

dual-zone mesh snare drum, and

is also a stereo pair of 1/4-inch

$999 SSP

deliver an authentic drumming

three 8” dual-zone mesh toms.

outputs, headphone output,

For more information visit elfa.

experience. This kit includes an

The set also features a 10” ride

and a USB-MIDI output for

com.au or call 03 9474 1000

that provide both exceptional

singers/small musical ensembles.

performance and exceptional

No AC power is no problem for

value for everyone from schools

Uber PA.

Alto Professional

to performing musicians and live sound engineers.

The unit features two input channels, each with its own independent volume control. You

Alto Professional Uber PA

can stream music wirelessly from

The Uber PA is a self-powered

any Bluetooth-enabled device,

portable wireless PA system with

and there is a convenient USB

Bluetooth® technology. It’s the

charging port to keep your phone

perfect solution for delivering

ready to go. With 50 watts of

hours of clear, punchy, high-

peak power driving a high-quality

Alto Professional is another great

affordable price. Through the

fidelity sound from a wide variety

6 ?-inch 2-way speaker and a

source of products for schools.

use of modern manufacturing

of wireless or hard-wired signal

long-lasting 50-hour rechargeable

Founded in 2000, the company

techniques, cutting edge DSP

sources, whether you have access

battery, Uber PA is ready to take on

was the brain child of a passionate

(Digital Signal Processing)

to AC power or not. Uber PA is

any challenge.

team of audio engineers striving

technology, and sophisticated

perfect for outdoor sporting events

$275 RRP

to produce products that delivered

design, Alto has succeeded in

and school meetings, parties,

For more information visit elfa.com.

superior performance at an

producing a range of products

award/graduation ceremonies or

au or call 03 9474 1000

educationtechnologysolutions.com.au

EDUCATION TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS | 67

SHOWCASES Truesonic TS3 from Alto Professional in a no-compromise family of

TS312 and TS315, with 8-10-12-

new drivers can safely handle the

professional loudspeakers. These

and 15-inch woofers respectively.

additional power, the TS3’s take

speakers solve every performance

The range shares a new 2000-watt

full advantage of the increased

and installation challenge you

peak (1000-watt continuous)

wattage and will play at higher

have. They are high-performance

amplifier, a significant advance

SPLs (Sound Pressure Levels) with

in every sense: Their new

over the 1100-watt peak (550-watt

lower distortion.

transducers and amplifiers enable

continuous) amplifiers in the TS2.

them to play extremely loud and

The four models boast

Alto even made the TS3’s easier to use, with an updated

clear, without compromise or

all-new low-frequency drivers,

control panel and clearer control

restriction. And they are “high-

designed to play louder and

indications and detents that make

performance” from a concept and

handle more power than their

for a faster, more precise setup.

manufacturing standpoint. Alto

already-impressive predecessors,

made sure that every aspect of

the wildly-successful TS2 Series.

power, newly-designed drivers

their design outperformed what

They also have a new horn-

and easier, more satisfying

it had to do. The end result are

loaded high-frequency driver.

controls and setup—the new TS3

loudspeakers that achieve a level

This impressive transducer has

range doesn’t merely meet your

of excellence and refinement

a brand-new heat sink design

requirements. It makes you re-

For schools looking for a little

that defies expectations. Defies

that provides exceptional heat

think what’s possible.

more volume, the new Alto

your expectations.

dissipation for impressive power-

$545 RRP

handling, even at all-night-long

For more information visit elfa.com.

concert levels. Because these

au or call 03 9474 1000

Professional Truesonic TS3 Series does everything you demand

There are four models in the new TS3 range: The TS308, TS310,

TX2 Series from Alto Professional - Powered Loudspeakers for the Serious Performer

With the TX2 Series, Alto

The TX2 Series features a

Professional has created a

new ID, resulting in rugged,

family of powered loudspeakers

lightweight, easily-transportable

suitable for your most demanding

cabinets. Their trapezoidal

events, night after night. Utilizing

shape enables either upright or

much of the technology of their

wedge monitor positioning and

acclaimed TS3 series, the new

the full-sized steel grille gives

TX2 Series delivers the power

complete driver protection.

and clarity you need to sound

These speakers are built for

your best.

continuous heavy-duty use. Add

There are four models in the

to that their full complement of

range—the 300-watt TX208 and

inputs/outputs and mounting

210, and the 600-watt TX212 and

options and it’s easy to see

TX215. They are all bi-amplified

that the TX2 Series plays an

2-way designs, with a long-

indispensable role in your

excursion woofer and a 1-inch

school’s live performances.

titanium compression driver in a

68 | EDUCATION TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS

2000 watts of bi-amplified

With the TX2 Series

newly-designed precision horn.

from Alto Professional,

This new horn design improves

your school can sound like

the high-frequency performance

consummate professionals.

and produces a very precise 90˚H

$445 RRP.

X 60˚V radiation pattern—ideal

For more information visit elfa.

for optimal audience coverage.

com.au or call 03 9474 1000

educationtechnologysolutions.com.au

Unless otherwise expressly stated, the review of the product or products appearing in this section represent the opinions of the Editor or relevant editorial staff member assigned to this publication and do not represent the views or opinions of Interactive Media Solutions or the advertisers or other contributors to this publication.

Auralex Acoustics D36 Roominator Kit Creating the right environment from

designed to dramatically improve

teaching, recording and practice can

your acoustics, and give you a great

be as important as the instruction

designer look!

itself. Too often, school performance

The Roominators D36 acoustic

and recording and teaching spaces

sound control kit offers you a

are full of reflective surfaces that

starting point to reduce unwanted

create unwanted and annoying

slap and flutter echo in your room.

distractions making it harder for

The D36 contains:

students to properly hear what

• (18) Charcoal Gray DST-112

is happening.

The Roominator-DST Kits from Auralex acoustic provide an ideal solution spanning a wide variety

panels • (18) DST-114 panels (In your choice of 3 colors: Charcoal Gray, Purple, or Burgundy)

of applications, addressing both

• Mounting Adhesive

the acoustic and aesthetic needs of

Perfect for vocal booths, isolation

the small project studio as well as

rooms, or small spaces with

the most demanding professional

dimensions of approximately 6? x

mix/mastering environments.

8? x 8?

Whether it’s your first studio, a

Price: $279

small theater, or a Pro Tools Suite,

For more information visit elfa.com.

the Roominators-DST Kits are

au or call 03 9474 1000

M-Audio Code 61 Controller Keyboard A keyboard should not be an obstacle standing in the way of creativity. Instead, it should function as a direct extension of a student’s thoughts ensuring that they can convey musical ideas with immediacy, precision and clarity. The Code 61 Controller Keyboard from

multiple banks of faders, knobs,

overlap zones and trigger two

creation/production process. Code

M-Audio offers several thoughtful

buttons, pads, and a smooth feeling

instruments at the same time).

also supports Mackie Control/HUI

design touches that enable users to

pitch bend and modulation wheel

create and perform at their best.

on top. New to the line of M-Audio

control modes, so right out of the

controllers is the X/Y Touchpad,

Serious Production Power

new keyboard with action that is

which provides additional and

Most every DAW uses keyboard

clean, and precise. The natural

direct interaction with effects and

shortcuts to execute common

portable setup, the Code 61 is

profile keys are both velocity-

instrument plugin parameters

functions (like adding tracks, cut,

USB-powered, class-compliant, and

and pressure-sensitive, for

across an X/Y axis.

paste, etc.). Now with support

supports USB-MIDI connectivity.

for ASCII/HID keyboard shortcut

Plus, it supports iOS connectivity

be split into four assignable zones

commands, you can map these

with the Apple iPad Camera

with everything students need

to maximize the flexibility and

commonly used shortcuts right to

Connection Kit (sold separately),

to produce some serious musical

functionality of your setup. (ie:

the controller itself, streamlining

enabling students to perform and

creations. Extensive assignable

trigger four different instruments

your workflow for a faster, more

compose with audio apps on their

parameter control is a breeze with

in their own separate zone, or

efficient and far more satisfying

iPad and other iOS devices.

The Code 61 features an all-

maximum expressivity.

Code controllers are equipped

educationtechnologysolutions.com.au

In addition, the keyboards can

box you are ready to work with most DAWs with minimal setup.

For an easy-to-use and

EDUCATION TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS | 69

SHOWCASES Backlit Drum Pads

award winning virtual instruments

The Code 61 offers the

create, record and share all of

There are 16 assignable RGB

Loom and Hybrid 3.0—so you have

highest professional level

their ideas across the world at

backlit velocity sensitive drum

unrestricted access to the best

of performance control and

any time.

pads to indicate at a quick

creative tools.

keyboard feel, combined with an

Pro Tools First features

unusually comprehensive set of

unlimited busses, elastic time

features and included software.

and elastic pitch, offline bounce

glance exactly what function any

Ableton Live Lite delivers much

particular pad is assigned to. The

of the functionality of Ableton

buttons, knobs and faders are

Live—the revolutionary, multi-

also color-coded to indicate what

award winning music production

Pro Tools First Download:

space for collaboration or

mode they’re in. An alphanumeric

solution that lets students

Pro Tools First, the industry

accessing student projects from

LED display provides informative

spontaneously compose, record,

standard for recording

any computer anywhere that is

feedback, including on-screen

remix, improvise and edit their

software, is now included with

connected to the internet.

display of parameters and settings.

musical ideas in a seamless audio/

M-Track C-Series Audio/MIDI

It all adds up to no confusion, no

MIDI environment. Live brings

interfaces, as well as M-Audio’s

recording package is primed

guessing, just precision control.

student’s acoustic, electronic and

renowned CTRL, Code, Oxygen,

to get your ideas out of your

virtual instruments—as well as

Hammer and Keystation USB/

imagination and amplified out

Exclusive Software Included

their digital audio recordings and

MIDI keyboard controllers.

into the world, enjoy!

A comprehensive software package

MIDI sequences—together in a

This amazing audio recording

RRP $519

is included—Ableton Live Lite, full

single interface with unparalleled

software helps inspire any

For more information visit elfa.

versions of AIR Music Technology’s

ease of use.

student, singer-songwriter to

com.au or call 03 9474 1000

and 1 GB of free cloud storage

This truly amazing software

POD HD Stomp Recording, teaching and practising

Helix brethren, the HX Stomp

guitar in a school environment can

guitar pedal nonetheless fits easily

be challenging. How do you get

onto a pedalboard, or even in the

the right sound, facilitate digital

pocket of school or gig bag. There

recording and let students practice

are over 300 amps, cabs, and

along with their favourite songs

effects to choose from including a

without spending a fortune on mics,

looper. HX Stomp contains all the

equipment, sound proofing and so

same HX models found in Helix

on. The answer, is much smaller,

family products, as well as the

more affordable and easier to use

legacy effects library from Line 6®

than you might ever have imagined.

M-Series pedals, and stompbox

HX Stomp™ from Line 6

modelers such as the DL4™. Use it

is a professional-grade guitar

as a "super stompbox," a backup or

processor that delivers the sound

travel rig, an add-on tone expander

of Helix® amps, cabs, and effects

when combined with other

in an ultra-compact pedal. Whether

modelers, best of all for schools,

you prefer to play through a

an audio interface. Students can

traditional amp-and-pedal setup,

even run the Stomp as a complete

or go direct onstage or in the

guitar or bass rig saving both

studio, HX Stomp seamlessly

schools and students hundreds if

integrates into a variety of

not thousands of dollars. Just plug

environments and applications.

straight into the PA via the front of

Utilizing the same DSP

70 | EDUCATION TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS

house desk and away you go.

(Digital Signal Processing) and HX

For more information visit

Modelling technology as its bigger

https://line6.com/hx-stomp/

educationtechnologysolutions.com.au

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SCAN CODE WITH YOUR CAMERA

| IT SECURITY

CCT V IN SCHOOLS

BY BRETT MCCALL

72 | EDUCATION TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS educationtechnologysolutions.com.au

In an increasingly uncertain world,

Ms Robinson angrily disciplines the

would debate about who conjures up

there is one thing over the past decade

indicates they are disenfranchised

The statistical profile of offenders

mischievous Johnny. That night, the

more tricky and secretive brews – the

that has shown no signs of wavering

young men with a history of trauma,

incident is uploaded to YouTube and by

security or IT manager?

within the education sector – the

bullying, academic challenges and

week’s end is the most clicked online

proliferation of CCTV systems!

exposure to violent videos and games.

video amongst the 950 students at

and power over Ethernet switches are

that school.

now the backbone for most digital

Cat-6 cable, computer servers

Schools are under increasing

Whilst Australia does not have the

pressure every day on a wide variety

gun culture threat, other potential

of issues, including teacher standards,

perpetrators, such as non-custodial

and are now forcing school managers

CCTV, which also utilise wireless and

facilities, amenities and infrastructure,

parents, pose significant risks to

to consider extending their CCTV

hard-wired IP data communication

class sizes, theft, damage to property,

school environments, as do more

coverage into classrooms and other

infrastructure common in almost

school yard (and now classroom)

recent threats to specific cultural and

areas previously considered off limits

every workplace and school. As

bullying, interloping strangers and,

religious-based schools.

in the school environment.

schools juggle ever-tightening budgets,

more recently, terrorism. As a

Whilst external threats to schools

Such scenarios are not uncommon

A recent example of where duty

security technology systems such as

using existing infrastructure makes

consequence, school managers are

by thieves, vandals and weapon-

of care for a teacher failed was

the installation and maintenance of

turning to IP-based digital technology

carrying criminals receives regular

highlighted in the Victorian Supreme

CCTV systems cost effective and

such as CCTV to help identify and

attention by police and media, internal

Court when a former secondary

technically convenient.

respond to these ever-increasing

threats such as bullying of both

college teacher was awarded more

High definition CCTV cameras now

threats. No longer is the question

children and staff are equally common

than $1.27 million in damages after

deliver up to five million pixels of digital

should we install CCTV, but rather, how

in some schools but are dealt with

developing chronic depression from

image recording at 25–30 frames per

much can we install.

in-house and away from the public

being forced to teach the worst

second and with infrared illuminators;

scrutiny created by the media, except

behaved ‘feral’ students at the school

usable images of suspicious persons

in the most extreme cases.

he was working at. Had CCTV been

can be recorded at night in vandal/

Picture this scenario: Billy and

installed in this workplace at the time,

weather-resistant housings to protect

points up to 80-camera systems and

Johnny discuss during the lunch break

school management would have been

cameras wherever they are mounted.

beyond covering common areas,

their displeasure about attending the

able to observe live and recorded

corridors, playgrounds, locker bays,

next two periods of maths with Ms

footage of alleged incidents and

rise to the world of advanced video

bike storage sheds, carparks and

Robinson because it is boring and she

respond with remedial actions in a

analytics. Additional software that

administration offices.

often rages when kids muck around.

timely manner to protect their staff and

runs algorithms on network video

Thankfully, Australian schools have

The two boys decide to play a prank

the school’s reputation.

recorders (NVR) can enable CCTV

not been subjected to the same threats

on Ms Robinson by setting her up on

often seen on the news, largely out of

the Internet. After the bell, the two boys

‘dark art’ of security was managed by

but analyse them for a range of preset

the US. Since 2004, there have been

enter the classroom where Billy sits in

a security manager, who was often

outcomes and send instant real-time

over 340 deaths of students and staff

the back left corner and Johnny sits in

a person with a police or military

alerts to authorised stakeholders of

in schools in the US, with the majority

back right corner of the room. Half way

background. However, as security

breaches or changes in conditions

being caused by lone wolf active

into the lesson, Johnny starts mucking

systems move from analogue into

of concern.

shooters. One of the most tragic was

around, shooting paper spit darts out

the new world of digital, thanks

the Sandy Hook Elementary School

of a pen shell at Ms Robinson when

to computer technology, we find

massacre in December 2012, which

her back is turned. In the meantime,

ourselves dealing more and more with

claimed the life of 20 children and

Billy produces his smartphone and

the IT manager to ensure our security

in attendance of students and staff,

six staff.

films the mayhem as, predictably,

systems function appropriately. Many

and known unauthorised persons

CCTV coverage within schools now ranges from small six-camera systems recording entry and exit

educationtechnologysolutions.com.au

In recent years, the somewhat

Digital technology has also given

systems to not only record images

Software analytics can include: • facial recognition – recording time

EDUCATION TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS | 73

| IT SECURITY

"Whilst such technology can be confronting, the benefits, if appropriately engaged and managed, will help protect children and the great many people charged with the responsibility of educating them by helping to catch those who seek to harm or disrupt them."

74 | EDUCATION TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS

entering/leaving school grounds

To believe that we can simply

• school yard bullying – gatherings

pretend that the level of technology now

of crowds in a single location for

found in schools, along with changes in

extended periods

societal standards, the proliferation of

• loitering – potential theft from lockers and storage areas

camera-enabled phones and the growth of social media will not all have an

• vehicle counting

adverse impact on a school, its teachers

• number plate recognition

and students is somewhat naïve. At

• camera tampering

some point, whether it is tomorrow,

• vehicle speed monitoring – car

next month or has already happened, a

parks and driveways

school will need to produce evidence of

• suspicious object detection.

a break-in, assault, harassment or the

Advanced video analytics and

like. The question has become, can you

intelligent video solutions for security

afford not to have some form of CCTV

and safety applications are constantly

in your school? n

being developed to meet growing consumer demands. Most systems

Brett McCall has been a security

are modular and customisable to

professional for the past 25 years,

every environment.

with significant clients across the

Whilst such technology can

education sector. He is a former

be confronting, the benefits, if

president and vice president of the

appropriately engaged and managed,

Victorian Security Institute, chairman

will help protect children and the

of the Victorian Police Ministers

great many people charged with the

Advisory Council on Protective

responsibility of educating them by

Services, and founding committee

helping to catch those who seek to

member for the Australasian Council

harm or disrupt them.

of Security Professionals.

educationtechnologysolutions.com.au

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The AMPLIFi® TT is a tabletop multi-effect unit that transforms any classroom into a music studio so students can play, learn and record guitar more easily than ever. Launch the AMPLIFi Remote app and they can start jamming to the music they love, right there in your classroom, teaching studio, dorm room or anywhere in between. Play through over 200 award-winning amps, effects and speaker cabinets. Play along with the tones of your guitar heroes. Turn your stereo into a streaming speaker system, and more. With AMPLIFi TT, students can turn on the music and rock out anytime they need to even in a busy classroom.

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1.The promoter is Interactive Media Solutions. 2. Entries close 30th March, 2019. 3. Judges are appointed by Interactive Media Solutions. 4. Judge’s decision is final and no further correspondence will be entered into. 5. Employees and their immediate families of Interactive Media Solutions and Yamaha Music Australia may not enter. 6. Information included in competition entries may be used by Interactive Media Solutions for promotional purposes. 7. All written entries received via email at competition@educationtechnologysolutions.com will be automatically entered. 8. Winners will be notified by Interactive Media Solutions on or after the 2nd of April 2019.

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