eTeachers – The next generation of teaching & learning Rick Whalley & Rachel Roberts

Networked Schools & Learners Virtual Learning – Derek Wenmoth, Revised LCO Handbook 2010

Virtual Learning Network The Virtual Learning Network (VLN) supports the concept of classrooms without walls, where students and educators have the flexibility to connect with their classes 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Where a rich and diverse range of courses, programmes and activities, from early childhood through to tertiary, are offered by New Zealand-based educators. www.vln.school.nz

VLN – Primary The potential is there to be able to provide all of our students in the Primary Sector with learning opportunities that we are not able to provide in our individual schools.

VLN Primary - Purpose Develop & support elearning collaborations in the Primary School Sector by: Participation in Programmes of Learning Projects Professional Learning LCO Handbook

Participation - Protocols Participation in the Virtual Learning Network (VLN) Primary is based on the Principle of Reciprocity. In order to access learning opportunities, schools also need to contribute to or support learning opportunities. The VLNP is not a service or a product but a collaboration of schools & clusters of schools. The VLNP acts to support and broker those collaborations: Through MOE support and website services Through participation in the VLNP Community.

Programmes of Learning/Projects http://pol.vln.school.nz/search

Professional Learning Liaise & participate in the wider educational networks eg VLNC, potential NEN, ICTPD network, EEL, VPLD, Advisory support Grow a Community of Practice of talented eteachers in the primary sector; Provide professional learning support for schools in elearning pedagogies and using the technologies for online learning Adobe Connect video conferencing desktop video conferencing Audio Conferencing Moodle and Web 2.0 tools

Participating Schools

Why teach online? Follow your strengths & passions; Become part of a networked learning community; Develop your elearning confidence & capability; Benefits to students

Key Strategies eTeaching Developing relationships – ‘social presence’; Communication students & their school support; Active participation of students – student centred approach; Careful facilitation of online interactions; Collaboration & sharing with others: Virtual staff meetings, Collegial support & mentoring, OER – Open Education Resources.

Technology - pedagogy http://blog.core-ed.net/derekarchives/archives/barel.swf

Matapu Students in German Class

Adobe Classroom - Synchronous learning http://www.v7.breezeserver.co.nz/ Adobe Classroom - Synchronous learning

VLN Primary Moodle Site http://primary.vln.school.nz/ Asynchronous learning Online learners and F2F learners = Blended Learning Environment

Would you like to participate in the VLN Primary? Contact: Rachel Roberts rachel@matapu.schoolzone.net.nz Rick Whalley rick@matapu.schoolzone.net.nz Eddie Reisch Eddie.reisch@minedu.govt.nz