Beyond the Electronic Filing Cabinet Bruce Carpenter Virtual Learning Network (Physics) Bendigo Senior Secondary College - Delivering VCE Physics Online & Interactive STAV/AIP VCE Physics Teachers’ Conference 2011

Our Brief Proof of concept for DEECD “can you teach VCE subjects entirely online” Alleviate difficulties of remote schools Explore online teaching & learning strategies Utilise internet, multimedia, Web 2.0 Use a ‘Blended Learning’ Model

Blended Learning Model “combining online delivery of educational content with the best features of classroom interaction and live instruction to personalise learning, allow thoughtful reflection and differentiate instruction from student to student across a diverse range of learners”

Why? Shortage of Physics Teachers Small classes Aligns with student expectations Short trials with Charlton P-12 School, Boort Sc, Donald HS, Wedderburn P-12 SC, St Arnaud SC Trialled with BSSC Unit3-4 Physics Class

Online Course Features Anytime, anywhere, 24/7 availability Software independent (no special installations) Must be instructional Provide similar experience to classrooms

Funding 2 x 0.6 allotments Partly DEECD Partly Multimedia Victoria Grant

There is a lot of material already available, however... Not comprehensive for our course Not always instructional Curriculum focus is unsuitable Static documents / text based

Research Internet searches Looking for courses not just activities Extensive travel interstate and overseas

Visits to distance/online education providers in Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania ULearn Conference 2010, Christchurch New Zealand Virtual Schools Symposium, Phoenix, Arizona (2010) Idaho Digital Learning Academy, Boise Idaho Riverside Virtual School, Los Angeles

BSSC Extranet...a Physics course or an electronic filing cabinet?

Vendors Not useful Many resources out there Very few written for VCE curriculum Bound up in yearly pay per student/school fees

Typical US Online Course Assembled from a range of resources Includes Vendor provided learning objects Mainly text based Works in the US (different culture) Not so sure about Australia

Learning Management System (LMS) Moodle

Moodle Features Progress bar Forum Blog Tracking student progress Web 2.0 communication If totally online, SKYPE, Elluminate, Ning

VLN Physics Course Two years to produce Units 3&4 Trialled with my BSSC Physics class High Stakes

Instructional Videos Teacher narration Explanation of theory Worked examples Branching options 50 of these!

Instructional Videos An engaging introduction Strategically placed animations, tables, graphs, fly-in text comments, diagrams, video clips.

Instructional Videos A ‘screen casting’ approach Rare Involve all usual features of a good lesson Multi-sensory (see, hear, do) Virtual Pointing “rough and unpolished” Authentic or “real”

DEMONSTRATIO N Instructional Video features Semi notes Virtual Prac Activity Quizlet

DEMONSTRATIO N Semi notes

DEMONSTRATIO N See demonstration instructional video using instructions below; Website username: physics.conference password: vlnguesthttp://vln.bssc.edu.au

DEMONSTRATIO N Virtual Prac Activity PhET Simulations Download the projectile motion simulation.

DEMONSTRATIO N Quizlet

Online Lessons Tests Answers to set questions

Advantages over traditional class Fast kids go faster Can then do harder or extension questions Slower kids can rewind and catch up Illness, sport, camps not such a problem Can integrate prac work continuously VCE results at least as good as traditional class.

Advantages over traditional class Can help to train student teachers Benefits of years of teaching experience

How do we Make the Resources? Notebook Software Adobe Captivate Software Screen capture with eLearning tools Storyboard in Notebook or PowerPoint Narrate each slide Embellish with emphasis

Slides created using Notebook Software

Slides are imported into Adobe Captivate

Each slide is narrated

How do students Like it? Better student engagement Clear improvement over previous years Other teachers notice the improvement No training needed No resistance

Teacher Impact Teacher role changes fundamentally Class time available for directly addressing student concerns. You will know your students better

Response Overwhelmingly positive so far We recognise it is not for everyone It has worked for us Low dropout rate Results as good as expected if not better

The Future National Physics Curriculum Revision Lectures Incorporate vendor material such as yTeach (Ultranet) Make available through Ultranet

Other VLN online Courses Maths Methods Units 3&4 Psychology Units 1&2

This Year Physics Units 1&2 Maths Methods Unit 1&2 Specialist Maths Units 3&4 Psychology Units 3&4

Thanks for listening!

Bruce Carpenter Virtual Learning Network – Physics Bendigo Senior Secondary College Website Demonstration course username: physics.conference password: vlnguest