This project aims to utilise a blended approach to teacher professional learning.The professional learning context is: How can the use of digital content assist in

meeting the diverse literacy needs of our learners? Through inquiry into this context this project aims to develop a shared repertoire of practice amongst members.

NB: For the purposes of this project, we are defining blended learning as a learning approach that includes the use of appropriate combinations of information technologies--videoconferencing, audio-conferencing, Internet, CD-ROM, and other media, combined with appropriate learning technologies, on-site facilitated activities, and strong learner support systems. (World Bank Institute, 2010)

Practical knowledge and skills personalised to learners around enhancing literacy with ICT. This will include in-depth knowledge of key MOE initiatives including Digistore and Software for Learning.

Increased understanding of how e-learning can enhance New Zealand Curriculum –particularly effective pedagogy.

An increased understanding of strategies/approaches to meet the literacy needs of diverse learners.

A network of colleagues with whom you can share effective practice, learn and apply new and valuable skills for teaching.

The opportunity to contribute to a national body of research around online professional learning.

Specific details will be discussed and agreed on at the first face to face meeting in Term 2.However participants will be involved in selecting an area to work on related to: How can the use of digital content assist in meeting the diverse literacy needs of our learners?Participants will be expected to:

attend two days of face to face meetings in Tauranga participate actively in our online community (approximately one hour per week) develop activities to facilitate with students within their own class and evaluate

the outcomes.

Teaching as Inquiry as outlined in New Zealand Curriculum, page 35 will be used to guide inquiries into the impact of our teaching on our students. Actions within this project may include:

Selection of a theme for exploration Discussion and storytelling within the group about experiences related to the

theme Sharing of examples of practice with the group Reflective Practice Use of data Peer coaching Literature and theory

E-Pilot: Enhancing Literacy with ICT.Information for Teachers

Intended Teacher Outcomes:

Programme Overview:

Resource development Collaborative learning and assessment.

Many of the above contributions will occur in our online community space. This area will be set up within the Virtual Learning Network and will be private to this professional learning community.

Participants will be invited to participate with consideration to the following key factors:

o Teachers with middle/ senior management roleso Level of ICT access and willingness to learn new skillso Support for at-risk learnerso Teachers in isolated areas

6-8 , Y0-10 teachers from a range of New Zealand schools will be involved.

The community of professional learning participants will offer opportunities to build strong relationships, enabling participants to share frustrations as well as successes, and to ask/answer each other questions.

Rocky will be facilitating this project and will be available to answer questions and assist participants in learning new skills.

Financial support of up to two teacher release days will be provided for each participant.

For further details please contact:Rochelle JensenDigi -Adviser School Support Services‘Learning Partners’The University of Waikato142 Durham Streett 64-7-5775314m  021-552 -964blog  http://rocky11.blogspot.com/

Project Participants:

Support Available: