26 Jul 2019
Over the last 2 ½ years, Forestville Public School teachers have been on a remarkable learning journey as they have explored, embraced and integrated a range of exciting technologies to enable and enhance student learning.
In 2017, we started with one STEM mentor and a senior executive who taught collaboratively with teachers, modelled best pedagogical practice and effective ICT integration and, introduced new technologies. As a school we participated in the Minecraft Education Edition (MEE) technical pilot and continue today to engage students in inquiry projects using MEE.
In 2018, we launched our K – 6 robotics program, building the capacity of all teachers to integrate robotics into learning.
In 2019, we released two staff members off class one day a week each to become STEM mentors who, continue modelling and mentoring teachers in best practice with technology, as well as supporting our three exciting technology projects with our collaborators - mixed reality with awe media; our drone project with DoE, Intel, RFS and Design 39; and 3D design and printing with Makers Empire.
Over the last 2 years, we have hosted visits from educators around the state and presented at network meetings on the strategies we have used to implement, sustain and grow STEM learning and effective technology integration across our school. Our involvement of selected students to participate in professional learning workshops alongside the teachers, have empowered students to become experts and partners with teachers when implementing these exciting technologies.