New publicationsSkills for a Nation: A Blueprint for Improving Education and Training 2007–2017The ACCI has identified 153 proposals to improve the operation of Australia’s education and training system, drawing on ‘a never before published National Survey of some 1337 businesses’. Proposals in the blueprint include: support for an Australian Certificate of Education; a greater focus on employability skills and improving literacy and numeracy results; a move towards a national curriculum framework in the secondary school sector; powers for principals to hire and fire; compulsory learning of a foreign language from seven years of age or earlier (see article in The Age, 27 April 2007); consideration of opening school premises between 8 am and 6 pm; enhanced teaching and learning standards in the primary school sector; and a focus on improving the quality of teachers through more practical teacher training. Adapted from ACCI media release, 26 April 2007. KLA Subject HeadingsEducational planningTeacher training Languages other than English (LOTE) 101 Essential Lists for Using ICT in the Classroom
Continuum,
April 2006
This book suggests ways to help students learn about and use ICT applications in all the major subject areas. It includes teaching ideas and troubleshooting tips. Designed as a ready-reference guide for teachers, it lists websites relevant to different disciplines and provides a glossary of ICT terminology, safety information and advice on email etiquette. Ideas for using interactive whiteboards, multimedia presentations, designing websites and various digital media and e-learning applications are offered. The book also describes how a network administration can be used to set up a web cache in schools. (Adapted from review by M Gary in Scan February 2007. See also publisher's description) KLA Subject HeadingsElearningWebsites Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Ethical Implications of Emerging Technologies: A Survey
UNESCO,
2007
UNESCO's report explores the potential benefits and challenges for education associated with seven emerging technologies. In particular, the report considers how digital identity management and biometrics may allow for personal data to be amassed and individually identified; how geospacial web and location-based services may enable digital data to be linked to physical locations; and how mesh networking might be used to connect under-served areas. Semantic web and metadata, radio frequency identification (RFID) and sensors, and grid computing are explored, along with a consideration of how a selection of developing technologies may be combined. A summary of each technology is given, together with usage trends and an ‘infoethics’ analysis of potential ramifications and concerns. Each technology is reviewed in terms of how it may foster or restrict human rights, provide the public with access and scope in information, and encourage diversity in content. Recommendations aim to encourage positive choices about how the technologies are designed and adopted in society. (Adapted from Introduction to the report)
KLA Subject HeadingsEducational planningComputers in society Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Ethical Research with Children
Open University Press,
2005
Written for researchers, the book considers recent developments in pedagogical thinking and suggests strategies for conducting ethical research with children. The authors discuss the challenges presented by growing interest in respecting children's views, and heightened regulation and surveillance of research. Citing theories of childhood and child development, the book provides advice for planning, conducting and evaluating ethical research with children. Specific strategies for researching sensitive issues, working with very young children, creating research partnerships in Indigenous communities and inclusion of children with disabilities are also detailed. (Adapted from the publisher's description.)
KLA Subject HeadingsEducation researchEthics Children Reading Is Our Business: How Libraries Can Foster Reading ComprehensionEnvisaging a more central role for libraries and librarians in student learning, the author describes how teacher–librarians can teach reading comprehension through an engaging library program. The book outlines a structured seven-step process for teaching students how to go beyond the word level of the text to reach deeper levels of understanding and analysis. The steps include connecting, visualising, questioning, finding answers, determining importance, inferring and predicting, and synthesising. For each step, the book outlines reading comprehension strategies, which are illustrated with classroom-based examples. The approach is designed to help students make connections between what they read and other areas of learning and strengthen information literacy skills in the process. The author uses her own professional experience, research, and examples of good practice to explain teaching strategies. (Adapted from review by Susan La Marca in Synergy, vol 4, no 2, 2006 and publisher's description.)
Key Learning AreasEnglishSubject HeadingsLiteracyReading Teacher-Librarians School libraries Informal Assessment Strategies: Asking Questions, Observing Students, Planning Lessons that Promote Successful Interaction with TextThe book shows how informal assessment practices and the involvement of students in learning can improve literacy instruction and outcomes. Teachers are prompted to reflect on how they currently assess reading comprehension and encouraged to use new techniques for listening and questioning. The book presents ways to assess reading comprehension through observation of students' interaction, participation in lessons and assignments, along with tips on recording observations. It suggests ways to find time for and use assessment to inform instruction. Reflections from students and teachers are included throughout the book. (Adapted from publisher's description.)
Key Learning AreasEnglishSubject HeadingsLiteracyReading English language teaching Assessment |