STAV/AIP VCE Physics Teachers’ Conference
2011
Beyond the Electronic
Filing Cabinet
- Delivering VCE
Physics Online &
Interactive
Bruce Carpenter
Virtual Learning Network
(Physics)
Bendigo Senior Secondary
College
Our Brief
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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?
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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
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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...
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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
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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
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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
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Progress bar
Forum
Blog
Tracking student progress
Web 2.0 communication
If totally online, SKYPE, Elluminate, Ning
http://vln.bssc.edu.au
VLN Physics Course
• Two years to produce Units 3&4
• Trialled with my BSSC Physics class
• High Stakes
Instructional Videos
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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
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Instructional Video features
Semi notes
Virtual Prac Activity
Quizlet
DEMONSTRATIO
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• Semi notes
DEMONSTRATIO
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• See demonstration instructional
video using instructions below;
Website http://vln.bssc.edu.au
username: physics.conference
password: vlnguest
DEMONSTRATIO
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• Virtual Prac Activity
• PhET Simulations
• Download the projectile motion
simulation.
DEMONSTRATIO
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• 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?
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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?
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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
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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
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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
carpenter.bruce@bssc.edu.au
Website http://vln.bssc.edu.au
Demonstration course
username: physics.conference
password: vlnguest