HSIE Computer Use in Pedagogy Plan
The HSIE Faculty comprises the subjects; History/Geography, Commerce and there
are presently nine (9) staff involved in delivering these subjects to Years 7 to 10.
In keeping with the School Mission statement the faculty aims to provide the highest
possible quality of teaching to facilitate education and development of the whole
person. Each of these subjects plays a particular role in enhancing the relationship
between the individual, their society and environment. The Catholic perspective
which each course interprets, contributes in a meaningful way to the spiritual
development of each individual.
We encourage our students to achieve to their utmost potential. We are developing
stronger links with the community, and are encouraging our students to take part in a
broad range of co-curricular activities such as the ASX Schools Sharemarket game
to consolidate and extend learning.
Teachers in our faculty are continually upgrading their skills by:
 developing better information technology skills and integrating these into lessons
 attending relevant inservice courses to keep abreast of changes
 participating in corporate marking exercises
 attending Study Days, NSW History Conference
 membership of professional associations (History Teachers Association)
The Faculty aims to provide interesting, stimulating lessons delivered in an inclusive
style, where the more able are extended, while the less talented are also catered for.
Use of Technology
Use of appropriate technologies can enhance the learning experiences of students
and can facilitate student-centred leaning activities. It can include use of internet,
specific computer programs, DVD, video, Powerpoint presentation etc. In addition
museum virtual site studies and sophisticated Google map technology can be
demonstrated via desktop computers and projectors.
HSIE staff gave been actively updating skills by attending relevant inservice courses
and have been integrating technology into lessons and assessment tasks. Staff
regularly use Virtual Classrooms and students have access to these from their
homes.
Virtual classrooms have been set up for each year group including the Commerce
electives in Years 9 and 10.
HSIE Virtual classrooms contain relevant documents and weblinks for students.
Assessment Task notifications and exam revision guides are also incorporated. They
assist students with additional worksheets and can be of assistance to absent
students who can catch up on any missed work.
Year 10 students currently have laptops which are used to access virtual
classrooms. In 2013 staff have gained access to JacPlus online textbooks allowing
digital textbooks in History/Geography and Commerce to be accessed. These
electronic texts have provided a common thread of content allowing staff and
students to focus on key content.
In the future it is hoped to expand our electronic learning experiences for our
students. As of mid 2013 the introduction of ipads or tablets for each student is under
discussion. Hopefully electronic textbooks will be integrated into this proposal.
Following my participation in the Tenth National Interactive Teaching and Learning
Conference on the Gold Coast staff in 2013 and beyond will be working towards
more student-centered or project based learning exercises. The ipad device will
enable students to access “state of the art” software and utilise relevant “apps” or
applications. The range of internet and websites relevant to the teaching of History,
Geography and Commerce is extensive.
The HSIE Faculty already use electronic textbooks which parallel the new History
syllabus. These texts provide online resources available to all students. Staff
currently update Geography, History and Commerce Virtual Classrooms with
computer related activities. It is envisaged that these resources and texts will be
expanded in 2014 and beyond.
Paul Smyth
Acting HSIE Coordinator
September 5, 2013