Engaging learners through innovative practice
The Department's 2010 Office of Schools conference Engaging learners through innovative practice was held on Wednesday 14 and Thursday 15 July 2010 at the Novotel Sydney Brighton Beach hotel. Over 330 delegates were inspired by high-quality local and international keynote speakers as well as knowledgeable and enthusiastic workshop presenters. To access short biographies of these speakers and their presentations go to Keynotes.
The professional learning conference gave delegates an opportunity to enrol in a registered course through My PL@DET. The conference also provided a strong emphasis on student engagement, innovative practice and the use of information and communication technology (ICT) in student learning and professional learning. In particular, the conference focussed on four key questions:
- How do we get kids hooked on learning?
- How do leaders encourage innovation?
- What is learning for the 21st century?
- How do we share innovative practice?
Two highlights of the conference were the showcase presentations. On Day 1 the Department’s Arts Unit and School Sport Unit together delivered an exhilarating and interactive showcase titled Engaging learners, shaping lives. On Day 2 the Department’s Aboriginal Education and Training Directorate delivered an Aboriginal Education in focus showcase that provided an insight from the voice of Aboriginal students and Aboriginal staff into what turns Aboriginal students onto learning.
The conference featured a wireless environment that provided delegates with internet connectivity and a collaborative environment, allowing use of personal, school and DER laptops as well as mobile internet devices. A committed team of Technical Support Officers (TSOs) acted as ICT support for conference delegates across the two days.
For further information please contact michael.costello@det.nsw.edu.au
