Loddon Mallee RegionPrincipal’s Conference 2012 Design SpaceGroup ID 140869565 (open)

Presented by Stephen O’Connor & Emma DeJong

The 2012 LMR principals conference was based and centered completely around the Ultranet, online learning and the use of Web 2.0 and Edustar applications. This was to enhance the effectiveness of School Administration and student outcomes in Teaching and Learning and to allow Principals to see how the Ultranet is used in other schools.

Our aim was for every principal to walk away with at least one new idea and a refocus on the importance of online learning.

Group ID 140869565 (open)

The Nitty Gritty:

1. Design Space was initially set up by Narissa2. Other coaches from each network then took on co-

ownership3. Basic structure was then constructed-

timetables, workshops etc4. School presenters were then invited to request co-

ownership and take over the set up of their page.5. Principals were then invited (through email and also

Ultranet notices) to join the space and begin participation.

6. Space was promoted at the Conference for all to join before attending any sessions.

Group ID 140869565 (open)

Preconference Blog

The dea of this was for principals to post ideas and thoughts before the conference.

Trying to promote an online community to support collegiate interactions.

Group ID 140869565 (open)

Competition

Another opportunity to put the wide range of Web 2.0 options in front of our school leaders.

Expanding their understanding of what is out there that can be adopted by all members of the school.

Conference Admin

Who is presenting?

Where are your workshops?

What resources is each workshop presenting?

The purpose of the space was to engage as many principals as possible in an Ultranet design Space to demonstrate how it can be used to support a community of learners.

It proved a very critical point for School Design spaces and also Community Portal pages: The difference in the effectiveness between a space owned by one person compared to one with multiple owners/contributors is HUGE.

We wanted the Prins to go back with an understanding that a team of empowered and skilled teachers can make a space a really powerful resource for their school.

Group ID 140869565 (open)

Over to Emma!

Group ID 140869565 (open)

How the space was used throughout the conference

Workshop presenters used the space to provide immediate access to related resources. Workshop participants interacted with resources.

Hands on component of workshops, where principals got a chance to use some online resources, were hyperlinked /iFramed/embedded into Design Space.

(steve) Bringing the Outside in!

During the Monday “Powerful Learning” session, We had a 4 x Todays Meet pages feeding into the page for the session through iframes. A number of classrooms were answering the question “What makes it easier for you to learn?” Real live feed from real live kids.

Online Brainstorming

During the Monday “Powerful Learning” session, We also had a google doc spreadsheet set up for a brainstorming activity.

Yes we dragged them away from butchers paper and pens (not many were kicking and screaming)

The Design Space allowed the participants to explore the other presentations and resources that were being conducted throughout the 2 days.

Blog on the home page used to inform Principal’s of important and social related announcements. Created a sense of humour

Principal’s participated in blogs prior to the conference and to check to make sure they were booked into the workshops they requested.

Principal’s were asked to provide feedback throughout the conference through Page Comments and Webforms in the design space. Feedback was fed back to the presenters immediately and workshops were modified accordingly.