Beyond the Electronic Filing

Cabinet

Bruce CarpenterVirtual Learning Network (Physics)Bendigo Senior Secondary College

- Delivering VCE Physics Online &

Interactive

STAV/AIP VCE Physics Teachers’ Conference 2011

Our Brief

• 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?

• 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

• 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...

• 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

• 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• 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

• 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• 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”

DEMONSTRATION

• Instructional Video features• Semi notes• Virtual Prac Activity• Quizlet

DEMONSTRATION

• Semi notes

DEMONSTRATION

• See demonstration instructional video using instructions below;

Website http://vln.bssc.edu.au

username: physics.conference

password: vlnguest

DEMONSTRATION

• Virtual Prac Activity• PhET Simulations• Download the projectile motion

simulation.

DEMONSTRATION

• 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?

• 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?

• 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

• 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

• 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