Tuesday 27 March 2007

Cluster Share - Virtual Field Trips

Cluster Shares 2007 

The cluster gathered in force this afternoon (over 75 teachers) to support our first cluster share of the year hosted by Northcote Primary. The theme was exploring virtual field trips and how they can add value to the compelling and creative learning that is already happening in our schools. Special thanks to Helen Rennie-Younger and Nicky Ling for sharing their learning and experiences with us all. You can view Helen's presentation on our cluster wiki Teachers at each class level also explored an archived virtual field trip and collaborated to record some of their thinking. I read through these and have collated into 3 pages at each level. Noticeable was the range of strategies and also recommendations from teachers who have already participated. Worth a read before you start a field trip.We finished with a conference call and questions to Audrie McKenzie, LEARNZ eduactor, who is currently on location facilitating a virtual field trip at spectacular Aoraki Mt Cook. eMail Audrie if you have any further questions or suggestions. Cluster schools have already registered for future field trips and we are keen to see the results of their 'virtual travels'. See more about this event, including links to resources and photos on the Central North Shore wiki. It's such an exciting time to be teaching... and learning. Northcote teachers report they, like their students, couldn't wait to get to school each day! Coincidently YouTube announced their first video awards today. An animation from NZ simply called KIWI! won the award for most adorable by the YouTube community...worth a squizz if you have 3.09min.