What's education.au up to?

Well, there seems to be quite a lot of activity at education.au recently (or maybe I've just noticed!)

• Teacher professional learning: planning for change The promise of ICT transforming teaching and learning relies heavily on professional learning. An education.au survey found that only 27% of teachers use ICT effectively in the classroom! So, the recommendations include the development of a national professional learning strategy based on research evidence, development of national ICT standards.

• What does 21st century learning look like? A one-day seminar with opportunities to find out more about what this might mean for the learning environment and what might be the impact on schooling. When: 11 Sept. Where: Australian Technology Park

• Annual report on emerging technologies: planning for change ‘The focus is on recommending actions that will support an environment that normalises change.’ The recommendations that are of interest (to me!) are #1 implement an ICT in teaching and learning continuum to enable a smooth transition for learners through the education sectors; #3 plan a program of research around the use of ICT [This is sort of like futurelab which is focused on promoting innovation in education by encouraging exchange of ideas and a place to experiment. Check out the research articles.]; #7 develop a strategy for professional learning based on sound research; and #8 implement an ICT competency framework for teachers. Challenges! Of course there are but these are best described by the Horizon report 2009 K-12 edition.

Great ideas, makes perfect sense but I reckon by the time all this happens, ‘new and emerging’ will be a thing of the past!