There are numerous digital learning initiatives occurring across rural Victoria. Some of these are outlined below:
1. EKids Science
E-Kids Science program is a partnership program between CEP Inc; the Helen Macpherson Smith Trust and a number of rural schools across the state.
The program began in 2009 with 80 upper primary school students across six schools and has expanded to involve eight primary schools in 2010.
The program involves:
- provision of online science learning for upper primary school students
- staff in these schools developing and providing on line learning in an area they have expertise
- provision of professional development for teachers and community members
- engagement of teacher trainee organisations in provision of digital learning.
More information is available by clicking: EKids Science 2010.
The program runs from the web address: EKids Science
2. PING
The Ping online music education project explores new ways of delivering music education. Using a blended learning approach that incorporates in-classroom teaching artists, web 2.0, and online video conferencing technologies to rural Victorian schools (Australia). Ping is starting a new phase in 2010. Register your interest in participating.
A unique opportunity is available that will engage your students in creative compositions tasks, video conferences with professional musicians orchestras, and the opportunity to tell the world about it through blogs and social networks.
This next stage will be bigger and better and will cater for students with no musical background through to experienced instrumentalists. The program targets middle years students.
During 2009, Year six and seven students from four schools in the Wimmera region of Victoria participated in the first program with rave reports. Together they composed short compositions/sound stories and uploaded them to the ping website. As well as participating in online video conference workshops with MSO and Orchestra Victoria musicians.
Ping is the result of the collaboration between the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, Orchestra Victoria, The Song Room, and Country Education Project. Generous support has been provided by the Helen MacPherson Smith Trust and the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development Innovation Division.
3. EKids Rural Express
During 2007, this program provided extension learning activities for rural school communities across the state. Known as the “E-Kids Rural Express” program, it involved 90 year five and six students, supported by 60 teacher trainee students, in a range of on-line learning activities.
A report of this project is available (PDF).
