What strategies are you using to help teachers integrate ICT into their curriculum?

[Lisa Dumicich]

We are putting all of our staff through the International Computer Driving Licence to give everyone a base line knowledge of ICT and then we are also running workshops on various web 2.0 technologies as well as going into classrooms to be a helping hand. Also trying to direct staff to resources as much as possible!! Hoping it is working???

[Allister Rouse]

We used to put staff through the ICDL course. In the past it was beneficial in getting staff up to a baseline skill level. The focus now is on integrating the use of learning technologies into the classroom. We have en ever growing focus on Moodle as well as 22 interactive whiteboards accross Primary and Secondary. We are begining to develop staff skills in Web 2.0 technologies. Currently have three staff attending the Intel Teach program. We are contiually looking at ways to enhance teaching and learning using ICT.

[Ann McGrath]

We also have been running after school sessions for those who want to attend to fill in some gaps in the use of basic programs. We have had varying degrees of success because of its voluntary nature. We have also set up a small ICT committee within the school with one teacher from each level. The idea is that some will begin using ICT to enhance learning and as they share with others at their level there will be overall growth. The approach seems to be working. This term I am organizing visits to other schools for all staff so they can see things happening and become inspired themselves.

[Ann McGrath]

Lisa, We are looking into the ICDL just to give us an objective minimum that we could use. It sounds good. How far down the path are you? Are you doing your own training using the online modules? Who is paying for it? So many questions. is antone else doing it or contemplating it. I notice that Waverly is a testing centre.

[Lisa Dumicich]

We are STILL WAITING to be registered as a test centre. We have put in all the paper work etc last year had the inspection etc but the ACS has had some staffing issues so I think that has hindered the process somewhat. I have two staff members that have completed the qualiifcation with a largish group not far off finishing. We are using Third Forces online training which has been good but does have a few little quirks with it. We did apply for funding through the AGQTP for it but did not get it so the school is paying for it out of PD.
Ann McGrath said:

Lisa, We are looking into the ICDL just to give us an objective minimum that we could use. It sounds good. How far down the path are you? Are you doing your own training using the online modules? Who is paying for it? So many questions. is antone else doing it or contemplating it. I notice that Waverly is a testing centre.

[Sandra Gould]

I have been doing ICDL this year. I have found some of the modules challenging. AND I thought I was computer literate. ICDL want you to do some things their way, even though there may be other options. It has been time consuming, all training is done in our own time, whilst testing takes place after school (mostly on scheduled meeting nights). I have not completed it yet, but am nearly there. Some of our staff are finished. I have enjoyed most of the course, but really resent the time factor, as it has all taken place in my own time. So far I have clocked up over 30 hours. It is expected that ALL current staff will have completed this by the end of the year.