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Category Archives: future schooling


International Mother Language Day, 21 February

February 15, 2008 – 11:56 am

In 1999 UNESCO proclaimed 21 February as The International Mother Language Day, to be observed throughout the world. The day is celebrated to promote mother tongues and encourage linguistic diversity and multilingual education. Activities during the event aim to increase the awareness about linguistic and cultural traditions throughout the world and to inspire solidarity based […]

By Kerrie Smith | Also posted in Educationau, teaching and learning, Australian education, lifelong learning, mother tongue, indigenous languages | Comments (7)

The changing dynamics of learning

January 11, 2008 – 8:37 am

One of the nice things about being back at work at this time of the year in Australia, before schools, Unis and TAFEs resume, is that I get to look a bit more closely at some of the information coming across my desk, read those incoming blogs a bit more assiduously, and even follow up some […]

By Kerrie Smith | Also posted in Educationau, communication tools, teaching and learning, informal learning, professional learning, learning environments, networking, community building, social networking, me.edu.au | Comments (0)

Primary schooling in Australia on the verge of change

December 18, 2007 – 2:25 pm

I’ve been listening to an ABC podcast,  a Background Briefing, that says the Australian public primary school system in real danger of disappearing - small state primary schools to be replaced by bigger schools, a new kind of primary school coming - ready or not. Bigger schools, different ways of learning, more special interest groups in class. Not […]

By Kerrie Smith | Also posted in Educationau, schools, Australian education | Comments (3)

Blogs in education

October 15, 2007 – 12:53 pm

A Daytona Beach newspaper editorial column from a week ago was headed: Freedom of expression - Blogs are a limitless tool for educators and students.
Among other things the article says ” the day can’t be too far distant when blogs will (and perhaps should) be understood as an essential addition to education at all levels”.
The […]

By Kerrie Smith | Also posted in Educationau, blogs | Comments (1)

Low cost computers

September 20, 2007 – 3:39 pm

“Low-cost school computing set to take off” - this article in the US online publication eSCHOOL NEWS is about multi-user virtual desktop software and inexpensive computer terminals raging from $40 US.
The devices will be both mobile and non-mobile, and it is anticipated some will have a wireless capacity. A Californian firm is supplying the republic of […]

By Kerrie Smith | Also posted in Educationau, schools, learning environments | Comments (2)

Online Social Networking and Education

September 11, 2007 – 11:23 am

“Creating and Connecting”, a National Schools Board (US) paper published in July 2007 makes very interesting reading. It creates a picture of online social networking deeply embedded in lifestyles of 9-17 year olds, parents who think it may be a good thing, and schools that are not convinced it can ever have educational significance, although […]

By Kerrie Smith | Also posted in Educationau, online technologies, networking, Net Generation, Net Gen, social networking | Comments (0)

Schooling in the 21st century

August 13, 2007 – 11:18 am

I have just listened to the latest ABC edpod podcast.
Education consultant David Loader believes that schools have to change or risk losing the attention of the cyber-generation. A former school principal, with over thirty years experience, he challenges schools to reinvent themselves as learning networks, drawing on the resources of the Internet and the wider […]

By Kerrie Smith | Also posted in Educationau, schools, Australian education, learning environments | Comments (2)