NSW_Scan2010

**from** Scan**NSW Department of Education and Training, reproduced with permission**

Sharon McGuiness Thirroul Public School An ebook writing workshop, done in collaboration with Waniora PS TL Jane Pretty and conducted using video conferencing equipment, also with author Sandy Fussell. All on our blog with examples...@http://tpsblog1.edublogs.org/ Documented in the first 2010 issue of Scan. Description to come

//Jane describes her role as a collaborative leader and shares some of the ways that she works with students and staff to incorporate ICT in teaching and learning.//
 * McKenzie, Jane (2010) ‘Teacher-librarians: Leading, connecting and innovating’ in //Scan// 29( pp.6-9 **

As the Assistant principal and teacher-librarian at Quirindi Public School, I have had opportunities to provide professional learning for all staff members.Workshops were given to provide a background of IBL (Inquiry-based learning).Classroom teachers then worked with a learning partner to develop a unit of work that incorporated the IBL pedagogy. Units of work were shared with staff members becoming //critical friends// and giving feedback on all units of work. Teachers then implemented their units.

We have also endeavoured to ensure that all staff and students have access to new and emerging ICTs by providing targeted professional learning in 2009. This has largely been possible through our involvement in the Quality Teaching Indigenous Project (QTIP). The focus for QTIP for 2009 was technology, which enabled us use this funding. Our focus has been on how to effectively incorporate technology into the classroom teaching, learning and assessment cycle.Throughout the year, opportunities have been provided to work with the teacher-librarian and their learning partner with the intended outcome being to upskill all staff. During this time teachers have:
 * used online encyclopaedias
 * participated in workshops and developed teaching and learning activities using SMART Notebook software for use with our interactive whiteboards.
 * had an indepth look at //TaLe//. learnt about and implemented wikis into professional and classroom practice
 * provided opportunities for students to participate in a number of videoconferences, form NASA to Sydney schools partnerships
 * been involved in the cuddie-cuddie project, in which students share their digital stories with others around the world
 * supported students in a variety of WebQuests and internet based activities, including //Murder under the microscope//

Being a rural school we have found that our connected classroom has opened up the world to our students and teachers.The decision to place the connected classroom in the Information Centre has enabled access for every student and staff member in our school. We have recently connected with a school in Hong Kong where we will run videoconferences with all 13 of our classes to share cultural, technological and IBL projects. The connected classroom offers a wonderful opportunity for teacher-librarians to train and collaborate with teachers and students. As Assistant Principal, I believe the skills I have learnt as a teacher-librarian have made me better at my job, a better leader and collaborator.