Biography

= **My Biography** =

For my most recent work as one of two team members in the DEECD Vic Virtual Learning Project please visit our vibrant blog at:
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My past decade's experience in virtual learning systems including video conferencing has provided valuable input into moving the Grampians Region to the forefront of blended learning and remote content and professional development delivery. In 2011 I took the initiative to organise the first (sponsorship supported) 'Perfecting the Blend' two day conference for teachers and educators. In 2012 building on this success I am coordinating a second State-wide event with International keynotes and workshop presenters and I have attracted the interest of a Malaysian delegation. As an innovative practitioner I have been able to propose and implement many new uses of the virtual network impacting on the Region and beyond. My capacity to attract international partnerships is evident in a number of projects I am overseeing, in particular China.

Having completed additional training in 2011 in the area of Project Management I have planned, documented and directly been involved in the implementation and review of complex long term projects involving virtual learning systems. Integral to this role was a demonstrated ability to communicate report and interpret data to all levels of the organisation. During the past two years I have also spent many months as relieving ICT Coordinator for the Region. =**My work as a member of the Grampians multi-talented Ultranet Coaching Team in the Victoria involved close involvement with initially 31 networked schools, then 21 schools in the Central Network. **= =**As coaches we have been in the unique position of working closely with Principals, teachers and students in planning, development, training, team teaching and embedding of the Ultranet and indeed ICT for teaching and learning across the curriculum. My work has involved delivery of professional development in one-to-one settings right through to the annual Principal’s Conference and State-wide Coach meetings. Working in the classroom I have actively collaborated with teachers and students in the development of curriculum spaces, digital portfolios and learning goals. **= = = = = =Prior to this role I was a leading teacher at Ararat College coordinating ICT across the curriculum. My role involved being an active member of the leadership team, convening meetings of the ICT team and organising video conferencing linkups both locally and internationally. During my time at Ararat College I was instrumental in planning and supporting the development of a new open learning space for the Middle Years Program. We hosted the annual State-wide video conferencing team twice at the College and were State leaders in our use of the equipment for international link-ups including a direct link to Bill Gates on one occassion. = =As an innovator in the Global Classroom Project and the I*EARN network for well over a decade I have presented at many international venues. Many of my project initiatives have won national and international awards and recognition including the Childnet International Award, The Stockholm Challenge and the Herald Sun Teacher of the Year. I have been involved in research projects working with colleagues internationally. = =I am passionate about the classroom use of 21st Century technology and its potential to improve teaching and learning for every child. The Ultranet provides teachers with powerful engaging tools to achieve real improvement in literacy and numeracy. = = = = = = = = =