DLTV Report for ACCE

  • Michael Phillips Monash University

Abstract

2016 so far has been a busy one for Digital Learning and Teaching Victoria as we continue to work towards the Strategic Drivers. DLTV has continued to develop networks and partnerships which allow DLTV to advocate on behalf of its members as well as to be a part of the schools systems. Our co-opted committee members from Independent Schools Victoria, Department of Education and Training, Catholic Education Office and the Victorian Curriculum Assessment Authority have been invaluable in building connections, working in partnerships and better understanding the needs of our members.   In 2016 we have launched our second regional conference in Bendigo to reach out and support regional Victorian schools with the implementation of the Digital Technologies Curriculum and the new VCE Computing study design   The last year has also been a big year across Australia for coding, digital learning and innovation. The Federal Government released its Innovation Agenda, putting STEM at the forefront of policy and we saw the Victorian Education State Policy released, highlighting innovation and creativity as important directions for education. As the sense of urgency for increasing the number of students completing IT related subjects, we have seen STEM become a well-known and considered term, which promotes digital learning. We have also recently celebrated the introduction of Digital Technologies in the Victorian Curriculum and DLTV has been there to support teachers and schools as they implement the new curriculum. Highly successful webinars have been held with teachers flocking to hear case studies and examples of the new curriculum. The resources and professional learning will continue to flow through 2016 with an emphasis on implementing the curriculum and assessment. This year saw the release of the new VCE Study Design: VCE Computing. A Resource Kit for VCE Computing was developed by a team of experienced teachers under the direction of DLTV. It contains sample SACs, solutions, timelines and advice for all units of the new study design, making it an essential aid in the implementation of the new course. There were also a number of VCE Computing workshops and webinars to support teachers in their planning and implementation. DLTV has also continued to support pre service teachers, offering specific events, advice and opportunities to participate in professional learning.   The 2016 membership drive was a huge success and saw an increase of membership, especially in primary schools. Teachers understand the importance of being part of a community of teachers who support and challenge each other, and DLTV continues to offer and build on a huge range of resources and professional learning. Our journal has had two editions hit the website this year and our editors, Mike Phillips and Michael Henderson, have been able to bring us a quality journal full of articles and stories from Victorian teachers and researchers.   We have continued to provide for the DET Strategic Partnerships Program (SPP) which provides funding to not-for-profit organisations to deliver programs to improve student achievement, engagement, health and well-being and/or teacher capacity. This partnership has enabled DLTV to provide quality professional learning to schools in how to implement the Digital Technologies curriculum. In July, the next annual DLTV conference, DigiCon, will be once again held at Swinburne University. With over 400 delegates last year, the conference was a huge success and showed the strength of digital learning and teaching in Victoria. Planning for this year’s DigiCon is well under way and the Committee are thrilled at the excellence shown across the program. The depth of Digital Learning and Teaching in Victoria is certainly a credit to its members and this is shown in the strength of DLTV’s community, where teachers are willing to take risk and support each other in learning and teaching. We continue to solidify our relationships with Government ministers, both federally and at state level, DET, CEO, ISV, ACCE and an ever-broadening range of industry partners. We have begun partnerships with the AFL, the Brainary, Google, Vic ICT for Women and continue our partnership with Centre Com.  We have also reached out to other subject associations to develop networks and opportunities for collaborative professional learning.   We are very much looking forward to a successful year and building the organisation for our members.
Published
2016-08-04
How to Cite
Phillips, M. (2016). DLTV Report for ACCE. Australian Educational Computing, 31(1). Retrieved from http://journal.acce.edu.au/index.php/AEC/article/view/96
Section
General Articles (Non Refereed/Reviewed)