What is the ICT PLT Program?
The ICT Professional Learning Teams Program commenced in Term 4 of 2009 as a way to provide professional development support to teachers involved in the first year of our 1:1 student laptop program.
Who participates in the program?
Our first group was made up of six enthusiastic secondary school teachers from our Year 9 LINKS Program. Subsequent groups have been made up of teachers from different areas and faculties at Ballarat Grammar. An important part of the program is the "cross pollination" and team culture that is created, bringing teachers together to share, create, learn and explore Teaching & Learning approaches in a technology rich environment.
How is the program made possible?
The program has changed and developed over the years with the support of the School's Leadership Team. The current ICT PLT Program is part of the School's Professional Learning Projects and Coaching Program. Participants have chosen the ICT PLT Program as their PL Project.
How often do you meet?
Over the years, we have found that a weekly session lasting approximately one hour, works best for continuity and to build the ICT PLT culture of exploring, learning and sharing. Currently, teachers meet on a weekly basis for one hour before school. (A hearty breakfast forms part of the session and gives us that early morning energy to start the day!)
What do you cover during the sessions?
The first years of the program saw a focus on software, web 2.0 tools, the use of Tablet PCs and 1:1 learning environments. However, the program has now evolved and sees teaching and learning approaches with the incorporation of technology as the focus. Project based learning is used as the vehicle to provide real life learning scenarios where teachers can develop the skills needed to teach 21st Century learners.