This was something I wrote about on my blog…but my rant raised itself again last weekend.
Earlier this month I was in Woomera where I was guest speaker at the Isolated Children’s and Parents Association State Conference. Prior to my presentation there was discussion about Internet access to rural families.
I was shocked that in 2009 these families are faced with a second rate education (IMHO). This is not from their educational offerings from Open Access College (DECS SA) but poor Internet access. OAC operates learning which is media rich and requires internet use…therein lies the problem.
The Internet access these families in remote and rural areas is inconsistent…up or down like a yo-yo….unreliable…and what would be frustrating all round for the student, teacher and family. The other issue is expense….. one family at the conference commented that the costs for her 3 children are $180 per month …with a $60 DECS rebate.
Dare I mention the problems faced with getting the information through Centra.
I feel our rural and remote families need to be heard…… and by the way there is no guarantee the new Telstra network will be any better for the isolated.
To top the initial rant off…last weekend I was in a small town just north of Adelaide, perhaps 50 kms….hmmmm no broadband of any description there either!
I know my suburb in Adelaide was one of the last to get broadband and wireless broadband is not reliable here either…… but what out ‘country cousins’ are facing is educational neglect.
I’ll get off my soapbox now.

It’s About Learning

Annual CEGSA Conference

July 7 & 8 2009

Australian Science & Mathematics School

I don’t think any of us would disagree that it’s about the learning! The annual CEGSA Conference is fast approaching, with a wealth of experienced educators sharing their perspectives and expertise in the use of learning technologies to enhance our students’ learning. For example:

Dean Groom

David Loader

Greg Black

Glenn McMahon

SA’s very own Sue Urban – recipient of ISTE’s 2009 Outstanding Teacher of the Year Award!

Whatever your area, or wherever you are in your learning journey, there will be something for you at this conference. Check the CEGSA site for more info on presenters – program will be available soon.

This year, for the first time, you can even register online – even registering more than one person at a time. Register here. CEGSA is also offering 4 pre and post conference workshops which you can attend at CEGSA member prices if you register for the conference.

The conference is a great opportunity to build your PLN, or to meet some of your PLN face to face.

Looking forward to seeing you there.

I posted on my own blog about the idea of educators being easy to find online which builds on the concept of “clickability” that Will Richardson talks about so eloquently on his blog. He also spoke about this when he was in town a little while back when a smallish but dedicated group of South Australian educators got to hear from this amazing well respected expert on the learning potential of the web.

Here we are, a dedicated community of educators whose passion for technology is such that we willingly join a professional organisation and network at events like the annual CEGSA conference. But how of our ranks are Google-able where a quick simple search of one’s name brings up a comprehensive overview of one’s professional work and innovation?

If the web offers connection in a way that was not easily possible before via blogs, twitter, wikis, discussion forums, flickr etc. then why wouldn’t we as a community be embracing this possibility to publish our work, ideas, resources and share with the gloabl education community?

Or on a more personal challenge level, what does a simple Google search of your name reveal about you as a learner and educator?