SPARC | eLearning at Lewisham
The term eLearning was coined over a decade ago. The ‘e’ in elearning traditionally stood for ‘electronic’. It’s meaning today however is much more diverse. While it's true that eLearning at Lewisham will involve ICT, or Information and Communication Technology, we believe that eLearning presents education with a new spectrum of challenges and opportunities and that ‘e’ in eLearning should stand for the following:
ENABLING Firstly, ENABLING learning. Enabling learning for each and every individual student by using teaching methods that shift the focus of activity from the delivery of content by the teacher, to the discovery and synthesis of information by the learners. This is known as a student centered approach to teaching and learning, and has at its core methodologies such as enquiry-based, problem-based, and project-based learning. |
We have to remember, that in the palm of their hands, students today have access the the better part of the sum of all human knowledge. Teaching them how to decipher this information is just as important as teaching them about it. Student centered learning develops learning-how-to-learn skills such as creative problem solving, critical and reflective thinking.
ENRICHED
Secondly, we believe eLearning refers to ENRICHED learning. An enriched learning experience is one which is personalised. Teachers ask the questions; who are my learners? How do they differ from one another? How does each and every individual student learn best? In what ways can my students best demonstrate their learning?
Personal learning devices will inevitably be part of an ENRICHED learning experience. ICT is increasingly intertwined with ‘normal’ life. An enriched, personalised learning experience will allow students to use their own technology in the service of their learning at school. ICT will be used as a tool which enhances learning.
ENGAGING
Thirdly, we believe eLearning refers to ENGAGING learning. Learning at its best should be, exciting, inspiring, challenging and active. Active learning means that students aren’t simply the passive recipients or ‘consumers’ of information, but actively engaged in the construction of their knowledge. Personal learning devices are invaluable tools in active learning. They offer ways of engaging students with content, (both individually and collaboratively), which have been previously impossible. We need to engage our students in opportunities that encourage deep learning.
EMPOWERING
Fourthly, we believe eLearning means EMPOWERING learning. We aim to develop the skills that will not only ready our boys for universities, careers and trades that exist now, but for jobs and and careers that may exist in the future - some of which haven’t been invented yet. We aim to inspire a life-long love of learning and to do this, learning must be made relevant. We need to EMPOWER our boys with skills relevant to their future in the 21st century.
EVERYWHERE
Finally, we believe that the ‘e’ in eLearning should stand for learning that happens EVERYWHERE. ICT today makes it possible for us to communicate and collaborate from anywhere, at anytime on any device. ICT allows our boys to be connected to each other and their learning. It will allow for relevant learning to happen beyond the walls of the classroom through blended learning environments.
ENRICHED
Secondly, we believe eLearning refers to ENRICHED learning. An enriched learning experience is one which is personalised. Teachers ask the questions; who are my learners? How do they differ from one another? How does each and every individual student learn best? In what ways can my students best demonstrate their learning?
Personal learning devices will inevitably be part of an ENRICHED learning experience. ICT is increasingly intertwined with ‘normal’ life. An enriched, personalised learning experience will allow students to use their own technology in the service of their learning at school. ICT will be used as a tool which enhances learning.
ENGAGING
Thirdly, we believe eLearning refers to ENGAGING learning. Learning at its best should be, exciting, inspiring, challenging and active. Active learning means that students aren’t simply the passive recipients or ‘consumers’ of information, but actively engaged in the construction of their knowledge. Personal learning devices are invaluable tools in active learning. They offer ways of engaging students with content, (both individually and collaboratively), which have been previously impossible. We need to engage our students in opportunities that encourage deep learning.
EMPOWERING
Fourthly, we believe eLearning means EMPOWERING learning. We aim to develop the skills that will not only ready our boys for universities, careers and trades that exist now, but for jobs and and careers that may exist in the future - some of which haven’t been invented yet. We aim to inspire a life-long love of learning and to do this, learning must be made relevant. We need to EMPOWER our boys with skills relevant to their future in the 21st century.
EVERYWHERE
Finally, we believe that the ‘e’ in eLearning should stand for learning that happens EVERYWHERE. ICT today makes it possible for us to communicate and collaborate from anywhere, at anytime on any device. ICT allows our boys to be connected to each other and their learning. It will allow for relevant learning to happen beyond the walls of the classroom through blended learning environments.
For these reasons, the eLearning initiative at CBHS Lewisham will be known as SPARC:
Student-Centered, Personalised, Active, Relevant and Connected.
Student-Centered, Personalised, Active, Relevant and Connected.
THE LEWO LEARNING STATEMENTThe LEWO Learning Statement is a document which will become the cornerstone of pedagogy at CBHS Lewisham. The Learning Statement focuses on four key principles – Learning, Engagement, Wonder and Opportunity. Each key principle has four statements of commitment attached to it and is aligned to the four EREA Touchstones - Liberating Education, Inclusive Community, Gospel Spirituality, Justice and Solidarity. In this way we are offering our students a pedagogical framework that is deeply embedded in the story and charism of Edmund Rice and in the rich Christian context of our Catholic tradition. Click on the image to download the PDF
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AUSTRALIAN PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS FOR TEACHERS ALIGNMENTThis documents highlights the synergy between the Touchstones, our very own LEWO Learning Statement and the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers. Please take the time to familiarise yourself with the network of relationships between the agencies that underpin our teaching practice at CBHS Lewisham. Click on the image to download the PDF
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