Action Learning with Learning Objects (ALLO) Project
The ALLO Project is an initiative of the Department of Education and Training (DET) that is supported by The Le@rning Federation (TLF). The main aim of the project is to build confidence and competence in the way teachers use learning technologies in their classroom programs, particularly TLF online content.
The project began in 2006 and is open to teachers from Government, Catholic and Independent schools across the NT. It focuses on how teachers integrate content and other digital tools into their classroom practice. Teachers conduct action learning and work collaboratively to explore their use of learning technologies in the classroom. Teachers assess the needs of their students and reflect on how well their teaching programs cater for these needs.
Action learning is a cyclic process where teachers develop an initial classroom idea, prepare the plan in detail, implement the plan, reflect on how well the plan went and then use this information to inform the next round of planning, implementation and reflection and so on.
Major outcomes
There are a number of major outcomes for the ALLO Project.
For teachers, this initiative seeks to develop:
- confidence and competence in the integrated use of learning technologies in classroom programs, particularly TLF online content
- skills in working with others to mentor and provide feedback on classroom projects
- knowledge of the repository of online resources available through ExploreNT
- support materials for the integration of the online content
- skills in producing and editing digital video
For the participating schools, this initiative seeks to develop:
- two staff members who can integrate online content into classroom programs
- students who use ICT to learn
- a peer coaching program that provides opportunities for other staff to learn with the project participants including the use of curriculum support materials
ALLO 2008
In 2008, ALLO will be a year-long action learning project divided into two phases.
Phase 1 – Personal learning journey
Participants will initially explore the various classroom uses for TLF content, then plan, implement and reflect on their planning, assessment and pedagogies with TLF content.
Phase 2 – Peer coaching
Participants will be given opportunities to develop specific skills that will enable them to assist a colleague with integrating technology in ways that engage students in learning.
In order to assist schools with building capacity and to provide for collaboration and support for participants, ALLO 2008 requires registration of at least two participants where the school has 7 or more classroom teachers. Teachers from remote schools are encouraged to register as there is funding for travel and accommodation.
Teachers considering participation in ALLO 2008 should ensure that the broad outcomes described above are clearly aligned with their performance enhancement plan and discuss their possible involvement with the Principal to ensure that ALLO 2008 clearly aligns with the school Annual Operational Plan.
- Information and registration form (pdf 630Kb)
ALLO 2007
ALLO 2007 involved 14 teachers working in the early, primary and middle years of schooling from 7 remote, rural and urban schools across the NT. Phase 1 of ALLO 2007 concluded in November 2007. The dedication, enthusiasm and hard work of all the teachers was phenomenal. The aim is to use the videos, units of work, teacher stories and student work samples developed by the participants to create a DVD and a Portal site as a resource for teachers interested in learning about using TLF content in their classrooms. Many of the original group will be continuing onto Phase 2 of the project where they will become a coach for a colleague in their school during Term 1 2008. The ALLO coaches will focus on supporting the effective implementation of TLF content as well as other ways of seamlessly integrating learning technology based on the needs and interests of their colleague and his/her students.
The Le@rning Federation (TLF)
The Le@rning Federation (TLF) is a national project that is supported by the State, Territory and Federal Governments of Australia and New Zealand. In addition to its ongoing research into emerging technologies and education, The Le@rning Federation develops Learning Objects for students from Transition to Year 10 across eight key areas. These areas are Literacy for students at risk, Mathematics and numeracy, Languages, Studies of Australia, Arts, design and technology, Business and Enterprise and Science.
Learning Objects
Learning Objects are chunks of digital material that feature graphics, text, audio, animation and interactive tools. They are based on the most recent research into how children learn and how teachers can support students’ learning. Learning objects are specifically designed to enhance, engage and motivate students’ learning. They enable students to work with complex content and ideas, complementing their classroom learning in effective and exciting ways. Learning objects are particularly useful for allowing students to work with ideas that are not normally possible in the standard classroom because of complexity, safety, time or cost. For example, the learning object “Sports shoes: sole support” is aimed at Year 6 - 7 students. It simulates the collision of sports shoes with the ground. Students develop understandings about the components of sports shoes and their purpose. They then use these understandings to measure and manage the force of impact with the ground.
Learning Technology
Learning Technology is a cross-curricula component of the NT Curriculum Framework (NTCF). Learning Technology refers particularly to computers, peripherals and the ways we use computer technology to create and communicate ideas. Throughout the NTCF, links to the Learning Technology outcomes are highlighted to show how they can be integrated across the curriculum.
Contact
Manager Learning Technology
Teaching, Learning and Standards Division
Phone: (08) 8999 4311