| | September - 20209This includes taking advantage of touch, gesture and voice capable devices. Creating content using technology encourages students to actively engage in their learning, and also helps to create exciting new resources for the School, which makes it a win-win situation all round. Exploring what's possible Access to new technology tools and platforms is constantly evolving. Being aware of what is available allows for greater teaching and learning outcomes, as well as giving both staff and students the chance to be more creative. A great example of this is `green screening' or chroma keying. This technology has long been a staple of special effects film studios, but at Wenona, it has become an exciting classroom addition for our students. By using cameras, a green backdrop and simple movie editing software, students have been incorporating this technology into their work to great effect. It has been awesome seeing students literally become part of their chosen narrative or interact with the characters within particular settings. I recently conducted a Year 11 English master class to help the students explore different ways to create multimodal presentations for their HSC. This included exploring the advantages of green screen technology to layer their content and achieve greater communication by promoting emotional connections and engagement with their intended audience. I also showed them some innovative ways that other students had used this technology to achieve outcomes that were previously unachievable, and they were most enthusiastic in their response.Similarly, there has been a highly positive response to exploring Virtual Reality(VR) and Augmented Reality (AR). These technologies enable students to travel to places that would not otherwise be possible in their day-to-day Science or PDHPE classes. It has given them an opportunity to explore inside their own bodies and see the layout of their bones and organs. Or scuba dive in the ocean and watch tropical fish swimming around the Great Barrier Reef. Technology like this gives students a more visual and tangible way of understanding the world. And rather than simply absorbing knowledge, it involves them in it.While exploring these technologies, we have also been able to expose our students to exciting new Australian start-ups such as Awe.media and JigSpace, which enable them to interact and create innovative content using VR and AR. Developing a wide student skillset, along with exposure to emerging products and ideas, helps todevelop their creativity and entrepreneurial thinking.Making it happen Using new and emerging technologies enables us to immerse our students in new experiences, expand their creativity and bring the curriculum to life in new and exciting ways. While explicit ICT skill development can extend and enrich their learning, as educators we must seek to bridge the gap between what we teach our students at school and how they will need it in everyday life. As educators, we must stay ahead of the curve and continue to nurture our own digital fluency. There is a wealth of support and resources available to help us with our professional development, including Professional Learning Networks (PLNs) on social media, and many great blogs and websites. Attending `teachmeets' and other events sharing and showcasing great learning is also a great way to extend our knowledge and skills. Staying relevant and appropriately skilled is challenging, but the pay-off is worthwhile. Enjoy! Rolfe Kolbe
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