Connected Classes
New and emerging technologies, combined with highly innovative approaches to learning, are transforming NSW classes and delivering a richer and more engaging learning experience for students and teachers.
The Connected Classes trial in seven Western Sydney schools in 2006 demonstrated the potential to revolutionise classroom learning in NSW schools and TAFE colleges. View the full version of our Connected Classes video, which shows aspects of the trial, in Windows Media player:
Broadband version [wmv 5.28 MB Duration 3:53]
Dial-up version [wmv 1.22 MB Duration 3:53]
Transcript [pdf 16 kB]
Connected Classes involved classes with students from two or more schools who received teaching and learning through “live” interaction using video conferencing equipment and shared interactive whiteboards across the DET wide area network. The combination of these individually “mainstream” technologies created a motivating Connected Classes learning environment that was more powerful than the sum of the individual technology components. Students did not engage in virtual classrooms; rather, they participated in one extended connected class. Students at all sites could see and interact with the same materials and engage in shared brainstorming, discussions and active learning with their peers and a shared teacher. The teacher was not a “talking head” on a television screen; rather, an active participant in a dynamic learning environment. The focus was not on passive delivery of content but on student participation and engagement in learning.
The real-time Connected Classes shared learning environment can extend to all schools and has the potential to address the following educational needs:
- shortage of secondary teachers with specialist subject training
- small numbers of student candidates and timetable restrictions that prevent schools offering a broad curriculum
- student access to virtual field trips and on-line simulations
- student access to university and industry experts
- expanded primary and secondary school transition links
- shared teaching between primary and secondary schools
- accelerated learning for gifted and talented primary students
- linking Indigenous student communities throughout the state
- access to early intervention services for parents and communities in remote locations
- development of preschool to year 4 student skills and confidence as technology users
- access to networks of learners to broaden early career teacher experience and professional learning opportunities for beginning teachers
- opportunities for experienced teachers to network and mentor through state-wide interest groups.
