This snapshot case studies Alex, a young child with Autism, and how using technology integration provided a tool for Alex to develop social and educational outcomes.

The ANSN and IBM as partners have documented and produced 11 snapshots that showcase early childhood teachers and their journeys in implementing technology with a play-based curriculum. These snapshots are designed to celebrate and share the cumulative learning of teachers who have explored and developed innovative teaching practices through technology integration, based on their participation in the IBM KidSmart project.

Andrew Bills, ANSN Networker in South Australia, has written a report on the 2007 national forum. Held at the University of South Australia in August, the forum had a theme of “People Working in Schools in Challenging Circumstances”. It brought together invited participants from around the country to address some of the key challenges that currently face Australian education. Andrew's report provides a valuable summary of questions that were raised as well as presentations by Rob Hattam, Deb Hayes, Viv White and a panel (on work that has been influenced by Big Picture Company schooling), and Margaret Vickers and Tania Ferfolja. Before adding his concluding comments, Andrew also outlines some of the strategies that groups suggested for moving the agenda forward.

Helen Davey, ANSN Networker, WA

What a fantastic workshop!

Perth had the honour of hosting a Better Together: Schools and Communities workshop on 21 and 22 August. Considering that many schools in WA have a ban on professional development (PD) at the moment, due to a shortage of relief teachers, we did well with over 50 people attending for the two days. They ranged from principals, deputies, team leaders, teachers, union reps, parents, chaplains and AEIOs, to community members, youth workers and more!

Successful schools work continually to develop a culture of student,
teacher and leadership learning success. Cognitive Coaching is integral
to this.

Members of the Board of Big Picture Company Australia are planning to work with Elliot Washor, Dennis Littky and their leadership coaches to design a leadership program for people who wish to work in

• A new ANSN/CLL Snapshot: Jane Wilson, Supersize Me with Science
• A new KidSmart Snapshot, this one from Western Australia
• Teaching Our Digital Kids – the new ANSN Hub
• Dimensions of Learning – the Learning Management Conference
• Interactive Whiteboards Hub – Invitation to Victorian Principals
• Learning about Protocols
• Suggested reading: BECTA research on IWBs
• Reminders about ANSN activities.

ANSN members may be interested in this article from BECTA ICT Research - What the research says about interactive whiteboards.

Moorditj - a Noongar word for "strong or excellent"

Having launched the series with the Gracemere story, the second Snapshot we are introducing is from Moorditj Noongar Community College, WA, a school with approximately 140 indigenous students enrolled from K-7.

Jane WilsonWritten by Jane Wilson, Assistant Principal and Head of the Middle School at Paralowie R-12 School, it describes Supersize Me with Science, a project that addressed the following research question: “How does authentic assessment, when used with student-centred learning about dietary habits and global food issues, help empower students to become more discerning about their diet and more active participants in society?”