The automation of human activity comes to Peregian Springs SS

The automation of human activity is happening before our eyes. And we're doing our best to keep up with this exciting era in human history.

Recently, two teams (the Peregian Programmers) ably coached by Sandy Neisler and Kent Campbell represented our school at a robotics tournament called First LEGO League. This is a global competition with competitors from over 80 countries.  The teams researched a real-world problem relating to the water cycle and were required to develop an innovative solution.  They also had to design, build and program a robot to autonomously complete various challenges.


Both teams had a lot of fun and learned a lot.  The Year 5 team successfully won the Strategy and Innovation Award.  This award recognises the team that uses solid engineering practices and a well-developed strategy to design and build an innovative, high performing robot.

These sort of challenges are the workplaces of the future. And the fact that our students are picking up first prizes in strategy and innovation means we're on the right track!

The future is here now...

I am often asked after Year 6 Graduation about my speech for the students - much of it has been reprinted here.

There is a common catchcry around these days that goes something like ‘the future is here now’. And when I look at what you are doing in your classrooms I believe this to be true. You have been swiping and typing and coding and creating your way into the future since Prep and Year 1 and are now on the cusp of one of the most revolutionary periods in human history – and that is the automation of much human activity.

This new world will bring innovation and excitement and new possibilities. It will also bring new ways of working and living together as we explore new laws and ethical standards and the impact of this on our environment and developing nations.

This little invention here demonstrated ably by Zara and Millie is set to change your lives in ways you could never have imagined. Zara and Millie have been part of a Drone Squad assisting Mrs Allan introduce this technology into our school curriculum. I’d like to acknowledge these girls as well as Hayley Clarke, Jessica Gavin and Lila McIntyre for the work they have done in this area this year. These cute little things are, of course, drones. And I know many of you have one at home for photography and to play with.

These amazing machines though are about more that passing the time in an entertaining way. They will shape your careers and the way you live your lives – they actually already are – and perhaps you just haven’t noticed yet.

Drones are used for filming movies and many other exciting entertainment. They are, however, extremely useful in the daily lives of our scientists and other professionals. For example

• a geologist uses drones to hunt for clues in the landscape
• a marine scientist uses drones to monitor whales and sharks either from the beach or from boats
• a landscape ecologist uses her aviation skills to look after the environment in NT
• They assist with pest identification and improving the speed and efficiency of which they can be removed. 
• They can be programmed to recognise types of sharks – the difference between bull sharks, bronze whalers and nurse sharks on our beaches is significant. In the desert they can be programmed to recognise foxes, feral cats and dogs and wild boar.
• They can help farmers identify ripe crops
• Drones in all shapes and sizes are being used to deliver life saving equipment, help out in accidents, to search and rescue, to deliver pizza, for crop dusting and weed spraying. Sending a drone to do the work is cheaper, more efficient and less time consuming than having a person do it    

I’m sure you can see the possibilities of this technology are endless – and so are the possibilities and opportunities for you and your future

The bottom line is that it is all about the choices you make and how your choices apply to all areas of your lives, all our lives. It applies to whether you choose to make the best of your high school years or fritter them away. It applies to how hard you work, the effort you are prepared to put in, how you manage peer pressure. It applies to how you respond when you are harassed by someone or see an injustice affecting someone else. It applies to your stance on violence, and it applies to the value you place on your own and other’s learning.

All these habits of mind have been at the forefront of your education at our school. How you have responded to this is what makes our school so special – that is, the people and the interactions between us. Teaching you about relationships, effort and choice has been at the core of everything we do at Peregian Springs SS. And the ultimate reward for your teachers, teacher aides, Mr Foxover, Mrs Reid, Ms Marszalek, Mr Slocombe, Ms Slattery, Ms Westlake and I is when we see you happy, managing yourselves well, even in trying situations, and achieving your very best.

You have had the benefit of world class teachers in every year you have been at Peregian Springs. I’d like to thank Andrea, Justin, Chris, Sandy, and Kent for the work you have done with our Year 6s. You continue to learn yourselves and teach with such innovation, passion, courage and care – again this year you have challenged your students to learn; you’ve set high expectations; you have tried new strategies and new approaches to learning; kept them on the straight and narrow; cared about each and every one of them; and have worked hard to instil a love of learning they will take with them to high school and beyond. Every child in front of me this evening is a better person for your dedication and commitment.

And this is true of all the teachers and teacher aides you have worked with this year – Mrs Hobson, Mrs Ellison, Mr Rickert, Ms Deady, Mr Huxley, Ms Johnson, Mr Hutchins, Mrs Dean and Toni. Without realising, you have learned an enormous amount from being at this school – not just about English, Maths, Science and History but also about the more important attributes of how to be a better person in this world, in this country, in this community. 

Graduation from Year 6 marks the end of an important chapter in your young lives. We hope that your time here has begun to prepare you for the complex future ahead – a future in which you will realise that you have the power for making something of yourself, and for contributing towards a better community and world.

A licence to be creative

I love it when teachers send kids to see me with their 'best' work. It's a chance to celebrate learning, have a chat and ask children about their activities. It's also an opportunity to indiscriminately hand out stickers - I always ask 'are you too old for stickers?'. They never are...

The other day a group of Year 5s appeared at my door asking me if I wanted to see their movies. I don't need any other invitation to down tools and take a break. They proudly explained that their teacher had been to a conference and had returned and implemented a session once a week where they could be 'creative'. (It's always funny the ways in which kids see things - I'm pretty sure the teacher would be horrified if she knew they thought they could only be creative once a week!) They had made some movies about Queensland Day and as they pressed play up came a stream of photos of underwater scenes, the Queensland outback and other iconic Queensland images.

'Lovely', I said. 'Did you take those photos?'

'Oh, no', said one of them. 'They're from Creative Commons'. And so began a conversation on intellectual property, stealing the work of others from the Internet, and how many people make their living from their work online and should be paid for it. I was so impressed that 10 year olds already understand that you can't simply just copy and paste whatever you feel like using and pass it off as your own work. I was so impressed they knew about Creative Commons, what it means and how to find images they could use which didn't infringe on the rights of others.

This, of course, is a key outcome of our mLearning Program. Students are learning how to navigate the online world safely and ethically. They are learning to be creators of knowledge, and not just merely consumers. If we can pull this off, and at the same time maintain their innate curiosity and creativity, then we have done our jobs well.

(For those of you wondering, Creative Commons is a non-profit organisation devoted to expanding the range of creative works available for others to build upon legally and to share.)

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   From http://creativecommons.org.au/

   
   

Social Media...friend or foe?

The 'press' about social media and children is usually not good news. Children and pre-adolescents don't have a firm grasp of the power of social media - and it can get them into a bit of trouble. This is one of the reasons why most developers of these sites specify an age at which you can have an account - usually 13+, and in some cases, the age at which you can legally sign a contract (that is, 16 years old in Australia).

Despite this, the reality is that many parents are either allowing their children to have social media accounts or simply don't know that their children are using them.

Chris Wise (one of our Year 7 teachers) has written an informative piece every parent should read. It will help you understand the social media your children are using and to make some informed decisions about what you will allow and not allow. It is important that EVERY parent have these discussions with their children. It's about their safety, their emotional health, and their future.

Please note: the links in Chris' article are not active as I don't want my blog linked to some of these sites in any way.

I hope this is helpful for you.

Keeping Informed:

What your children could be using online

I originally wrote this two years ago in response to parents who wanted to ‘keep ahead’ of their children online. Bad news people, that’s not going to happen. But, you can stay informed and you can manage, restrict, and monitor your child’s social media usage. Understanding how your children are using technology is the most vital step in ensuring they benefit from its advantages without suffering the consequences of its misuse.

As an advocate of technology in education and social networking, I feel an obligation to help parents at least try to keep up. I’ve complied a list of frequently used or concerning forms of social media with a brief explanation and links to sites that discuss the dangers of these websites/platforms/apps. I hope it’s beneficial to you. If there is something you’re aware of that I am not that you believe should be added, or would like some information about a something not listed, please let me know.

It is my suggestion that most, if not all of these, be blocked from your child’s access until they are of legal age for the Term & Conditions. Since the first version of this article two years ago, some of these sites have long since lost relevance to a new generation of social media users. Oh, and by the way, lots of kids don’t even want a Facebook account. After all, Facebook is for old people (feeling old now?).

We’re starting with a site every parent should be extremely wary of:

chatroulette / chatroulette2 and it’s various other more nefarious versions (No age limit - should be 18+)

Chatroulette has NO login, NO profiles, NO terms and conditions. With a working webcam, a user is paired randomly with another user of any age, anywhere in the world for a video chat session. And this happens from the moment the user accesses the site. It appears to be populated by the less appealing members of our society. Five minutes here will leave you in no doubt as to the unsuitability of it for minors (and adults in most cases). There are now many random chat sites: Omegle, chabbler, JayDo, Zupyo (take a breath) chatrandom, streamberry, FunYo, Camzap, Bazoocam, Roulettechat, Flipchat, Imeetzu, chatpig, cahtbazaar and facebuzz to name a few. Some have more restrictions, or different ways of matching people together. Don’t believe your 11 year old - they’re all inappropriate for children.

Links:

http://meghanfitz.hubpages.com/hub/The-Dangers-of-Chatroulette-for-Kids

http://www.thedenverchannel.com/family/22855283/detail.html

http://crimeprevention.crimereports.com/2010/02/24/chatroulette-random-strangers-random-dangers/

Formspring (13+)

Formspring has been extremely popular with school age children in the U.S. and has gained notoriety in the press for being a key component in some of the worst examples of online bullying. Formspring allows users to ask questions of their friends in an online poll format. Some of the most blatant and vile bullying I’ve seen has occurred on this site.

Links:

http://thehurt.wordpress.com/2010/02/04/do-your-kids-use-formspring-me/

http://life-reflected.blogspot.com/2011/01/formspring-cyber-bullying-and-cyber.html

http://www.rachelsimmons.com/2010/03/what-every-parent-should-know-about-formspring-the-new-cyberscourge-for-teens/

Foursquare (Must be old enough to form a legally binding contract)

Foursquare is a social networking application that allows you to see where your friends are and for them to see where you are. It is a tool with some worthwhile features, but raises obvious questions about child safety. Yes, I might want to know where my child is, but does everyone else have to?

Links:

http://pleaserobme.com/

http://parentesource.com/2011/02/18/foursquare-it%E2%80%99s-not-just-for-the-playground-anymore/

MSN Messenger / Skype / Kik Messenger (No age restriction for Skype, but must be old enough to enter into a legally binding contract and in most countries that is 16+ or 18+. Kik is 17+)

Both of these have been around for a long time and most children in my classes are familiar with them. The concerns around these sites range from online bullying, to the safety of video chatting and talking to people you don’t know. One issue often overlooked is the ability to file share. What is being shared? Who owns what is shared?

Kik is the new, cool app that you are unlikely to be aware of. Kik allows users to send text messages to each other without a cell phone (uses a wi-fi connection). Unlike a cell phone text, which reveals at least a phone number, Kik allows users to remain anonymous and use nicknames for usernames. It can run on an iPod, iPad or even a Kindle.

Links:

http://www.professorshouse.com/Family/Children/Articles/Children-and-MSN-Messenger/

http://smartsafe.blogspot.com/2010/09/dangers-of-skype.html

http://www.streetdirectory.com/travel_guide/937/business_and_finance/keeping_your_kids_safe_while_they_are_online.html

http://news.msn.com/science-technology/kids-gravitate-to-social-networks-their-parents-cant-monitor

Youtube (13+ to hold an account, 18+ to view certain content)

How many parents are aware that their children are uploading videos to Youtube from their bedrooms? Or what’s on their favourites list? I assure you, there are videos of children in my class this year on Youtube. Videos can be uploaded quickly and easily from PCs and mobile phones- not to mention the questionable content uploaded by some members of this community. Youtube is a wonderful resource, but can be a minefield of body parts and abusive language (read the comments on most clips).

Links:

http://www.commonsensemedia.org/advice-for-parents/youtube-and-your-kids

http://parentingteens.about.com/b/2009/02/06/dangers-of-youtube.htm

Twitter (No age restriction - must be able to form a legally binding contract, see Skype).

Microblogging and multimedia sharing. These sites allow you to update your status or blog about a topic. It also allows you to share photos and links with varying degrees of security set by the user. Twitter seems to have become more popular with ‘older’ tech users, but is immensely popular in gossip circles for keeping up with Justin Beiber. As with many of above services, they can be valuable tools personally and professionally, but children need to understand their usage and consequences for misuse.

Links:

http://www.squidoo.com/twittersafetytips

http://moolies.typepad.com/moolies/2009/05/twitter-safety-advice-for-kids-and-parents.html

Instagram (13+)

Instagram, or social network grooming 101, is essentially a photo sharing app with it’s own social network built in. Of all the social media applications available, it is right now, the most popular with young people. It seems innocent (why does everyone want their photos to look like they were taken in 1979 anyway?), take a photo and show it to your friends. But, if children taking photos themselves and publishing (it is publishing, read the terms and conditions) them online isn’t concerning enough, consider geotagging (photo locations) and Instagram’s less than secure privacy settings that allows anyone to view them. In addition to this, instagram is full of questionable content, body parts and duck faces (duck face? Google it) that is only a #hashtag away. Most importantly, it is yet another way for strangers to access your child and their personal information.

http://howilivewith.wordpress.com/2012/06/11/warning-instagram-is-dangerous/

http://www.thetreenetwork.com/the-danger-of-instagram-and-kik-messenger/

Facebook / Tumblr / Google+ / MySpace Etc. (13+ Facebook + Myspace, 18+ Tumblr, No restriction on Google+)

Much has been written about Facebook and the advantages and disadvantages. While Facebook has become second nature to many of us, it’s important to remember that most of us were adults when we created a Facebook profile and have the wisdom of our years to decide how to use it for our own purposes. A quick Google search will alert you to the many copyright, privacy, security and bullying concerns these sites (and those like them) raise.

Links:

http://www.momlogic.com/2010/03/the_dangers_of_facebook_are_real_ashleigh_hall_peter_chapman_lori_getz.php

http://life.familyeducation.com/teen/internet-safety/57657.html?page=2&detoured=1

http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2011/may/25/should-children-be-allowed-on-facebook

One of the reasons I began a professional Twitter and Facebook page was to show students how these tools can be used for a purpose other than mindless communication and procrastination (How many High Distinctions went begging in Uni because of Facebook?). As with each of the above, in the end it is how these tools are used and monitored that determine their safety and effectiveness. I certainly don’t want my students to be scared of social networking, rather I want them to understand the nature of them, why they need to be safe, and most importantly how to be safe.

I’ve listed many links here; you’ll find these and many more with a quick search. I may not agree entirely with some of the things written, but certainly with the intention of them. My own suggestion to you as parents is to talk to your children about how they are using the Internet (and trust me, there are many more sites like these). Decide on what YOU think is appropriate use and limit them to that. I personally see no need for children to have multiple profiles across multiple platforms. Especially, when most of them are being used for the same thing - talking to friends.

What do they need a computer for? ... Digital Literacies for the information age

I remember when I was in Year 5 going home with a note from the teacher requesting that my parents supply a calculator for use at school. My Dad went off! I remember the ranting - it was all about the cost, and aren't your teachers teaching maths any more, and this is the end of kids being able to add up, and no one will get a job - the end of the world was coming it seemed. However, he bought me a calculator (and one for himself too) and I was so proud of it. I kept it in it's vinyl case and was amazed at what it could do. I had it for years (and wish I had it now as it would be an absolute relic!).

These days kids carry around a plethora of devices - iPods, iPads, phones, and lap tops - and the majority of these have the power to tap into and create more information than has ever been possible in the history of the human race. Being digitally literate is an absolute necessity in today's world - we are no longer talking about the future - in the words of William Gibson 'the future is already here'.

From  Educational Technology

So what are digital literacies? This info graphic sums it up beautifully.

Actually come to think of it - we've always needed these skills. I'm pretty sure my Year 5 teacher told my Dad I'd learn some of these skills using a calculator!

What is different about today is that kids need to be able to engage with these literacies using all the information at hand. In today's world, it's nigh on impossible to demonstrate initiative and entrepreneurialism or to collaborate across networks (for example) without a device in your hand. People without these skills may still be able to live happy and productive lives but the extent to which this is possible will be extremely hampered.

Today's modern classrooms encourage students to learn and demonstrate their progress by engaging in these literacies - and usually through the use of technology, the Internet, and information and idea sharing and construction. Teacher's work changes every day and it's a special teacher who can keep up with how kids are learning. I'm thankful to work with the best of these at Peregian Springs - teachers who truly believe in the power of technology, information and thinking; teachers who are not scared to set the boundaries and let kids go; teachers who can say 'I don't know the answer to that and let's find out together'.

Technology in classrooms has enriched all our lives; in many ways our jobs have never been more difficult but none of us care about that when we see kids developing vision, global stewardship and optimism through the practice of self-regulation, agility and pure grit. Technology brings the world into our students' hands and we have an imperative to ensure they have the skills and dispositions to harness the power and privilege that it brings.