The Online Learning Network is the proposed title of an organisational unit in the Department of Education formed from an amalgamation of the eCentre for Teachers, Centre for Extended Learning Opportunities (CELO) online extension programs and the Online Campus. The unit coordinates the delivery of a range of online programs to students around Tasmania as one aspect of the Personalised Learning strategy, and provides support services for teachers and students working online.

Online approaches have the capacity to enable any school to

• be more flexible and responsive to student needs by
  • increasing the range of curriculum options available
  • differentiating the curriculum & personalising learning to provide individualised learning pathways
  • providing online extension and social interaction for learners who are highly able / gifted
  • breaking down constraints imposed by traditional timetables
  • providing access to experts
  • networking students and teachers
• be more relevant to 21st century & the online world we live in
• enter into delivery partnerships with other education providers including colleges, TAFE etc
• add another dimension or strategy to available learning options for students including disengaged students
• increase the range of options and available ‘ways of learning’ which can increase retention

The unit is supporting the development of a continuously expanding network of mentors available to lead and support online learning initiatives as a part of personalising student leaning.

Enabling leadership is a critical component for success in developing schools’ capacity to use ICT, to extend and differentiate learning opportunities and to support students to manage and direct their own learning.
Staff from the unit are available to support schools and school leaders with consultancy and advice on strategies for moving online, adopting online learning pedagogies and successfully utilising online approaches to enrich and enhance student learning.

CELO online extension program information sessions

The following information sessions are available for Term I 2009

North:
Location: Department of Education, 255 Brisbane St opposite Launceston College
Date and time: Tuesday February 24, 4.00 to 5.00pm

North West:
Location: Reece High library, Middle Rd, Devonport
Date and time: Wednesday February 25, 4.00 to 5.00pm
 
South:
Location: Moonah Primary. Derwent Park Road
Date and time: Thursday February 26 4.00 to 5.00pm

South:
Location: Mount Nelson Primary, Mt Nelson Rd
Date and time: Tuesday March 3, 4.00 to 5.00pm
RSVP: Friday 27/002/2009

North West:
Location: Burnie High, Cooee
Date and time: Wednesday March 4, 4.00 to 5.00pm

North:
Location: Riverside High, West Tamar Rd
Date and time: Thursday March 5, 4.00 to 5.00pm
RSVP: Friday 27/002/2009

For more information, please contact Angela Cooke ph 62335082, mob 0408554892 or
email angela.cooke@education.tas.gov.au

Microsoft Partners in Learning

Professional learning is available for teachers who would like the opportunity to develop and deliver an online extension program in their school / learning service.  Expressions of interest are invited for participants in the 2008 Microsoft Partners in Learning program. The expression of interest must be supported by the principal of the school. For more information and the Expression of Interest go to http://www.education.tas.gov.au/school/educators/professional/mpl

Current contact details are:

Online Learning Network
32 Bayfield Street
Rosny Park
Tasmania 7018
Phone 62335181
Email celo@education.tas.gov.au