After the conference I met with Senior Leader, Jarrod Lamshed, at Woodend Primary School in Sheidow Park. Woodend Primary School (reception - year 7) is located in a former shopping mall. It is no longer evident that this space previously held stores and restaurants. It does not have high end technology, but it makes practical use in creative ways, such as using a green sheet for a green screen. I was impressed with all the different Year 7 Memento projects. I have included two photos showing one of the projects.
Jarrod is the Vice President of EdTechSA. Jarrod was available to tour me around the school. As a Senior Leader he has a few days each week out of the classroom. Jarrod teaches sixth and seventh grade boys. While the school is co-ed, they have recently implemented a single gender teaching focus for grades 6 and 7. It takes the co-ed drama associated with that age group out of the classroom. One of Jarrod's current initiatives is called "What is it to Be a Man?" The objective is to change gender stereotype perceptions and develop respectful young men that are positive role models in the school community. He is receiving positive results, so far.
Jarrod uses digital technologies to improve learning. He showed me how a Woodend Primary Facebook group is improving parent communication and involvement. I am now following Jarrod on his Connected Learning professional blog. On August 10, 2016 he published an entry titled "Noticing the Good Stuff." I love the effort to change the culture in the classroom by taking the time to notice and publicly acknowledge the "good stuff."
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