Scholas - peace and interfaith dialogue for youth

Recently Pope Francis joined students in Australia, Cameron, Israel, Turkey and South Africa for a Hangout on Air to celebrate the launch of Scholas―a new education initiative sponsored by the Vatican to suport peace and interfaith dialogue.  It aims to connect 500,000 schools from various cultures and beliefs across the world in projects and learning opportunities that will increase collaboration, knowledge and awareness.

The Pope spoke to the students about the influence of education, sport and culture as a basis for communication and peace.  In response to a student who wanted a world less overwhelmed by 'wars, crimes and poverty, he responded positively saying that the future is "... in your heart, it's in your head and it's in your hands".  This is a powerful message for young people in a world that seems overwhelmed with violence and conflict.  I look forward to following up on this project.

7 Survival Skills for students today

In September 2013 representatives of business, education and community organisations met to discuss issues relating to the future at the (co)lab summit in Atlanta, Georgia.  Videos of presentations Including one from Will Richardson, are available on the (co)lab summit Youtube channel.

Education leader, Tony Wagner, delivered this address Reinventing education for the 21st century where he outlines the 7 survival skills that matter most for students in the new economy in which we live. 

1. Critical thinking and problem solving (ability to ask the right questions)
2. Collaboration across networks and leading by influence
3. Agility and adaptability to cope with the pace of change
4. Initiative and entrepreneurship (ability to set one's own goals)
5. Effective oral and written communication
6. Ability to access and analyse information
7. Curiosity and imagination. 

Makerspaces: creating an opportunity

It's been an inspiring three days at the Expanding Learning Horizons SchoolsTech Conference 2014 in Lorne, Victoria.  Having time to gather ideas and explore them with a group of colleagues in a focussed environment is a great opportunity.

Makerspaces: creating an opportunity is my presentation exploring the combination of Makerspaces with the Learning Commons model for school libraries.  It was interesting to see the interest stimulated by Gary Stager's keynote which introduced many to makerspaces for the first time.  See more links to makerspace resources to follow up further.

Makerspaces: creating an opportunity from Camilla Elliott

Library Teams 2.0

This keynote presentation was delivered at the School Library Assoc of Victoria conference recently.  It is a reflection on a 4 year journey of building and working as a library team involved in transition as we move to cloud based library management, digital resourcing and an increased need for high level personal skills.  It's a journey that countinues and has been made smoother by reference to policy, planning and discussion.  Social media is an increasingly important aspect of our learning and emerging role.

An early paper written on the topic Library Team 2.0 provides some background, however, we continue to evolve and trial new approaches.

Library Teams 2.0 from Camilla Elliott

ACER & DERN - Australian education research

Australian Council for Education Research, (ACER) provides a valuable service to educators through regular distribution of (mainly) Australian education research and discussion.  

Digital Education Resource Network (DERN), managed by ACER is a 'network for, leaders, researchers and educators interested in the use of digital technologies for learning'.  It distributes a regular discussion paper with an invitation to join a group discussion.  Joining the DERNList is all you need to do to receive alerts.  Cost free.  Paid subscription with futher access is also available.

Also, subscribe to [rd] Research Developments, the news hub of the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER) covering the full range of education - Early Childhood, School, Higher Education, Vocational & Adult, International, Indigenous.  

An easy way to keep up with an Australian education focus.  Thanks ACER.