I recently took my son to a ICT in Education Conference where he led a group of teachers through three half hour workshops on video game making, stop motion animation & movie making using a Flip video. Whilst I had a few reservations about this the experience turned out to be a wonderful learning opportunity. Real audience, sense of purpose, connection, planning, rehearsal, networking, value of his talents and soooooo much more. He received some great feedback from those that attended his session and here is an email a delegate sent to his school and to me. Good Morning I attended a National Computer Conference ( ELH ) in Lorne over the weekend. I am from a school in Perth Western Australia. There were 250 professional teachers and technicians attending from around the country. The conference is a well known and very highly regarded by professionals in the area on Education and IT. One of your students Samuel Bruce was co-presenting with his father Adrian. The presentation went all day from 9.30 - 5 pm and he was inspirational. Samuel demonstrated programs and assisted IT teachers in many of the applications he has used and mastered. I was in awe as this young boy spoke with authority and passion about his presentations. He and his father's presentation was one of the best at the conference sessions and I would love it if you could commend Samuel with a merit award or commendation in front of his peers. It made me reflect on my own teaching and how I can accommodate children like Samuel in my class sessions when they have far better skills than I have and can teach us all so much. Thank you for allowing him to attend. Mrs Jo P
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I remember this day at ELH well. I think everyone was impressed with the way Samuel took initiative to explain the technologies he’s been experimenting with. I had a lot of fun with the game creator he showcased. Thanks Samuel! Your confidence in taking charge of the training made all the difference. You know what you’re talking about!
Well done Samuel … and Adrian (of course – I guess you had a ’small’ hand in it). I wish I’d been able to be at the conference – when I saw the photos (as they were published) I could see in their faces just how much the teachers were getting out of the sessions. As a teacher, I am SO impressed that Samuel had the confidence to get up there and actually ‘teach the teachers’ … it’s not an easy task for an experienced adult to spend a day keeping educators on task – but to be able to do it when you’re 10 is just fabulous. Samuel … your school is lucky to have you around … maybe you could run some of the sessions you did for them at their next PD day … OR … how about transferring to my school down here in sunny Melbourne and helping me out??
The session with Adrian and Sam was the first workshop that I attended at ELH 2009. It was amazing to see the passion and interest that Sam had for technology. He was able to explain the steps in creating an animation and showcase an array of online tools. Teachers were being equipped as Sam shared his story and so to him I say ‘Bravo’!
Lets just say I am a very very proud aunty to Samuel. It is wonderful to see you using your skills and interests to assist others and enhance the presentations your dad gives. As a teacher myself I am sure the workshop would have had an added dimension of meaning because your perspective would shine a light on the way children interpret these media. So often we educators sit through workshops which are purely academic and pedagogical with little reference to, or real reflection of, the reaality of teaching and the way in which such teaching impacts the young minds who work with us in the discovery of learning. I wish I could have been there Samuel – not only because I am your aunt, or because I am a teacher, but because I am a lifelong learner just like you. Congratulations!
It’s inspirational to view the input that a young year 5 student has to offer in the world of technology. We are faced with children like this in the classroom each day and it is a real eye opener to consider not only what they are individually capable of, but what a valuable resource they are in sharing this knowledge with their peers and encouraging them (and their teachers!) to go that step further with their innovative learning.Well done little man ( and Dad!)……..you’re welcome in my classroom any time!
Dear Samuel and Mr Bruce,
I am 8 years old and my Mummy and I really, really love ICT. Mum told me that she met you when she went to Lorne. I have learnt a lot from Mum but I love teaching her things too. She has taught me how to make my own blog and I have taught her about Quest Atlantis.
I love school but sometimes it is a bit hard at school because I would love to use computers a lot more and for really exciting things but I can’t. Does that happen to you too Samuel?
I went to Melbourne Grammar with my Mummy and Daddy this year to tell teachers about Quest Atlantis. It was one of the most exciting days ever! I felt really proud helping Mum and Dad and they told me that the teachers really appreciated hearing about Quest Atlantis from a student.
It must have been really exciting for you too! Congratulations!
From Hayley
Congratulations Samuel and Adrian!
Excellent work Samuel. I thoroughly enjoyed your presentation which not only engaged me but also enthused me to explore further more online tools and technologies. I was most impressed by your clear explanations on program usage and confidence in speaking to a group whilst operating equipment and software, well done! I look forward to hearing of your exploits at next years conference, please register me for your workshop and of course your Dad’s as well.
Wonderful work Samuel. What a privilege for those at the Conference to be learning from you. Our world needs more of us adults to listen in to the wisdom and knowledge of young people.
Keep learning and teaching
Judy
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