Techtalk t3 2014 by NSW Department of Education

Term 3, 2014

TECHtalk

We l c o m e t o t h e T A S / Te c h n o l o g i e s e-Newsletter The TECHTalk e-Newsletter is designed to support teachers of all TAS/Technology subjects Years 7—12.

Inside this issue Important BOSTES updates

Teaching kids to code

PrintShop 3D Printing app

Australian Curriculum: Technologies release update

Australian Curriculum: Technologies support videos

Marine Studies/Sustainability Opportunity

8,9

Computing Studies and Digital Technologies workshops, VidEx Event

National ICT Careers Week

Sydney Design, Powerhouse Museum

TV Influence on Australian Food Habits, Beyond Earth Aerospace Career Lecture

Circuit Stickers

Technology Education Conference Australia

TEA Conference 2014

Google Classroom

DesignTECH Student Seminar Videos

3D Printing Professional Learning resources

Make Your Mark Careers Website, Bridges to Higher Education

Anaphylaxis reminder

Welcome to Term 3, 2014! This issue of TECHtalk is filled with important information and updates. I’ve revisited several things that have already been published as reminders—some really valuable resources, others important dates or events that are still to come. My biggest concern at this time is the change of hand-in date and time for the HSC practical examination components in Design and Technology and Industrial Technology (see page 3). I’m sure BOSTES has made every effort to inform schools, but we cannot afford to be complacent. Please make sure that all staff and students are aware of the new day and date which is significantly earlier than previous years. Remember to be vigilant about ensuring the health and safety of students diagnosed at risk of anaphylaxis. The Anaphylaxis Procedures for Schools are currently under review. They should be released for Term 4, 2014. I will keep you informed of developments and implications for TAS/ Technology teachers. Sandra McKee

Important BOSTES updates 2014 HSC important dates for practical and performance examinations Please be aware of significant changes to the completion and hand-in dates and times for

Industrial Technology Major Projects (3.00pm Thursday 7 August) and Design and Technology Major Design Projects (3.00pm Thursday 21 August) These dates are significantly earlier than previous years and require schools to collect and store major projects prior to itinerant marking. Please remember students must not work on their projects after the hand-in date and time. Download the calendar in PDF format

Amendments to examination specifications for Stage 6 Software Design and Development Examination specifications for the Stage 6 Software Design and Development syllabus have undergone amendment. Implementation of the amended examination specifications will commence for HSC examinations in 2014. The amendments to the examination specifications are: Section II – Core (60 marks)   

Questions may consist of short-answer parts. There will be approximately 18 items in total (changed from 24 items). At least three items will be worth from 4 to 6 marks.

Section III – Options (20 marks)   

There will be two questions, one for each of the options. Candidates will be required to answer the question on the option they have studied. Each question will consist of approximately 6 short-answer parts. (changed from 8 shortanswer parts) The amended examination specifications are available to download from the Software Design and Development syllabus page of the BOSTES website. Teachers are also reminded that the Course Specifications document has been updated and is available on the BOSTES website.

Teaching kids to code In this TEDx presentation, Clare Sutcliffe explores the worldwide trend of teaching children to code. Clare highlights the importance and economic benefits of teaching the current generation to be code literate. She identifies the biggest problem— most teachers don’t know how to code. We need help! Her solution was to develop Code Club, an after school UK initiative, staffed by volunteer IT practitioners/professionals, which has been hugely successful. Code Club Australia has just been launched and provides excellent structured lessons to take students from visual programming through to a general purpose programming language. The resources are free and use only open-source software. The only cost is a commitment to teach the program for one hour per week for a 10 week term. Code Club is currently targeting 9-11 year olds in primary school, based on the UK curriculum. Have a look at the materials—visual programming in Scratch, Advanced Scratch, website development using HTML and CSS, general purpose programming using Python. Looking at the Australian Curriculum: Digital Technologies, that aligns to Year 5 and 6 for the first 2 terms and Years 7 and 8 for Terms 3 and 4. More importantly, this could be an excellent introduction to digital technologies that can be used right here and now within Technology (Mandatory) to teach coding in a project based environment. They even have Code Club Pro for teachers. The UK has recognised the need for professional development to support teachers implementing their new digital curriculum which begins in September. Let’s hope Australia follows suit. To find out more about Code Club Australia and their program click here. You will see an outline of the four terms and you can download a sample lesson on Scratch from the Term One section.

PrintShop 3D Printing app MakerBot has just launched a new, free iOS app for the iPad called PrintShop. It features ready-to-use designs that can be sent directly to a 3D printer. There are 3 pre-selected design categories: rings, bracelets and type (for small signage, nameplates etc.). Sounds great! You don’t need any experience - just download the file and you can use your 3D printer to print beautiful, professional looking items without having to design anything or learn to use CAD software or be creative in any way… Hang on! Isn’t that what we want our students to do? 3D printers are an amazing piece of technology and have their place in the teaching and learning of so many Technology/TAS subjects when used appropriately. But they need to be seen as just another “tool in your toolbox” to be selected and used when they are the best and most appropriate choice to complete the task. The PrintShop app sounds appealing, and may be a good choice to demonstrate your new 3D printer, but it is not something a whole class would use as it stands. We need to be teaching students to select and use technology within their design work to get the best outcome. 3D printing may be the best option to test initial design ideas or create a prototype before committing to expensive materials or manufacturing processes. It is not always the best end product. Teaching students about the process of design to meet a need or solve a problem, and how to transfer their ideas to a form that can be used by a 3D printer (selected CAD software) should be our focus—not teaching 3D printing. We may as well teach photocopying—same concept. We as teachers need to direct and guide students, especially when new technologies emerge. We need to keep the enthusiasm in check and refocus on the fundamentals of our subject areas— developing skills and knowledge to make informed choices in the application of design processes. So use applications such as PrintShop selectively—modify designs to meet a particular need, redesign for a different purpose or different target market using appropriate software—just remember to give kids the chance to be creative and apply what they have learned.

Marine Studies/Sustainability

13 – 19 August (National Science Week 16 – 24 August) & Term 4 (All date requests considered) Dates are limited, book promptly to avoid disappointment. Please email christine@i2imanagement.com.au or call 0403 075 556 (02) 9028 7049.

Marine Studies/Sustainability

Video Samples of George’s work can be seen on BENEATH SOUTHERN SEAS DVD: Intro trailer & The making of the movie George Evatt's Web Site:http:// www.coralseatv.com/. Teachers’ Activity Notes are available.

Australian Curriculum: Technologies The Australian Curriculum: Technologies has been published by the Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA) and is available on the Australian Curriculum website. The curriculum is still awaiting final endorsement. For teachers in NSW it is still “business as usual.” We will not use the Australian Curriculum: Technologies. We must wait until new NSW syllabuses incorporating the Australian Curriculum: Technologies are developed by Board of Studies Teaching and Educational Standards (BOSTES). All TAS/Technology subjects must continue to use existing NSW syllabuses in all subjects Years 7-12, until otherwise officially advised: “...schools are required to continue to use existing NSW syllabuses. Any decisions about adopting the Australian curriculum, developing syllabuses, and planning subsequent implementation will be made only after thorough consultation with NSW stakeholders.” “...existing Stage 6 syllabuses will continue to be the curriculum for the Higher School Certificate.” Memorandum to Principals, BOSTES, July 2013

Review of the Australian Curriculum A preliminary report on the review of the Australian Curriculum ordered by Federal Education Minister, Christopher Pyne, was released on 17 June. The purpose of the review was to evaluate the robustness, independence and balance of the process of development and the content of the Australian Curriculum. The review initially involved consultation with all state and territory education authorities and other key stakeholders. Subject area specialists were then to be commissioned to assess the curriculum material in each of the learning areas. More than 1,500 submissions were received. The review panel, Dr Kevin Donnelly and Professor Kenneth Wiltshire, will provide their final report to the Minister by 31 July 2014. You can view the Preliminary report here.

Australian Curriculum: Technologies Support Videos The two videos created by ACARA to support the implementation of the Australian Curriculum: Technologies are really worth watching. They explain the structure of the Technologies Learning Area showing the relationship between the two subjects Design and Technologies and Digital Technologies. They justify the value of the two subjects to all students and explain some of the key concepts behind the curriculum. While NSW will not implement the Australian Curriculum: Technologies in its current form, teachers should make themselves aware of the intent and content of the curriculum. Use these materials to identify gaps in your learning that could be addressed in readiness for when BOSTES reviews our existing syllabuses and incorporates the Australian Curriculum: Technologies.

You can find the videos in the F-10 Australian Curriculum playlist.

Digital Technologies

Design and Technologies

ÂŠ State of New South Wales, Department of Education and Communities, 2014

Computing Studies and Digital Technologies workshops ICT Educators NSW is running a series of workshops supporting Computing Studies teachers and those wishing to up-skill in Digital Technologies.

When: Where: Cost:

Monday 4th August 2014 4pm to 9 pm Epping Boys High School - Vimiera Road EASTWOOD $45 for Members $55 for non-members (no GST)

Agenda and Workshop Descriptions

VidEx A 2 day celebration event of online video about popular culture, comedy, fashion, cooking, sport, music, interactive games, and technology. The aim of VidEx is to bring the Industry and community together to share, entertain, educate and communicate. The event takes three parts: The VidEx Arena—current and future stars of online video - performances, demonstrations, talks The VidEx Expo—interesting displays and activities about the latest trends and technology in online video. The VidEx Workshops—workshops to suit those interested in being part of the online video industry. • From Obsession to Profession • Filming 101: How to film for on-line delivery • Video Editing 101: Video editing for online • Tips for making a music video • Tips for making an online video series that will appeal to the on-line community. • The Art of the Short Video (ie. Vines and Instagram) • How to write attention grabbing YouTube Ads Sydney Venue: Rosehill Gardens - Grand Pavilion 7-8th September 2014 General Admission Tickets: $39.00 For more information: info@VidEx.com.au 02 9114 9000 www.tlsolutions.com.au/VidEx/exhibitormanual.pdf

National ICT Careers Week 28 July - 3 August 2014. Some of the many opportunities include: *Career and study information sessions for school students, teachers and parents. *ICT study and career seminars for career counsellors. *ICT conferences and exhibitions for young people in ICT *Study and career information - online and offline. *Film, animation and robot demonstrations. *Functions and events in the use of personal computing and smart devices. *Visits to ICT university faculties and TAFE campuses. *Visits by school students to ICT companies. *Supportive media releases by industry and education leaders. *Media releases on new ICT studies and career opportunities.

Registration information There have been events supporting this initiative running throughout the year. Those still to come for NSW include:

ICT Careers Week is a national initiative designed to showcase the wide range of study and career choices within the scope of ICT. ICT Career Week supports the Digital Careers National Program to increase student enrolments in ICT courses at universities and TAFE. We need more well-educated and skilled Australians in computational thinking, computing and communications to support Australiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Digital Future.

UTS Engineering and IT Discovery Day Friday 18 July 2014, Ultimo, NSW National Computer Science School (NCSS) 2014 Challenge 4 August-7 September 2014 [Sydney University] GIRLS' PROGRAMMING NETWORK 2014 Term 3 - 9 August 2014 (School term Week 4) [Sydney University] National Computer Science School (NCSS) Summer School 3 - 12 January 2015 [Sydney, NSW]

ÂŠ State of New South Wales, Department of Education and Communities, 2014

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TV Influence on Australian Food Habits Our television screens are currently inundated with food orientated TV shows. From Masterchef to My Kitchen Rules, Jamie’s Kitchen to Cupcake Wars, they keep coming. So what is it about cooking shows that makes them so popular? And not only with hardened foodies, but with a wide cross-section of the population, young and old. And what influence has this rise in popularity had on our relationship with food and food preparation trends? This article highlights some of the positives.

What is aerospace? Can you have a great career in aerospace? A presentation by Enrico Palermo from the Virgin Galactic Space Class. Enrico tells of how he went from being an Engineer in WA to becoming the Vice President, Operations of The Spaceship Company, Richard Branson’s Virgin Galactic Spaceship Company. In addition to the lecture, there will be an exciting programme of guided tours for Teachers and their students around the Powerhouse Museum’s Mars Lab and Space Exhibition, as well as interactive displays on robotics, space technology and research opportunities. A number of university students will be on hand to share insights into their study and career choices. © State of New South Wales, Department of Education and Communities, 2014

Exciting new product from Circuit Stickers are a hands-on, reusable, and creative way to learn how to create electronic circuits with LEDs. These stickers can be used to create e-textiles, artwork, cards, and more. The stickers press onto the circuit you create with any conductive material, like graphite, copper foil, Bare Conductive paints, conductive thread or fabric, or even tinfoil! The Circuit Stickers Effects Pack - four LED stickers that blink, fade, twinkle, or produce a heartbeat-like pattern. The Circuit Stickers Sensors Pack - four sensor stickers that respond to light, sound, a trigger, or touch! Also, a programmable sticker if you're itching to hack. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also a 24 Coloured LED pack, a 24 White LED pack and a Starter Kit and a Deluxe Kit. Let your imagination (and your students!) go wild!

Get inspired! Take a look at this Pinterest board to see what others are doing with wearable electronics and e-textiles.

ÂŠ State of New South Wales, Department of Education and Communities, 2014

Technology Education Conference Australia A collaboration between DATTA Australia and iiate NSW and TERC 26th to 29th November 2014 Sydney Masonic Centre 66 Goulburn Street Sydney, NSW, Australia

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This conference is for teachers of Design and Technology, Industrial Technology, Engineering and Technology Educators Primary, Secondary and Tertiary. It will provide excellent professional learning and networking opportunities in an era of development of an Australian Technologies curriculum. The conference will also provide opportunities for professional learning in the areas of:  Current Technology Education research  Technology teaching and best practice  The pedagogy of technology teaching  Engaging students in technologies learning  Practical, hands on application of technologies  Emerging technologies in in industry and school settings  Broader issues related to teaching in technologies such as sustainability, global collaboration, design processes and excellence in teaching. Register for the conference here. Conference program here.

n Cale ÂŠ State of New South Wales, Department of Education and Communities, 2014

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Google’s soon to be released Classroom may not be extraordinarily different from other applications currently available to manage student work, but you know that when it’s from Google it is going to do things more efficiently and elegantly than its predecessors. The page below is hyperlinked (ctrl+left click) to the Classroom site where you can see two short videos demonstrating capabilities.

DesignTECH Student Seminar Videos These 3 videos, developed from the 2014 DesignTECH Student Seminars, may be a useful resource for your Year 12 students as they approach the completion of their major projects. The videos focus on Design and Technology and the development of the Major Design Project but many of the messages are applicable to our other Technology subjects with a practical project component. The advice provided by Chris Keys based on her experience and wealth of knowledge around HSC Marking and the insights of practising engineer, Nick Cerneaz, are valuable to senior students managing their examination preparation and inspiring for younger students considering subject choices and future career direction.

The videos can be found on the LearningNSWDEC YouTube channel in the HSC DesignTECH Student Seminar playlist. https://www.youtube.com/ playlist? list=PL4OaBCdO34bDtzPO78arfK uTaqOAOzPn5

The recording has been broken up into 3 sections: 1. Successful Designâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; a practising designers perspective. Practical advice with a real world perspective featuring Nick Cerneaz, Engineer and Executive Director, the Warren Centre for Advanced Engineering. 2. Managing the Major Design Project. Practical advice for students managing the development of the MDP from highly experienced HSC Marker Christine Keyes, Head Teacher TAS, Nowra High School. 3. Advice for Teachers. An interview with Christine Keys who gives helpful tips for teachers as they manage students undertaking the MDP.

ÂŠ State of New South Wales, Department of Education and Communities, 2014

3D Printing Professional Learning In March we ran a series of professional learning sessions introducing 3D Printing. The sessions were in response to requests from teachers for information and were conducted as a joint venture between DEC and Object: Australian Design Centre. The format consisted of 3 video conferences. In addition, we recorded interviews with the guest presenters using Adobe Connect. These can be used as further professional development or as teaching and learning resources. The links to the interviews can be found below. The PowerPoint presentations are also provided. The Summary and resources PowerPoint has many additional hyperlinked resources for classroom use. Content Session 1

What is 3D Introduced 3D printing terms and technologies. Featured Angus Deveson printing

Interview (Adobe Connect)

PowerPoint Presentation

Angus Deveson

from 3D Printing Studios, Sydney and An- Annette Mauer nette Mauer from Object: Australian Design Centre

Annette Mauer

Session 2

Meet the designers

Looked at real world design application of Andrew Simpson Andrew Simpson 3D printing. Featured Industrial Designer Andrew Simpson and Jewellery Designer Cinnamon Lee Cinnamon Lee Cinnamon Lee.

Session 3

Meet the teacher

Explored hands-on classroom application of the technology. Featured Ruth Thompson, Head Teacher Technology, Bossley Park High School.

ÂŠ State of New South Wales, Department of Education and Communities, 2014

Ruth Thompson

Summary and resources

Make Your Mark Careers Website Make Your Mark is an exciting new website designed to be the first port of call for information to help those from under-represented communities to discover future life opportunities through further education. SIMPLE SECTIONS: All the information and resources in one convenient location to guide the decision-making journey. Sections include: Future Planning, Study Options, Money and Other Challenges, Student Life and Getting In. USEFUL RESOURCES: Curriculum maps and activity worksheets to download plus more resources to assist discussion with students. TAILORED INFORMATION: General information plus addresses specific groups including Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islanders, those in rural and remote areas and students with disabilities. INSPIRATIONAL VIDEOS: Real life stories of people from different backgrounds and how further education had a positive impact on their lives. MYTH BUSTING: Addresses potential areas of concern for students and parents. Use the site to open a dialogue and break down these barriers.

Bridges to Higher Education is a $21.2m initiative, funded by the Commonwealth Government’s Higher Education Participation and Partnerships Program (HEPPP), to improve the participation rates of students from communities under-represented in higher education. It brings together the collective resources and experience of the University of Western Sydney, the University of Sydney, the University of Technology, Sydney, Macquarie University, and the Australian Catholic University. Bridges Connect is a schools engagement project that utilises technology, to build capacity, raise awareness and motivation, and provide academic enrichment to schools with low rates of participation in higher education. Video conferences lecture series—are run throughout the year addressing different learning areas: Maths in Science Video Conference Series - Wednesday 18 June 2014 (Week 8 Term 2) Engineering Video Conference Series - Tuesday 2 September 2014 (Week 8 Term 3) Careers in Teaching - Thursday 12 June 2014 Women in STEM - Tuesday 19 August 2014 Enquiring Minds - Wednesday 12 November 2014 See past Science and Technology lectures.

Anaphylaxis reminder By now your school should have received its order of new Epipens (adrenaline auto injectors) to replace out dated ones. Make sure all staff know where they are located and how to use them. All schools have a training auto injector for familiarisation and practice. Anaphylaxis is a severe and sometimes sudden allergic reaction. It can occur when a susceptible person is exposed to an allergen (such as a food or an insect sting). Anaphylaxis is potentially life threatening and always requires an emergency response. Make sure you know which students you teach have been diagnosed as being at risk of anaphylaxis. Make sure their personalised ASCIA Action Plans are displayed in an area where they are easily accessible to staff. Avoid the use of peanuts, peanut butter or other peanut products in all curricular or extra-curricular activities. Symptoms of severe allergic reactions or anaphylaxis can occur when there is no history of known allergies. This situation should be treated as an emergency. An adrenaline auto injector should be administered, an ambulance called and first aid provided until expert help arrives. For an individual with asthma who is also at risk of anaphylaxis, the adrenaline auto injector should be used first, followed by asthma reliever medication, calling an ambulance, continuing asthma first aid and following the instructions on the studentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ASCIA Action Plan for Anaphylaxis. Use the Anaphylaxis webpage to access the Anaphylaxis Procedures for Schools, resources and the most current and accurate information about supporting students diagnosed at risk of anaphylaxis. Use the online student resource Anaphylaxis: Food Preparation and Sharing to help students learn about anaphylaxis and severe allergies.

ÂŠ State of New South Wales, Department of Education and Communities, 2014

We would love you to join us on our Facebook page:

www.facebook.com/technologies.curriculum

TAS/Technologies curriculum contact: Sandra McKee TAS Advisor Years 7-12 Secondary Education Directorate Learning and Leadership Portfolio Level 3, 1 Oxford Street, Darlinghurst, 2010, NSW T: (02) 9266 8514

sandra.mckee4@det.nsw.edu.au If you would like to be added to our TAS/Technology communication network please send me your details. If you do not want to receive future communications please send remove from communication network If you have feedback or suggestions for professional development or future articles please send me an email.

The non-DEC products and events listed in this e-Newsletter are to be used at the readerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s discretion. The inclusion of product and event information is not an endorsement by the Department.

ÂŠ State of New South Wales, Department of Education and Communities, 2014