I am thinking this will be a great tool. I was just wondering if anyone has used it yet to see how it works, perhaps in one of the pilot schools. can anyone help??

I installed it on a DET Lenovo workstation to see how it worked and it's viability in School networks. Correct me if I am missing the point of it, but I think the SRN is just reinventing the wheel. When classes are taught in computer labs or laptop learning spaces, conventional teaching methods such as verbal communication, would be much simpler and less complicated than these systems. To have to use these systems, over regular teaching is just rubbing salt into the wound. But that is just my opinion, if you would like to use it, you can install it in computer labs or if you want it on the S1's you can request it to be in the next software rollout, if one is to occur.

broc.say2 wrote:...Correct me if I am missing the point of it, but I think the SRN is just reinventing the wheel...if you would like to use it, you can install it in computer labs or if you want it on the S1's you can request it to be in the next software rollout, if one is to occur.

Umm, isn't the SRN already on the laptops? It certainly is on the T1s.

As far as reinventing the wheel, there are many advantages to using the SRN over traditional verbal communicative methods. For instance, students that are reluctant to draw attention to themselves by volunteering answers, students with speech impediments, ESL/NESB students etc, may all find the SRN to be a more accessible method of communicating answers. Additionally, the nature of it lends itself to a competitive game-like environment. Finally, there are many subjects/topics where annonomity (sp?) might be useful - questions on safe sex or drug use for instance.

You certainly raise an interesting point there Duane, and I would have to agree with you there about a few things. Certainly worth a try in some schools. I haven't seen SRN on the T1s in my office and it is certainly not on my S1s, but I don't believe the T1s were standardised as much as the S1s. I might have to look for it on other devices.

Broc, a question about your background and the role of the TSO's. Please don't take this as any sort of personal dig at you (or any other TSO).

One of my main concerns (and that of other staff I have spoken to) is that many TSO's will use their role as a springboard into a "proper" IT job and as a result we will have a huge turnover of TSOs. From what I understood of the position requirements, the TSO role is very much an entry level one, with minimal education and IT requirements. Now that's not to say that there will not be very qualified, experienced, enthusastic people appointed to the role - but I am worried that we will get people with little (if any) technical background that will use the on-the-job training and experience to upskill and then move on to greener pastures. Considering the potential scope of the role, I feel that the TSO's are grossly underpaid and the DET may be shooting themselves in the foot in the long term.

Any thoughts?

Duane,

I agree with you completly, this is an entry level 'job' and it was the largest springboard I could find. It is scary when I met other TSOs to learn that they have little to no experience in Information Technology and the ones that do, don't have any experience with managemental IT. I promise you though that some TSOs, such as myself, have been to University, and are highly trained. And yes, there are greener pastures, I am underpaid, and DET is always shooting themselves.


Regards,

broc.say2 wrote:Correct me if I am missing the point of it, but I think the SRN is just reinventing the wheel. When classes are taught in computer labs or laptop learning spaces, conventional teaching methods such as verbal communication, would be much simpler and less complicated than these systems.

Broc, SRN is an free (for DET schools) alternative to the more expensive key log or clicker systems that are out there used in conjunction with Interactive Whiteboards.

I suggest you look at the site: Student Response network
It can be used for:
- “Beat the Buzzer”-type gameshow questions (first-in gets to answer)
- Yes/No or True/False questions
- Multiple Choice questions (up to four way – A/B/C/D)

The server app automatically tallies the responses for the teacher to later review.

From an eduactional point of view, many students are reluctant to put their hand up in class - but with SRN they can do so without the fear.
Reluctant students have to make a response and the answers can be checked and recorded to identify weaknesses or areas of concern.

It can be used as a discussion starter to discuss why people have different opinions than others.
It can be used as a "class testing tool"


It is currently being used a lot of classrooms, especially in Sydney Region. We have even tested the system across video conferences between schools.

Greg,

I am well aware of what SRN is, how it works and its current use in classrooms in Sydney. But thank you for making sure that I did. As you are entitled to your own opinion about SRN, so am I, so I would appreciate it in the future if you didn't view my opinion on things as ignorance.

Thank you.


Regards,
Broc.

broc.say2 wrote:Greg,

I am well aware of what SRN is, how it works and its current use in classrooms in Sydney. But thank you for making sure that I did. As you are entitled to your own opinion about SRN, so am I, so I would appreciate it in the future if you didn't view my opinion on things as ignorance.

Broc, I was not implying ignorance nor having a go at you, just pointing out the valid Educational usage of such software.

Greg Sharkey wrote: pointing out the valid Educational usage of such software.

And herein lies one of the (IMHO) potential problems with the TSO position - having no education background may lead to conflict or misunderstanding with teaching staff and their wants/needs and priorities.

In my opinion, it would have been better to make the TSO position a Head Teacher-type role, with a substantial reduction of face-to-face. This would also limit the possibility for conflict between the TSO and students.

Just my 2cents

duane.galle wrote:

Greg Sharkey wrote: pointing out the valid Educational usage of such software.

And herein lies one of the (IMHO) potential problems with the TSO position - having no education background may lead to conflict or misunderstanding with teaching staff and their wants/needs and priorities.

In my opinion, it would have been better to make the TSO position a Head Teacher-type role, with a substantial reduction of face-to-face. This would also limit the possibility for conflict between the TSO and students.

Just my 2cents

Duly noted.

The TSO position is a comprimise between fucntion and cost.

If the TSO position was made a Head teacher level, then the cost would have been above that provided by the Federal Government and also would have been an unsustainable level.

As a tso, a head teacher would be an expensive option.

There is no need for the TSO level to have educational background. It is up to the Educationalist - the CC - to provide the interface between educational needs and the technical know how. The CC should be able to describe the educational requirements and the technician be able to provide the technical solution to meet those needs.

Greg Sharkey wrote:The TSO position is a comprimise between fucntion and cost.

If the TSO position was made a Head teacher level, then the cost would have been above that provided by the Federal Government and also would have been an unsustainable level.

As a tso, a head teacher would be an expensive option.

There is no need for the TSO level to have educational background. It is up to the Educationalist - the CC - to provide the interface between educational needs and the technical know how. The CC should be able to describe the educational requirements and the technician be able to provide the technical solution to meet those needs.

I understand this, and to an extent agree with it. However, it is likely that the laptops are going to create a significant amount of work for existing head-teachers; curriculum/program development and discipline being the two main areas. My thought was just that if the TSO had been a HT then the extra work generated across the entire school would have had someone responsible.

In my experience, the DET has been generally unwilling to provide the funding neccessary to adequately support technology in schools. Consider that most high schools would have approximately 100+ desktops, will now have about 120+ laptops, service around 800+ users, printers, smartboards etc. In most other circumstances a business of this size would have an IT staff or 2 or 3 professionals. In schools we get a part-time CC (often with no technical background) and now a TSO.

The appointment of TSOs is a huge step in the right direction, but I believe there is still a LONG way to go if the DET is serious about ICT and education.

Ok guys I am going to try and get then SRN up and running on thursday after school with a few teachers. has anyone had practical experience and success with this tool, and is there anything i should know that might help with our first go!!

I can't wait to get SRN up and running in my classroom. From an educational point of view clicker style systems are an awesome tool. This highlights the difference between the skill set of TSO's (essentially a DER clerk) and a teacher who is entrusted with a HT type role for integrating technology into schools. But Greg if you need a HT to try out a new position - I'm interested