Video conferences used for study

Students from Brisbane Water Secondary College Umina Campus took part in two video conferences recently.

School teacher Ms Genelle Farquhar said the new technology was changing the face of teaching.

Year 9 elective history and dance students took part in a live interview with author Jan Sardi of Mao's Last Dancer with 14 other schools including Kincumber and Lisarow high schools.

"This was a valuable experience to lead students into a consideration of the process of adapting a print text into a film and the different techniques that composers use to represent ideas," Ms Farquhar said.

"The live interview provided valuable experience for students to engage with the author and receive instant feedback."

Ms Farquhar's Year 7 class also participated in a series of writing workshops with author Paul Stafford.

"Inspiration came from the Somerville Collection of fossils and minerals from the Australian Fossil and Mineral Museum," Ms Farquhar said.

"The aim was to develop narrative skills.

"Students participated in a scaffolded writing workshop with Paul Stafford, discussing story plans and developing stories.

"As a result of engaging with 12 other schools, students have increased their imaginative skills and shared their learning experiences."

Press release, 5 Nov 2009 Genelle Farquhar, BWSC Umina