Skoolaborate Congress 08

It is on!  Our first international congress with 4 of our 7 countries.  The others will attend the virtual congress (as soon as we figure out how to do that).  We also have limited spaces for those that just want to observe and listen. Apply here. (westley@mac.com).

It is a project based congress where students and teachers choose projects that require  skills such as concept design, building, scripting, art work, landscaping etc.  They then access experts to  assist them in areas of need.  The days will also be scattered with short Keynotes from World Leaders in the area.

My Principal Mrs Barbara Stone would like to officially invite your teachers and students to attend our first 'Skoolaborate Congress' at MLC School in July 2008.

We are keen to encourage this important global collaboration opportunity amongst our communities. The congress will provide a significant boost to the skill levels and understandings of the staff and students who participate. They will make a significant step toward building those skills they need to succeed in a increasingly global workplace.

We look forward to establishing and ongoing relationship between our schools. I appreciate the interest and commitment that your staff have shown in making our initiative one of the most significant of it's kind, worldwide.

When: July 31st / 1st / 2nd of August.

Where: MLC School, Sydney Australia.

Why: The aim of the congress is to:

• Explore possibilities for virtual and blended learning experiences for schools
• Build professional Networks
• Cement relationships between the participating schools, teachers and students
• Build capacity for students and teachers to operate in Skoolaborate
• Share vision and understanding of the initiative
• Initiate our first virtual congress

Congress Fee: There will be a congress participation fee of $500 for non partners $200 for partners. 

A light lunch and recess will be provided during the congress

Who:
All current Skoolaborate partners, those interested in joining the initiative or those interested in how virtual worlds operate in schools. Each ten students must be accompanied by a teacher. So far we have ...

MLC School - Sydney Australia
Kyoto Gakuen School - Kyoto Japan
Christ College - Christchurch New Zealand
HWA Chong Institution - Singapore
Hobart College - Hobart Tasmania
Victoria University / Debney Park School
Melbourne Grammar School Victoria

Guest Presenters:

Mike Mikula Teen Builder - Mike recently was named in the Wall Street Journal as being one of the most entreprenerial students on the planet. Mike is arguably the best 'teen' builder in Virtual Worlds

Michelle Selinger - Director of Education Asia Pacific Public Sector Cisco Systems. Michelle is involved in the World Economic Forum’s Global Education Initiative having worked extensively on the inaugural Jordan Education Initiative as the education strategist for the Program Management Office and advised on the Egyptian Education Initiative and Partnerships for Education. UNESCO are about to launch a set of ICT teacher training competency standards which she helped to develop. Michelle will give us a comprehensive global picture.

Barry Harper - Dean of Education Wollongong University (retired) Barry is well known internationally for his innovative leadership in the development of multi media products. Barry brings a wealth of knowledge to the Project and is looking at how Wollongong can be more closely involved with Skoolaborate.

Lindy Mckewon - ISTE Leader of the year 06. - Lindy is a highly respected Virtual worlds consultant who has led many educational developments using virtual worlds. Lindy is a regular international speaker and consultant to large corporations such as Xerox.