The Notebook Program at Brauer College

In 1996 Brauer College decided to introduce a Notebook Program, which involved parents of students purchasing a notebook computer for their daughter/son to use in their classes. Until then, the use of notebook computers had been confined to private schools in the metropolitan area. Brauer College considered the appropriateness of introducing such a program in Warrnambool, and decided that our students should have the same opportunities as their Melbourne counterparts.
The Notebook Program was reviewed and upgraded through 2008 and will again run in 2009.
For an Expression of interest form click HERE.

 

 

B-LINE Program

Traditional Values – Innovative Programs

The Program

• Provides an opportunity for students to access low cost, high quality, ICT-embedded learning at Brauer College, via the purchase and use of a notebook computer
• Promotes the development of ICT skills throughout the entire college community.
• “Hot houses” innovative teaching and learning practices.
• Continues the Brauer tradition of progressive education.

 Key Points:

• B-Line
  • One class of 26 students in Year 7 in 2009
  • The class stays together and progresses together through Year 7 - 9..
  • Applications invited through the enrolment process and period.
• Open Hardware
  • The required capabilities of suitable notebooks will be identified and made available to parents prior to enrolment. (Notebooks suitable for Brauer’s B-LINE program retail from around the $1000 mark).
  • Parents may source a suitable notebook from any vendor.
  • All notebooks will have access to the College’s WiFi network.
  • The College will provide parents information to help them select a suitable notebook computer.
• Open Access
  • All resources and activities for students will be available through a web-based interface both within and external to the College.
  • Students, parents and teachers will be able to interact online with the College.
• Open Software
  • The use of Open Source Software will be promoted across the school. All students will have access to a suite of software at no cost which will be provided either on DVD or by download. The Appendix contains an initial list of software to be provided.
• “Future Development”
  • This program will provide a continual source of development in the skills of both teachers and students in ICT and be shared with the college community.
  • Staff participating in the program are expected to develop curriculum which is innovative in its use of ICT and promotes the POLT and supports the College’s VELS implementation.
  • The ICT facets of the program will be based around creativity rather than software training and delivery.
  • Staff will be supported through peer mentoring sessions and classroom support.
  • The curriculum resources developed will be available for use in the classrooms of the entire College student population.

The Building Blocks

• Physical Resources
  • College to invest in redevelopment of its wireless network to provide the flexibility necessary to better support the program. Costing for this is yet to be developed.
  • B-LINE students will need to pay an annual fee.
  • Laptop lockers would still be required @ $20 year. Policy would dictate if these were compulsory.
  • Brauer would not provide technical support to individuals apart from minor trouble shooting of connectivity or referring to external support.
• Learning Gateway
  • We are currently using the Scholaris website to provide the basis for our ‘connected community’.
• Curriculum Support & Development
  • The College would provide a support structure for teachers; peer mentoring and dedicated ICT support will help to develop a culture where innovation can occur.
  • Staff would participate in focused PD sessions to develop initial ICT skills and then share this with their peers as they develop curriculum.

For an Expression of interest form click HERE.