OTRNet Newsletter 5
Hi, and welcome to our July newsletter. The new term for our Australian readers brings with it many professional development opportunities with the AAMT Virtual Conference, MAWA Conference and QAMT Conference at the end of term.
1. Modules in progress.
2. Explaining the module stages.
3. The investigations book.
4. Conferences.
5. Opportunities for you.
1. Modules in progress:
Module B03: Length is now available. This three week module is at levels 3, 4 & 5 of the Curriculum Framework and would be a useful addition to most year 8 programs. A copy of the cover of this module is attached for you to look at.
Module F05: Exponential Functions 1 is currently with the printers. It is a 4 week module at levels 5, 6 & 7 and is designed as an introduction to Exponential Functions. Why not program it in for second semester with your good year 9 groups. This will give them an up to date look at this area of work and provide you the opportunity to trial a module.
2. Explaining the Module Stages
Each module we are developing has a stage attached to it. At present these range from stage B (around levels 3, 4 & 5) to stage I (around levels 7 & 8). All student modules at each stage will be the same colour to aid identification. All teacher modules are the same colour. The number of modules planned at each stage varies from two to nine.
For a look at the complete list of planned modules visit this link:
3. The Investigations book:
Investigations Book 1 is now availablefor purchase. This book contains the twenty investigations from our Online Service and can be photocopied for use in classrooms. The normal price of this book is $40 but subscribers to our online service need only pay $10 (+p/h) if they wish to secure a hardcopy of this years investigations. If you're not subscribed to this service you can still do so, gaining the advantage of being able to edit the investigations to meet your requirements or simply to put your school header on them. Subscription after July 1st will include entry to CatA:2000 in 2001 so you get 18 months subscription for the price of 12 months!
4. Conferences.
As mentioned earlier there is a lot happening on the Professional Development front in Australia this term. First up is the AAMT Virtual Conference 2000 from July 28th to September 4th. OTRNet is taking part in this conference as a Virtual Exhibitor (where to in the 21st Century?). This is an inexpensive way to attend a conference that lasts and lasts.
MAWA has its State Conference happening from 11th August to 13th August. Get down to Bunbury, enjoy yourself, be enthused, and take home lots of useful information. OTRNet will have a stand at this conference and will be presenting two sessions for interested teachers.
QAMT has its conference during the holidays at the end of term 3, 27th to 29th September. If you're from Queensland or just want a sunny holiday get along to the Gold Coast! OTRNet will have a trade display and be presenting at this conference also.
Get further information from these Professional bodies via our weblinks page at:
5. Opportunities.
I would like to take the opportunity to remind you all that OTRNet's main purpose is to disseminate resources written by teachers to other teachers. This will reward people for effort and make it easier for all of us to access the materials we need to teach better. If you've produced some great materials, don't keep them to yourselves. Let OTRNet spread them around for your benefit and for all teachers and students to use.
More information on this can be found at:
As OTRNet nears the end of its first year since conception I would like to thank you all for your support. A special thank you to LH who provided our first order on 4th Feb 2000!
OTRNet thanks you for your time in looking at our newsletter.
Please forward this newsletter to a friend if you think it may be useful for them.
Mark R. O'Brien
Online Teachers Resource Network
C.O. Post Office
Wooroloo WA 6558
Phone: (08) 9573 1367
Fax: (08) 9238 1334