Blogging

= Blogging as part of Blended Learning = Malyn Mawby and Tricia Allen Abbotsleigh 30 mins

//update (25 October 2011) - add link to [|Tricia's poster of her Action-Research summary]//

One story, two perspectives: teacher and IT Integrator.

Tricia will talk about her Action Research on blended teaching approach for a Year 8 English novel study unit. Included are her action research process, findings and tips for success using blended learning. The student samples and reflections are inspiring.

Malyn will talk about her Peer Coaching experience with Tricia. Included are her plan, strategies and effort to support Tricia's action research, which means really to support the success of blogging in a blended learning environment. Malyn will also provide tips on making collaborative peer coaching work.

If you've never tried to do action research and plan to, get some ideas here. If you've heard of but have never seen a pecha-kucha style of presentation, see Malyn try (and hopefully succeed).

So really, this session is more than just about blogging and blended learning. While it's only for half an hour, the presenters will **attempt** to provide time for some Q&A.

**Tricia Allen** has been teaching for 19 years and initially trained in English/History, specializing in Senior Ancient History. In 2008 she completed a Masters of Special Education at Macquarie University and was offered a position at the Macquarie University Special Education Centre (MUSEC). She has been involved in research at both University and School levels. She is a regular contributor to professional journals including ‘Clippings’, the professional development journal of Abbsearch, Centre for Education Research in Schools. One of her research interests is the ‘Blended Learning Model’ which actively combines online and traditional face to face instruction to create a more effective experience and learning environment for the teacher and students. She is currently a Learning Support specialist and English teacher at Abbotsleigh School for girls.




 * [[image:http://a1.twimg.com/profile_images/1545127585/me20110916.jpg width="99" height="91" align="left"]]Malyn Mawby** is an IT Integrator and has worked as a maths and computing teacher. Current role encompasses professional development for teachers through consultation, peer coaching and workshops. Malyn knows first-hand the benefits of blogging, having an education-focus blog, [|Love2Learn] for reflections on new ideas, teaching and learning strategies, education technology and generally, love for learning. She also likes to micro-blog so connect with[|@malynmawby on Twitter]. Malyn has previously worked in the IT industry in software development and project management.