# data[].attributes.body
Say hi, include a short intro so that we can get to know you and feel free to share a picture or link to something that inspires you to learn :).

# data[].attributes.body
Hi Everyone! My name is Penny and I am a humanities teacher at an independent school in Brisbane.  Last year I had the life changing experience of acting as Head of Library for the year at our school and while I thought it might be something interesting to try, I never imagined how much it would transform my thinking and my career path.  Within weeks I was completely hooked and started my Library Masters last semester.  I am back in the classroom part time this year.  I have two small boys, a husband, a dog and a garden.  My passions are inquiry learning and constructivist pedagogies.  While it is definitely not easy, I feel that my primary goal is to help students become independent and passionate learners so that they can be in charge of their own learning and futures.  My students inspire me to learn - if they can do it, so can I!

# data[].attributes.body
Just a quick hello to everyone. My name is Lee-Anne and I am teaching full time in Brisbane and just started my masters last semester.  It has been quite a while since I studied last so I am learning to juggle family life, teaching and studying.
I am really excited about this course and I would like to end up teaching at University in a similar subject to this.

# data[].attributes.body
Hi Everyone,

My name is Tonya and I am currently in a TL role at a school in Brisbane. As part of this role I also teach digital technologies, which I just love! Linking literature and technology is something I have become very interested in. This is going to be a busy semester for me, as it is the first time I am going to try to squeeze in doing 2 subjects before I have a bub due 2 weeks after we submit our last assignment. When I am not busy at work or studying, my husband and I are chasing my 2 year old daughter around.

I loved Kay’s prompt to include an image or link to something that inspires us to learn. If I could, I would upload an image of my parents (but they would 🤬 me). They have instilled a love of learning in me from day dot and for that, I will be eternally grateful.

I’m looking forward to learning with you all this semester – I have also taken great inspiration from many of you in previous units.

# data[].attributes.body
My name is Allan and I currently teach Instrumental Music with Education QLD.  Although not full time that's actually good, as this course is a steep learning curve for me.  Although ICT is in every subject due to our ever increasing technical society, I have generally avoided the social media aspect. To be quite honest I don't give a 🤬 what the Trumps, Kardashians, Musks of this world are doing, so that explains my lack of Twittering, Facebooking, Instgraming, etc.

I always try to inspire my students by comparing what they know now, to what they didn't know 'back then' and what they could know in the future. Being an enabler is very important for any student. There is no upper limit to this process and it allows all students to get a positive experience from achieving something: even if a student is half the potential of another they still get a positive experience from the results of their effort. There are other motivations but it changes if the student is primary or secondary.
No inspiring pictures to upload but if I manage to find or take one then it will be done.
I am looking forward to learning as much as possible in the time available. Thanks!

# data[].attributes.body
My name is Karyn and I am a Head of Year at an independent school in North Queensland. I have recently relocated to the Sunshine Coast for this year where my partner lives (I literally just managed to escape the floods in Townsville) as my Principal has very kindly given me a year's leave to do some travel and study! I am currently enrolled in my Masters with a focus on Leadership, and this subject was one of the more fun electives I got to choose. I have quite a good grasp of ICTs, although, like Allan, fear this will be a steep learning curve. I am excited for the subject and to learn how to best employ the skills and knowledge gained both as a leader of staff and with my students in class :)

# data[].attributes.body
My name is Lee and I'm currently working as an engineer. I've started to study teaching and education part time as an interest and also as a potential career. I'm not a big fan of social media and prefer to keep in contact with friends and family via phone, emails and direct face to face meetings. (Saying that, I do try to keep up with the latest Trump twitter explosions.) As part of my work, I already access LinkedIn and the web to keep up with the latest technologies. I'm looking forward to this semester to see what I've been missing out on, and to see if it can enhance learning both in education and engineering.
Cheers Lee

# data[].attributes.body
Hi, I'm Leanne from Victoria and this is the last subject for me in a Grad Dip Ed I started about six years ago! I'm probably not going to teach professionally in either primary or secondary now, but hopefully in tertiary or adult education later in my career ... but as a lifelong learner and avid social media user, I'm looking forward to this subject. Cheers 👩🏻‍🎓 (emoji is me at the end of semester - I hope!)

# data[].attributes.body
My name is Amy and I work for Ed QLD as a HPE, Maths and Science teacher. I really enjoy teaching a variety of subjects, but would love to add TL to my repertoire, and eventually work in this area or something similar. Looking forward to this subject- I am already loving the interactions!

# data[].attributes.body
My name is Kelly and this is my second semester of study in my TL Masters. It is nice to see some familiar names from last semester. I am currently working part-time as a primary classroom teacher in Brisbane.  I am studying two subjects this semester, which I am looking forward to. I actually started my TL Masters back in 2004, but life had other plans and now four sons later I am finally getting a chance to realise a dream.  My sons inspire me to learn, as I hope I can show them how to be life-long learners.

# data[].attributes.body
my name is Anni & I'm working as a TL at a beautiful Catholic primary school in Brisbane's Redlands area. I've taught in a number of independent schools across Qld & Brisbane since moving from Sydney in 2000. I'm already quite a social media butterfly, so I'm really looking forward to doing it better! I sing in a brilliant community choir on Monday nights so I will have to be extra involved at other times (& very self directed time wise to making sure I stay up to date - I do work better when I have a committed schedule!)

# data[].attributes.body
I'm a prep teacher at a growing school in Logan. I have high hopes of becoming a teacher librarian there, as I love my school. They currently haven't got the funding for a teacher librarian, but I am confident that will change by the time I am ready to step up! For now, I am having fun with my preps and getting excited about the world of Connected Learning. Thanks to Mandy Lupton, I have recently learned the benefits of connected learning. I joined a closed community of prep teachers on facebook and I am exploring Instagram, gaining inspiration from like-minded professionals. My next step is to get acquainted with Twitter.
Lyn

# data[].attributes.body
Hi Everyone,
I have been teaching since 1998 with some breaks in between to have 3 beautiful girls. I've been working as a TL for the past 5 years and have not stopped learning since I started. I love the job and hope that in some small way I can inspire students to become knowledge hunters, to never accept "because I said so" and to  form well balanced and discerning opinions.
At the moment our school is going through a very rapid growth phase and while we are waiting for new classrooms to be built the Library has been turned into a classroom and the my multimedia room into a staff room. So I am experiencing some challenges to keep the library running to support students and staff. The positives are that I now have a Library assistant 2 full days a week, Yay! We will prevail!
Cheers
Alexandra

# data[].attributes.body
Hi Kay and fellow students,

I am a primary teacher living and working in Sydney for the past 10 years. I lived in Toowoomba and the Sunshine Coast for many years...(younger years), and I still call Queensland home. This is my second semester and I am looking forward to collaboration and discussions in this unit. I am hoping that through this course, and as a “digital attendee” I will gain much needed and best professional development experience.

In the past, I’ve worked in low-socioeconomic school communities, remote Aboriginal communities as a relief and temporary teacher where most school libraries were well resourced. I hope you agree with me when I say, that, behind every well-resourced library, full of fantastic literary displays and infographics, is a very hard working teacher librarian.

I truly love every aspect of literacy, reading, creative writing and the library space today as the inquiry hub, connecting us all and encouraging engagement.

Happy learning journey everyone! Talk soon!

Maya

# data[].attributes.body
Hello everyone, my name is Josh and I'm in the final semester of my Masters of Librarianship at QUT. I think I am one of the few remaining students from the cohort.

# data[].attributes.body
Hi, my name is Sarah and I am in my second semester of my Masters of Ed (Leadership and Management). I am both an instrumental and classroom music teacher in an independent school in regional Queensland and am gradually taking on more responsibilities within various leadership roles. This subject is definitely taking me out of my comfort zone but I can also see the value of CLN's as most of my career I have felt like an island, rarely crossing paths with people in my own teaching area. Most schools will only have one music teacher and if there are multiple, they are usually at schools on different days. So the idea of creating a network that connects these teachers is intriguing.  I could keep writing forever, but will refrain :-)
Cheers, Sarah.

# data[].attributes.body
Hi Kay and everyone,

My name's Pete.  I’m a former primary school teacher who has spent the past ten years or so as a children’s author, now embarking on the path to teacher-librarianship.  I’m really keen to reawaken the teacher in me, and to dive in to all the circus tricks TLs are expected to perform these days.  I’ve completed one subject in my Masters (Inquiry Learning), which was enjoyable and overwhelming in equal measure.  I’m doing a few subjects this semester, so expect me to be gasping for air in a few weeks.

# data[].attributes.body
My name is Asha and I hail from Perth. I'm an English teacher and have taught in WA and Hong Kong , but I've been out of the workforce for nearly 8 years while I've stayed home to raise my three beautiful children. I started my masters last year and I'm looking forward to tackling some of the varied electives on offer this year. The idea of connected learning both inspires and terrifies me a little as it is definitely not my forte. I'm hoping to embrace the challenge and learn enough to make me feel more confident about returning to teaching. I'm excited to see what's out there and looking forward to it!

# data[].attributes.headline
Hello everyone. My name is Kath. This is my 5th subject and my second (and last!) Masters Degree. I teach in a same sex 5-12 school in Brisbane where I have been working for 22 years. I was initially trained in Special Education but made the move into the Library four years ago. I work with Years 6 & 7 in our Library Literacy program and I have a YR 10 Essential English Prep class as well just to mix things up a bit. I have no idea what area of interest I'm going to focus on for the assignment yet which is causing me a bit of stress but hopefully something will spring to mind by the end of the first lecture.

# data[].attributes.subject
Hello everyone. My name is Kath. This is my 5th subject and my second (and last!) Masters Degree. I teach in a same sex 5-12 school in Brisbane where I have been working for 22 years. I was initially trained in Special Education but made the move into the Library four years ago. I work with Years 6 & 7 in our Library Literacy program and I have a YR 10 Essential English Prep class as well just to mix things up a bit. I have no idea what area of interest I'm going to focus on for the assignment yet which is causing me a bit of stress but hopefully something will spring to mind by the end of the first lecture.

# data[].attributes.body
Hi everyone, my name is Kirsty and I’m in my final semester of the Master of Information Science (Library and Information Practice). I started the degree as a full-time student but after securing a job (thanks to a very successful placement), I decided to switch to part-time. I’ve been working as a library assistant at a public library here in Brisbane for almost three years and really enjoy the variety of the work I get to do and the different demographics I get to engage with. I was first introduced to the concept of Connected Learning last semester when I took Designing Spaces for Learning (which I really loved!) and am very excited to expand on that knowledge this semester.

# data[].attributes.body
Hi everyone, I am a PE teacher in a Brisbane Ed Qld school and half way through my masters.  I have been teaching for around 20 years and taught in both private and public systems.

# data[].attributes.body
Hi, I'm Suzanne and I'm a secondary English teacher. I've been teaching for nearly 10 years and am looking to possibly transition into being a TL. I have 18 months left of my Masters and then I boldly step into the unknown. Good thing the unknown is one of my favourite places.
Looking forward to learning alongside everyone here.
Suzanne.

# data[].attributes.body
I found this YouTube video inspirational.  I try to train my horse and myself to do dressage and here this beautiful lady is doing it all at liberty with just her legs and seat. You have no idea just how much time (years) and hard work go into making this look so easy. I aspire to be able to have this kind of relationship with my horse.

# data[].attributes.body
Hi everyone! My name is Liane and this year I am working Tues-Fri as a TL in a primary school on the northside of Brisbane. It's my first appointment as a TL so I am very excited!

This is my third semester of the Masters degree, I have only completed two subjects so far as I had not studied for a long time so was juggling work, study and my young family.

I am looking forward to this subject and growing my TL knowledge and using what I have learnt.

# data[].attributes.body
Hi all, I am a maths teacher working at a P-12 school on the fringes of Brisbane. I am third of the way through my TL masters and am keen to embrace connected learning.

# data[].attributes.body
My name is Cathy and I am currently teaching in a small (90 students) Qld Ed primary school in Far North Queensland. Being so small, (the school, not me) I get to wear many hats including classroom teacher, TL, and Digital Tech teacher.  I am bracing myself for the semester ahead as I will be leaving my comfort zone (not much of a 'Facebooker' or social media user), but I am looking forward to the challenges, new experiences and endless possibilities that will arise.

# data[].attributes.body
Hi everyone! My name is Suzie and I'm a Head of Department at an independent school in Brisbane. I'm (hopefully) in my second last semester of my Masters in Ed Leadership - although I've taken on a lot to try to make that happen...so let's see how we go.
My passion is pedagogy related to higher order thinking skills, along with educational technology. When I'm not at school, I'm usually embarking on adventures with my husband and two children, or working on our Physio business. Life's crazy, but I feel that's a common thread in today's society! Here we go...

# data[].attributes.body
Hi all,

I'm sorry I am a bit late to the party - I got a bit caught up at work (something I'm sure we're all familiar with!). I'm a teacher at a select entry Government school in Brisbane. I moved up from Melbourne just over a year ago. I am completing the final stretch of my Masters after a 2 year hiatus.
I think after 6 years of teaching I have finally started to find my groove in terms of what I enjoy most about teaching and what I am best at, which has helped me to identify areas for improvement too. Looking forward to Connected Learning. Thanks.

# data[].attributes.body
I’m Barbara 🤬, part-time TL. I absolutely adore my current role as TL and am so grateful to have the opportunity to learn from the best at QUT! I am halfway through the Masters and this is truly the most valuable PD that anyone can offer.

Apologies in advance, Kaye, as I am usually MIA during live classes due to the chaos of my schedule. The recordings have worked perfectly for me thus far, however.

Something which inspires me? So many things, creatures and humans. Here is a brilliant young poet who speaks so eloquently and with grace. He gives me hope for the future and confidence in our young people!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Solli Raphael, 12, becomes youngest winner of Australian Poetry Slam

# data[].attributes.body
My name is Kiera and I am a Music teacher in Brisbane. I am in my 7th year of teaching and love my job. I am halfway through my Masters (can't wait to graduate in 2020!).

I know this sounds corny, but my students inspire me. I love the moment when they learn something new (like a new instrument or song). Their smile is so large they are grinning from ear to ear! The joy and happiness this brings in irreplaceable.
This is why I teach and never stop learning.

I am looking forward to the semester ahead!

# data[].attributes.body
Hello everyone, my name is Jenny and I am a recently qualified TESOL teacher. I'm trying to ease myself back into uni after doing an intensive teacher training course over the summer so I'm feeling a little bit scrambled! I'm sorry that I'm late to the party, I've also been struggling with my internet for the past week (classic excuse, I know!)

If I'm brutally honest, I'm not a very experienced teacher, even though I'm in my final semester of my Masters! However, I'm looking forward to this course and learning more about PLNs and Connected Learning!

# data[].attributes.body
Hello everyone! My name is Mymy (pronounced Mimi) and I am currently in a TL role at a primary school in south western Sydney. This is actually my last subject before I graduate from the Masters degree so I am very excited!!
I have actually been in the TL role at my school for the past 4 years - it started out as a temporary position but I've grown to love the challenges and experiences that this role has given me.
Fun fact - I have pink hair and I am a Harry Potter fanatic (I love making Harry Potter references whenever and wherever possible haha).

# data[].attributes.body
I'm Ruth and I'm in my final year of the Master of Info Science(LIS). I'm currently working full time as a liaison librarian (learning and teaching) in the Creative Arts Faculty of a University in Melbourne. I have found learning online quite isolating and disengaging so I was really relieved about Kay's approach to teaching this subject. Look forward to see you online 🐱‍👤🐱‍👤

# data[].attributes.body
My name is Grace, and I am currently a Kindergarten teacher in Bamaga in remote north QLD. I am studying a Masters of STEM Education, and thought this unit would pair well with my inquiry and Digital Technology subjects. I am currently a member of a Reggio approach Facebook community, and have similar pages and hashtags followed on Instagram. I have yet to expand into twitter in terms of connected learning, but am hoping to network there soon.

I am looking forward to learning some new things this semester!

# data[].attributes.headline
Hi All,
I'm a bit late in introducing myself so apologies for that. I've had a cross over with a major work conference and the first couple of week's of semester. I work as the resources manager for a major engineering peak body and look after our digital library among other information management tasks. This is my last semester of my Masters and I am taking this subject and Children's Lit, as well as doing one of my placements at Griffith University library. Along with work and two boys aged 9 and 14 there's never a dull moment. I'm very impressed with the structure and philosophy of this subject and look forward to trying to implement the learnings from it in my own workplace. 
 

# data[].attributes.subject
Hi All,
I'm a bit late in introducing myself so apologies for that. I've had a cross over with a major work conference and the first couple of week's of semester. I work as the resources manager for a major engineering peak body and look after our digital library among other information management tasks. This is my last semester of my Masters and I am taking this subject and Children's Lit, as well as doing one of my placements at Griffith University library. Along with work and two boys aged 9 and 14 there's never a dull moment. I'm very impressed with the structure and philosophy of this subject and look forward to trying to implement the learnings from it in my own workplace. 
 

# data[].attributes.headline
Hi All, 
I'm Craig and I work in a small independent school on the Gold Coast, teaching mainly Science. Sorry I'm a little late on everything, it has been a crazy start to the year and I'm going to be playing catchup this week. I'm about two thirds of the way through my Masters. Looking forward to this subject and hoping to really enhance my teaching. A clip that changed how I look at teaching was one on shifting educational paradigms, I have included the link if anyone is interested in having a look.
Thank you and talk soon.

# data[].attributes.subject
Hi All, 
I'm Craig and I work in a small independent school on the Gold Coast, teaching mainly Science. Sorry I'm a little late on everything, it has been a crazy start to the year and I'm going to be playing catchup this week. I'm about two thirds of the way through my Masters. Looking forward to this subject and hoping to really enhance my teaching. A clip that changed how I look at teaching was one on shifting educational paradigms, I have included the link if anyone is interested in having a look.
Thank you and talk soon.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Get a daily email featuring the latest talk, plus a quick mix of trending content.

By subscribing, you understand and agree that we will store, process and manage your personal information according to our Privacy Policy

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Sir Ken Robinson: Changing education paradigms

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
In this talk from RSA Animate, Sir Ken Robinson lays out the link between 3 troubling trends: rising drop-out rates, schools' dwindling stake in the arts, and ADHD. An important, timely talk for parents and teachers.

# data[].attributes.headline
Hi my name is Sandie. Sorry I have only just started to log on the Uni subject site so I am about two weeks behind because I didn't realise it had started yet.

# data[].attributes.subject
Hi my name is Sandie. Sorry I have only just started to log on the Uni subject site so I am about two weeks behind because I didn't realise it had started yet.

# data[].attributes.body
My name is Laura and I hope I make Sandie feel better as I am only 13 days behind her catching up with start of Semester!!
As I have told Kay, I started a new role on the same day that uni started and so I have been playing major catch up.
I am (hopefully) in my final Semester of my Master of Ed (Career Development).  Having been plodding away at this as part-time as I could have, it will be a huge relief and sense of achievement to have completed :)
I started teaching way back in 1992 but only for four years before I re-directed my career into Executive Administration and Project Coordination in the university sector and more recently as a Student Support Officer in the TAFE sector. My new role is a split of Industry Consultant and Teacher for a Trade College on the Sunshine Coast where I live.  Coming back into teaching and in my specialist area is both exciting and daunting at the same time.  A lot has changed since 1996!!
With employers wanting our young people to have well defined 21st century skills, such as digital awareness and creativity, I hope to learn more about these areas to teach my students.