Posted April 2008 Strong regional ICT support for teachers
		Teachers across Queensland have access to a higher level of ICT support in 2008 thanks to double the number of Smart Classrooms Mentors and strong regional ICT support teams. The department has increased the number of Smart Classrooms Mentors working with schools this year to reflect the importance of making information and communications technologies (ICT) integral to learning. Smart Classrooms Mentors at a conference earlier this year.

To kick off 2008 Mentors from across Queensland gathered at EQ's ICT Learning Innovation Centre on the Sunshine Coast in January to plan how to maximise their participation in the latest Smart Classrooms initiatives. Forty-six Mentors work with ten Regional Technology Managers across the state to support teachers in their own professional development to provide assistance with Smart Classrooms initiatives - particularly those involved in Computers for Teachers and to demonstrate the potential of the Learning Place.

The Mentors also work closely with the Smart Classrooms co-ordinators in each school, Smart Classrooms District Liaison Officers and Professional Development Framework accredited facilitators, as well as school principals to support schools in their ICT goals and development.

Julianne Cervellin, a North Queensland Mentor, is in her sixth year of the role. She says the reason the programme is so successful is because of the huge support both regionally and from the Smart Classrooms service support team. "Working closely with the Regional Technology Managers and other Smart Classrooms personnel and the 'ground zero' corporate team means we have instant advice, problem solving, support and resource management at our fingertips. It's great to know we help drill this support down to every teacher working to integrate ICT in their classrooms."

Ms Cervellin adds she absolutely loves her mentoring job and is excited about what 2008 has in store. "Being a Mentor is the most professionally and personally rewarding role I have undertaken with Education Queensland since I first started teaching in 1986. I'm so passionate about this role because I can make a real difference by facilitating professional development which has an immediate, positive impact on student engagement and learning outcomes in the classroom. The opportunity to support applicants for their ICT pedagogical licences has been extremely rewarding, particularly where participants involved in online learning opportunities available through the Learning Place have seen positive changes in their classroom environment."

All Mentors are teachers who have demonstrated excellent practice in the use of ICT for teaching and learning. They also have an interest in facilitating adult learning and development. Most Mentors teach four days a week and spend one day in their mentoring role, although some work differently to balance the two roles.

If you want to find out who the Smart Classroom Mentors are in your region, visit the Smart Classrooms Mentors and OLCs website