Three award-winning Australian high school students presented their research projects at this year's Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF), held in Reno, Nevada.
Chaneg Torres won 3 awards!
Grand Award – 4th Place (US$500 cash)
Honorable Mention
For projects that display excellence related to the geophysical sciences.
Award of Merit of US$250.
Chaneg, a year 9 student at Redeemer Baptist School, North Parramatta, NSW, also won the 2008 Science Teachers' Association of New South Wales' (STANSW) Young Scientist of the Year.
His project 'Hey! Can you hear me?' used Isobel* contour mapping to determine acoustically optimum seating positions in a classroom.
Australian student finalists who also competed at Intel ISEF were:
Sam Wightman, a year 11 student from Mullumbimby High School in NSW who won First Place Earth and Environmental Science in the STANSW competition. Wightman's project investigates acidic drain water from acid sulfate soils and the addition of agricultural lime.
Rosie Watters, a year 12 student from Trinity Anglican School in Brisbane, QLD, who won first place in the BHP Billiton Science Awards in 2009. Watters' project is called 'Crash Force' and her research was aimed at looking for ways of reducing brain injuries in cycle accidents and investigated different foams in bicycle helmets.
At Intel ISEF 2009, a program of the Society for Science & the Public, more than 1,500 students from 56 countries, regions and territories shared ideas, showcased cutting-edge research and inventions and competed for nearly US$4 million in scholarships and awards. The top three winners were awarded a US$50,000 scholarship from the Intel Foundation.
The high school students who participate in Intel ISEF are the innovators of tomorrow. In fact, more than 20 per cent of 2009 participants have a patent or are considering applying for one for their research. Finalists' projects tackle challenging scientific questions that address some of today's most pressing global issues such as climate change, cancer, alternative fuels, driver safety and world hunger.
Listen to Chaneg Torres interview
The Intel® Teach Program Leadership Forums were launched in Victoria and New South Wales at the end of March and the focus is on how leaders can promote model and support technology in learning.
The Leadership Forums are a complimentary half -day workshop for school leaders to help them develop strategic approach to leading ICT integration in their schools including a specific action plan.
These Leadership forums will help participants explore relevant research and behaviours related to supporting effective ICT integration and associated professional development.
World Teacher’s Day is celebrated on October 31 globally and this year’s theme was “World Teachers
every
Day”.
The Victorian Institute of Teachers selected Anne Baird as a World Teacher to recognise her significant role and the impact she has on teachers and students locally and globally. Read Anne’s full story at
http://www.vit.vic.edu.au/files/documents/1648_Media-Release-Wedderburn.pdf
.
Anne Baird, teacher at Wedderburn College in Victoria, and an Intel Teach Senior Trainer, has been chosen for her hard work and dedication to be part of an initiative to highlight the teaching profession on World Teacher’s Day.
The ICT leader has been recognised for her outstanding work helping students from small rural schools collaborate with students abroad through experience, language and technology. The far-reaching impact of Anne’s work is also clear from the fact that her school blog is read in no less than four continents!
“I find that exciting. It’s the reason I get up every day and why I love to teach.” Anne Baird 2008
Anne’s commitment and passion continues to create opportunities for students at Wedderburn College and students globally.
Congratulations to the following teachers who each won an
Intel Urban Messenger Satchel in our Intel® Education Teaching Resources, Explore and Win lucky draw in December 2008. Thanks to all the teachers who entered, by providing valuable feedback and ideas for the Australian Intel Education website.
The winners were Rosemary A Holden, Fiona Cole, Curt Draheim,Lisa Carroll, Alison Turner, Kerrie Leary, Timothy Bollard, Maree J Leopold, Alison Furey, Grace Jones, Katherine Thompson, Stuart Walsh, Janine Forbes, Toni R Steinbergs, Janice E Ellis, Mary-Jane McGuinness, Samantha De Vos, Margaret E Jeffery, Doreen F Wheeler, Paula Robertson.
Congratulations to all the winners and thank you for everybody who participated.
eLearning is the use of information and communication technologies (ICT) to enhance classroom education. This whitepaper summarises key research findings that aim to help educational leaders identify relevant eLearning benefits, and make judicious decisions when developing their eLearning strategies. To further aid in planning, we also share insights relating to the challenges of eLearning implementations around the region, and provide a bibliography for additional reading.
Positive Benefits of eLearning Research Summaries 
