Kate Leeming -Virtual Stories from an Australian Adventurer

Kate Leeming     is an Australian explorer/adventurer, who has cycled the equivalent distance of twice around the world at the Equator.

Rarely do we get the opportunity to listen to motivational and educational people of Kate’s calibre. It costs too much to bring them into our school face to face and the distance from Melbourne is great. How wonderful it was that my year 9/10 ICT class could listen to her via polycom videoconferencing equipment  in a session set up by Digital Learning, Department of Education and Training.

Prior to the connection:

• Websites of potential interest to learn more about Kate were emailed out
• The access number for the session was also shared.
• A test call was required before the actual day to ensure the equipment worked.
• Students were given a short time to look at Kates blog set up especially for them.
• A backchannel was set up for students to add questions, experiences or general sharing as Kate was presenting

The Connection

• Kate was formally introduced, explained a little what motivated her to do what she does, what she has done and how she hopes to cycle across Antarctica in 2018
• Kate shared her screen showing some of the amazing photographs that she took on her journey of being the first person to ride from East to West Africa.
• Students added questions into the backchannel as she spoke

The engagement factor

• Her presentation style was excellent and the images captivating.
• Her stories and experiences were interesting and inspiring
• Some of my most disengaged students weer active in the chat with questions, so she certainly held their interest

After the event

• The event was recorded Year 6 in our school will watch that as they were absent during this session.
• We can continue to follow her journey through her blog
• Students will be encouraged to subscribe to her blog and add comments on her posts.
• As we had to leave early, Kate kindly answered all our questions from the TodaysMeet backchannel and the document was emailed through to us.
• Students will write a blog post and add a link to Kate’s blog

Some follow up activities and further research include:-

Learning Resources

1. Level 5,6,7 Unit of Work – Climate Change and the Environment –   –
2. Take the Online Quiz – What is your Ecological Footprint?
3. Taking action – Organise your own Expedition or Fundraiser
4. Communicate with Kate – There is a Blog Post from Kate

What wonderful opportunities for students to get involved in? Why werent more schools in attendance for the session?