ABOUT VT
VT began in 1998 providing computing, ITC and STEM solutions for teachers. It gradually grew from requests and questions from teachers at my school and teachers at inservices I had given. I published questions and links online in the Virtual Teacher website, so everyone could have easy access. It contained Online Lesson Plans, Great Sites, Free Stuff, Tips, Time savers, and templates etc.
In 2000, I was giving more seminars and inservices at a number of schools and setting up computer networks. I was linking up with many teachers with lots of questions, who wanted fresh inspiration and ideas, so the VT Newsletter was born. Here are the Archival Newsletters click to view them, these were amongst the earliest educational newsletters on the web. In all I wrote 156 of them between 2000 and 2008 until events, time and the world changed.
I am still currently sending newsletters out, there are over 260 of them.
Subscribe now and look out for the next instalment.
SINCE then the WORLD has changed Dramatically
The world did change dramatically, we have had the GFC and lately CoVid. We are still struggling with the aftermath. The whole world is engulfed in an evolution. No one is sure of anything anymore. Today's students will be adults in a world we cannot even begin to predict.
Virtual Teacher isn't just a website, consulting service or awesomely cool newsletter. It’s about a belief in the future of education, about changing the way we teach in the digital era. A way of working: smarter, better and happier.
Check out the Original 1998 site here.
ABOUT ME
by Cathy Brown
My Life has been driven by insatiable curiosity, it has covered many areas including Education, Technology, Graphic Design, Writing, Art, Filmmaking and Marketing. Each one is 99% transferable. The variety has enhanced my life it is a way of working smarter, better and happier.
After my graduation with Honours from Sydney University, I taught extensively in both the private and public sectors, from Preschool to Tertiary. I worked as an Educational Consultant for Holt Saunders, Harcourt Brace Janovich, as well as for Lego Australia and also Horwitz Martin Education.
My fascination with computers began in the mid-1970s with my research work using Sydney University’s mainframe computer, this led to my work on the development of the first vacation computer course for students, sponsored by Metropolitan Business College and supported by IBM. I taught basic programming, one of the programs was a simple multiplication Q & A.
In 1987
In 1987 I was Co-Founder and Director of Combridge International Pty Ltd a Film Production Company - Combridge International producing a number of feature films, TVCs and Corporate Videos. During the Nineties, I worked in the film industry in production, marketing and distribution and have film credits including executive producer, producer and production coordinator.
I was an IT writer for Classroom Magazine in 2001 and have written an e-Maths book - "Do You Need a Hammer to Do Multiplication". I was also the founding publisher and editor of the internationally read Virtual Teacher website and newsletter, a free newsletter and information service for teachers worldwide.
I have lectured at both TAFE and Universities as well as working in training and development for the Department of Education.
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From 2003 to present
I ran a successful Graphics Arts and Design Studio in Sydney.
During this time, I was also providing ITC In-service and Training for schools and was a guest speaker at several Educational Conferences.
I continue to maintain and develop the Virtual Teacher Website and the Virtual Teacher Newsletter.
There are approximately 7,000 subscribers internationally. I have provided Teacher (Inservice) Training on Technology, Creative Writing, Creativity, STEM, The Importance of Video, Film Production, Thinking and Future Education. I worked on several Curriculum Committees developing 21st Century Curriculum Initiatives, Goals and Benchmarks.
I have also developed an extensive range of Group Learning Activities and a learning series called "Big Ideas" based on the work of Pythagoras, Fibonacci, and incorporating 4 Colour Theory and Fractals, with activities designed to engage and challenge Primary school students from K-6.
In 2016, I worked and lived in Malta, Europe and was part of the rollout of iPads program to all Year 4 students. I developed teacher training programs and integration activities to complement the rollout.
On returning to Australia in 2018 I have worked on Experimental STEM Programs supported by videos on my VT YOUTUBE Channel.
During CoVid this provided teacher training, as well as Lessons students, could complete at home via Zoom, as well as at school, for teachers to use in the classroom.
I have recently achieved some amazing results from a student lead News Broadcast Program in several schools. The programs contain, Sports Reports, jokes, teacher interviews, special interest stories, HowTo videos, Ads and coverage of school carnivals etc. Providing abundant opportunities for script writing, developing presentation skills, video techniques,
The Language of Film, editing voice-over, titling, music production, creativity, engagement, collaboration and student agency.
© Cathy Brown 1998 - 2023 © All images & Videos Cathy Brown Located in Sydney NSW Australia all rights reserved.
No unauthorised reproduction without written permission. Website design by Cathy L. Brown
Send me an email just in the Quick Message or send to:
cathy@virtualteacher.com.au
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