Web-based learning for Creative and Talented Students
Webcats Educational Services ABN: 29 810 591 261
Program Information
What is the program about?
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The Create a Picture Book program empowers creative and talented students to become published authors. The ten-week project takes students through the processes of writing, illustrating, editing and publishing their own, original stories. Each student's Picture Book is printed as a high quality, full-colour, soft cover edition.
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A Gifted and Talented educator and an artist-illustrator will guide each student's progress through a combination of hands-on workshops, webinars, interactive website posts, school visits and email communications. Students also receive a printed information booklet for ready reference.
How does it all happen?
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Registered students are placed into classes of up to fifteen, according to geographical area. Workshops will be held at a central location. The timing of workshops and webinars will be arranged with all parties before the classes start.
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During webinars, students can share their work with the teacher and other students, ask questions and learn new skills. Students access each week's schedule, learning activities and resources via the Picture Books page on the WebCaTS site. Some pre-recorded webinars will be posted on the website so students can view them in their own time.
What are the benefits for teachers and schools?
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Create a Picture Book is a differentiated educational program designed to extend and challenge creative and talented students. The Program cultivates a range of skills and understandings assessed against nine academic outcomes from the new Australian Curriculum. At the completion of the Program, each student receives a Record of Achievement.
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Through weekly scheduled workshops and webinars, WebCaTS teachers work closely with students to complete each stage of the project. Classroom teachers simply check that students are in the right place at the right time with the equipment they need. Webinars free up teachers to spend time with other students.
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Following the 2015 and 2016 pilot programs students reported increased self-confidence and increased creativity, also witnessed by their teachers. Students have also demonstrated improved attitudes to schoolwork, less procrastination and greater persistence with tasks.