STEM Linc Events

 Video Conference Events Calendar (Bookings now open for 2020)

Real-time dial-in events are coordinated by Ecolinc throughout the year to provide schools with another option for engagement in STEM learning.
Full details of planned events are available through our STEM Linc Calendar.  New events will feature in our regular Ecolinc newsletters to schools and on the homepage of Ecolinc Learn onLine (scroll down to ‘Featured Events’).

Click below to visit the Calendar:

How do I book an event?

1. Locate the event you wish to attend.
2. Look for the registration link and click it.
3. Complete your registration details using Eventbrite.
4. You will receive an email confirming your registration with the dial-in details & CISCO technology support (Please see below).

Are these events free?

Currently STEM Linc events are free of charge.  Numbers are limited for some events to ensure opportunities for student interactivity with presenters.

Engaging STEM Content

Ecolinc collaborates with many interesting STEM specialist content providers, scientists and organisations.  STEM Linc will provide students with an array of interesting opportunities delivered directly into classroom. For some programs you will receive by snail mail a special classroom kit of materials (STEM-in-a-Box) to use during the video conference session.

How can I connect from my classroom?

Late in 2018 all Victorian government schools were equipped with CISCO Webex licences and equipment.  At Ecolinc we realise that not all teachers will be up to speed with the use of this CISCO equipment yet. (ZOOM, Polycom and Skype for Office is fine too) In some cases the equipment your school elected to get may not be located in an easily accessible spot for you to take your students to.  The good news is that we can dial in using our own teacher laptops and built-in webcams.  By projecting the laptop image up on your classroom whiteboard and activating its sound,  students will have a very engaging experience!  Many of our events will use ZOOM for it’s green screen capacity.  It is so easy.  We will send you a ZOOM link to click then you are in the lesson!

Image: Classes linked to Reef HQ Great Barrier Reef Students learn about the adaptation of creatures in our own Great Barrier Reef by engaging with a diver who moves around the reef responding to their questions.	Environmental issues in space?  Take our LMS design challenge & solve the issue of space junk.  Students took a virtual excursion to explore the current development of a plasma rocket engine and the science behind the technology. Image: 2019: Connected to Ad Astra Rocket Company Houston Texas
Image: Professor Noah Lott: Continental Drift Lesson	A suite of STEMLinc events featuring Ecolinc’s own Professor Noah Lott are available on our STEMLinc calendar.  Professor Lott is our resident expert in all things STEM. Co-starring some of Ecolinc’s most colorful live-in creatures Professor Lott’s telecasts are sure to capture your imagination! School will receive STEM-in-a-box lesson kits for all participating students.  This way students have a rich and engaging learning experience regardless location. Keep an eye out for these as they are book out early!
Image: Linked live to Alaska! ‘Eat or Be Eaten’ lesson.	Feedback after STEM Linc Events We appreciate your feedback after attending our events. ‘Thanks Jo that was great, keep us on the list for future opportunities.” Rick Ellis Principal Ararat North PS “Great experience – we will be doing this again.” Carol Booker Principal Darraweit Guim PS
Image: Lesson delivered by Science Museum Melbourne.  Meal Worms devouring polystyrene.	“Our students loved the experience. We can’t wait to do more with your program.” Jason Horton Lang Lang Primary School“Thankyou so much for involving us in the live dive it was amazing and the children got a lot out of it.” Chris Walker St. Albans PS“Unique and fun experience.” “Learnt quite a few things.” “Enjoyed the questions and answers.” Students Thomas Chirnside PS
Image: Professor Noah Lott lights the way before bringing out the animals.	Fantastic Beasts: Adaptations with Professor Noah Lott allows your students to get close and personal with the array of animals here at Ecolinc.  Students learn about the various climate zones and how animals adapt to their environments. Teachers receive STEM-in-a-box lesson materials including posters & stickers.
First in best dressed! “Check our calendar & book  today!  We look forward to engaging your students in STEM! “ Jo Tate (Digital Projects Coordinator)	Image: 2019 Linked to a NASA engineer live. Jess shared her story as a NASA female engineer working to improve spacesuits for astronauts.  Students interacted with Jess during her presentation.

Using the CISCO Equipment in your Victorian Government school

(Non-government schools please install the Teams software on your laptop.  You can join our special events and project your laptop to a whiteboard)

• Download our simple Webex Dial-in Assistance handout click here.

What equipment does your school have?

There were four options for Victorian government schools to select from.

Click your school’s CISCO equipment and download your Getting Started Help Sheets :

1. The Webex Free Standing Board (Please note that currently there is a recognised Webex board ‘glitch’ when connecting to a meeting involving an outside provider who is using Polycom.  Therefore we currently recommend teachers use Webex Teams software on their laptops and simply connect to a classroom projector or whiteboard with mic and speakers.  Download our Dial-in Assistance handout here.)
2. The Desk Kit
3. CISCO Small Room Kit
4. CISCO Large Room Kit

2. Get the software for your laptop – you can simply join the event from your laptop and project it through your classroom whiteboard that way.  Get the Webex Team software at http://www.webex.com/downloads

Online Learning Modules

Click here to visit the online Learning Modules. (Edumail username and password required)

Which modules should you complete?

• Webex Teams (Everyone should do these modules.  This is the Webex Team software you have now installed on your laptop(see above).  It will allow you to start your own meetings.  You will also use it to seamlessly access our special STEM events.)
• Webex Board (Only do this if your school ordered the free standing Webex Board for your school)
• Webex Room Kit (Only do this if your school ordered the Webex Room kit for your school)
• Webex Desk Kit (Only do this if your school ordered a desk kit you will be using)

Request Professional Development Skill-Up Sessions for your Victorian Government school

• Professional development Skill-Up Sessions commence
• Email: det.virtual.conferencing@edumail.vic.gov.au to request training for your school staff
• Keep an on this page for further learning and development opportunities and upcoming activities

Further assistance

For assistance with digital learning and IT planning, register for region based ICT planning workshops. See: https://www.edustar.vic.edu.au/Pages/Planning.aspx

Each Victorian Region currently has a video conferencing coach to assist schools:

• North eastern Victoria: Caroline Clarke clarke.caroline.c@edumail.vic.gov.au
• North western Victoria: Lili Cvetkovic cvetkovic.lili.l@edumail.vic.gov.au
• South eastern Victoria: Grant Gains gains.grant.g@edumail.vic.gov.au
• South western Victoria: Traci Robins robins.traci.l@edumail.vic.gov.au

Above: Joanna from Reef HQ Great Barrier Reef