Jenny Ashby

Lois Smethurst

Jenny Ashby has been the ICT specialist at Epsom Primary on the outskirts of Bendigo for 10 years. She has been instrumental in making sure the school uses innovative new technologies with the introduction of laptops and wireless networks way back in 2000. Jenny has initiated projects including the use of iPod nanos and the Nike Sensor sport kits for fitness, podcasting local history and in 2008 and 2009 the iPod Touch use in the classroom.

Jenny is an Intel Master Trainer (that’s where I met Lois), a qualified peer coach and a Reading Recovery Teacher.

In 2005 Jenny was awarded her Masters Degree in Education (Information technology) She has presented at ICTEV and VITTA 2007, 2008. In 2009 ICTEV and ACHPER as well as at ITSC in Sydney in December 2007.

Using ICT in the classroom is Jenny’s passion and  being able to share her experiences with others is one of the greatest rewards. She produces a podcast called BEAUT (not as often as she would like) and now is co-producing a podcast with her regional director Ron Lake (LM Bytes)and this podcast RUConnected with Lois Smethurst.

During the daytime Jenny teaches a grade Prep/1 literacy and numeracy until lunchtime and ICT to P-6 after lunch.

Lois Smethurst has been a Primary Teacher for more than twenty years and a Leading Teacher in ICT for the last 10. Her qualifications include Intel Master Trainer, Peer Coach in ICT and Graduate Diploma in Computing. She is currently completing her Masters of Information Technology in Education. Lois works at Berwick Lodge Primary School in Victoria Australia.

Lois has been presented with the Victoria Information Technology Award for “Most Outstanding Use of Technology in a Government School” and the Gippsland Learning Technology award for “Best Use of Learning Technologies in a Primary School.” In 2004 and 2005 she was a member of the “ICT Achievers” writing team for integrating ICT, Digital Learning Objects and Kahootz.

In 2008 she participated in Teacher Professional Leave, investigating Interactive Whiteboards, pedagogy and peer coaching. In 2009, 2003 and 2002 she presented at ICTEV and Regional ICT conferences.

Her interests are education in ICT rich environments for teachers and students, web2.0 tools and technologies, global collaboration and constructivist learning. Her current role is in e_Learning extension for highly able students and whole  school leadership in ICT.

Lois is quite involved with helping to produce the Berwick Lodge Student Radio Show but this is the first time she has ventured onto the performance side of podcasting. She is enjoying the challenge and the opportunity to work with Jenny.