Who are ???Expanding Learning Horizons (ELH)?
Expanding Learning Horizons (ELH) is the leading independent advisor to school leadership teams, education departments and associations. ELH assist to identify, develop, implement and measure strategic plans. Their aim is to guide each institution to achieve their own vision for modern learning environments with technology and to support innovation.
The Expanding Learning Horizons organisation was created by Computelec to be an independent advisor for schools on the creation and implementation of technology programs, providing strategic planning and consultancy services and a deliver carefully planned technology related professional learning for school leaders and teachers. With a wealth of experience in BYOD and 1-to-1 technology programs in Australia and New Zealand. Expanding Learning Horizons can work with any school at any stage of ICT planning or deployment and can effect sustainable change enhancing the use of technology with students.
How are we different?
Unique in that we focus on the learning vision or strategy in the first instance, we have an overall vision for ICT use in the school. Professional learning programs are then developed to fit in with the school’s broader learning goals, and rolled out in a manner of minimal disruption for the school.
The act of just using technology won’t equip students with the skills they need for the 21st Century. Innovative teaching practices using embedded technological learning activities, supports students to develop skills that will help them thrive in their future life and work. ELH work in partnership with schools, departments and associations to ensure students receive the experiences and opportunities within the classroom, which they need for life beyond the classroom.
Meet The Team
Rowena Ulbrick
Professional Learning & Innovation Specialist ???National Team Leader
In her ten years of experience in both in Australia and internationally, Rowena is a passionate innovator and educator. She has worked with Educational Departments in all sectors across Australia and previously was an Assistant Principal of Teaching and Learning. She is committed to supporting teachers and leadership teams to provide rich learning experiences for young people through quality professional learning, leadership and managing change effectively
Rowena is a Microsoft Education Master Trainer, Microsoft Peer Coach Master Trainer, Microsoft 21st Century Learning Design Master Trainer and has a degree in Master of Educational Leadership. Her research on 21st Century Learning Design (21CLD) and Professional Learning was recently published in an Australian academic journal. Through her work as National Manager for Expanding Learning Horizons she has supported teachers and leaders to design learning for 21st Century capabilities and utilise technology as a powerful tool for thinking, learning and creativity. Her energy and enthusiasm for education comes from her commitment to life-long learning and providing quality learning experiences for all.
Monika Kern
Professional Learning & Innovation Specialist
Monika has been involved in education in New Zealand for the past 17 years. Her experiences include the compulsory schooling sector as well as pre-school and professional learning for adults. Over this time she has witnessed significant shifts in pedagogy towards future focussed learning and had the opportunity to support teachers at her schools with ICT and e-learning.
Prior to joining ELH Monika has worked as e-learning facilitator in New Zealand. Her expertise includes working with 1:1 and BYOD environments with a focus on using cloud-based platforms. She has supported schools to develop their e-learning vision, to choose suitable tools to support this vision and she has provided professional development for teachers to implement these.
Monika believes strongly that there is much more to 21st Century learning than using devices. While these allow teachers and students to access information anytime and anywhere, what we do with this information is what really matters. Monika is concerned with how we can use technology to collaborate and solve real-world problems and importantly, how learning and teaching needs to change to facilitate this process. Her work with schools has allowed them to critically evaluate their curriculum delivery and re-design their learning activities to enable students to be prepared for their future.
Following observations of children involved in online games, game-based learning and ‘gamification???has been an area of interest for Monika and she has co-presented at the Ulearn Conference and contributed towards magazine articles on Minecraft. Many of her connections with other passionate educators from around the country and beyond have been forged via social media. In 2014, Monika worked on a project to develop capabilities of teachers to connect with online professional learning especially in rural and isolated areas. She is a committed and passionate educator with a breadth and depth of knowledge in the areas of technology, professional learning and game-based learning.
Johanna Wilkins Bennett
Professional Learning & Innovation Specialist
A strong advocate for life-long learning, Joh is an educator with an infectious love for the innovative.
An experienced leader with a specialty in pedagogy, curriculum and technology, she has two decades of experience as an educator, Project Coordinator and Executive Leader within systemic, department and independent education communities in Australia.
Johanna has a vision for implementing creative pedagogical methodologies, processes and practices aimed at transforming and innovating 21st century learning. She is committed to rich and meaningful staff Professional Learning and brings a wealth of experience to the ELH team.
Ready to support, enthuse, inspire and collaborate with the numerous stakeholders within educational settings, she has worked extensively in 1:1, device environments and understands well the unique requirements technology brings to classroom practice.
Joh brings with her understanding and experience in national and global educational philosophies, in particular the International Baccalaureate, as well as National and State based curriculum requirements. Her joy is in those “aha???moments that take place in the learning process, from students and educators alike, particularly in the collaborative space of digital learning.