eBiology is an exciting online program to assist rural students and teachers, in providing a quality Biology program for 2011. With the mentoring and support of Andrew Douch, approximately 40 rural VCE 3/4 students from eight schools are involved in an online learning program weekly. Students from Werrimul, Swifts Creek, Corryong, Camperdown, Heyfield, East Loddon, Wycheproof and Hawkesdale, along with their teachers are participating in a weekly online elluminate session; discussion on a secure website; as well as accessing podcasts.

The program utilises a blended learning approach where the students are supported within their own school by their biology teachers; they access the secure eBiology website (developed by Douchy) to participate in discussion forums, podcasts and question and answer sessions; and participate in a weekly presentation by Andrew Douch in the evening.

We are very grateful to Andrew for his willingness to work with the eight rural schools for the year, and to Wanganui Park SC who have agreed to release Andrew to facilitate this exciting program.

The program is supported through a partnership involving the eight schools, CEP eKids initiative and the Innovation and Next Division of DEECD.

eBiology website: http://ebiology.squarespace.com/