The power of the web

Today I was a marshal (the back runner in fact) in my running club's (Sospan Road Runners) annual MT10 in Pembrey Country Park, Llanelli. Running is what I do when ever I have spare time, it keeps my life on track and makes me feel alive. Today I was reminded of the fragility of life. I met a wonderful woman, mother and runner who I met last year at the same event. She ran today, as she did last year, in the name of her beautiful daughter Chloe, who died at the tender age of 14, in December 2007. Both her parents, Lesley and Paul, have set themselves a running challenge of 100 half marathons for Lesley and 100 Marathons for Paul. Along the way they intend to fundraise as much as they can. Here is were the power of the Web comes into play. They are using Web 2 technologies to help with the collection of their funds. I often hear of the negative aspects of the www, but this is one of the great ideas that have been born of the new generation of the web. A collaboration of fundraisers using the power of technology to take the pain out of collecting your sponsor money!

For the last few years instead of sending paper Christmas cards, I donate the money to a charity. So, if like me, you are looking for a charity to send your card money to you could try this one. And what's more you can then use the web to send e-cards, so it's a win win situation!

www.mycharitypage.com/paulandlesleybigmore

You can read the tragic story of Chloe's year long fight at www.chloebigmore.co.uk I could hardly see the screen by the time I had finished so be warned.

Looking back & forward together

It is the time of the course that I like to get my first year students to discover the collaborative power of the Wiki. So I took a little journey myself. I had a look at what Curriki were up to these days. Curriki was the wiki that inspired me back in 2007 so it made perfect sense to begin there this year too. They have created a summery of their mission and their history in a neat little PDF this summer, which is worth a peek. Although there is funding from a variety of partners, they rely on members like us, educators, for content. It is individuals and organizations that are making world-class materials freely available to educators around the world. Curriki's approach of using technology to provide freely available learning resources, plays a key role in improving children's learning all over the world. So when you create something worth sharing, become a member and share on a world wide scale.

Making Progress - useful link

Well I have finished my MA Ed. I handed it in, begrudgingly and with trepidation. But it has gone to its markers, and I hope they are gentle with it! I can’t believe I have done it at last. It seems to have taken ages, although I suppose the dissertation has only taken 10 months from start to finish. The topic of the dissertation was easy; it had to be Web 2 technologies! It filters through all I teach now so it seemed quite natural. And if you look back at earlier posts you can see how the research began. It is strange now though now it is done, it has left quite a void. The research for the literature review was very interesting, it help feed my habit and supplied me with new and exciting ideas for future teaching. It also provided a broader view of the impact Web 2 is having on education in general. It was great to hear how others were integrating Web 2 in their teaching and to read of their perceptions of the new wave. What’s next I wonder?

Our Reflections

The Wonderful World of Web2

On Friday I was lucky to be part of Careers West training day for teachers here at SMU. The training was conducted by award winning teacher and musician David Miller from Glasgow. David provided a range of Web 2 ideas for inspirational teaching across the curriculum. He introduced his audience to Twitter, Wall wisher, Story Bird, Prezi and lots of other great interactive collaborative resources.

Follow David on Twitter http://twitter.com/davidmiller_uk

I was a little disappointed that he didn't blog though!

The Ultimate Word Search Maker

Make Your Own Word Search

A new academic year

I had a wonderful experience in London on Tuesday, Playful Learning with CEMP and Future Lab. There were some awe inspiring keynote speakers that really made you think of the pace in which technology has moved, and the shape of education following slowly in its shadow!

And now we begin a new academic year, new students and new challenges. At this time of the year I always question myself about all aspects of my life as a teacher and educator. What will I say when I meet the first set of new faces, will what I have to say have any impact on them? Well this year is no different. I am at my PC wondering what the challenges will be this time. For me the scary aspect of new students and their knowledge of ICT is the most daunting. What can I begin to tell them that they don't already have a head start on? Well hopefully it is all about application, and I don't mean computer application, but how they apply the knowledge that they have of ICT to develop their knowledge and understanding of all other aspects of education...Well here's to a new and exciting year. I'll keep you posted on the developments and any new ICTs that I am introduced to.

Web 2.0 Wordle

Here is a cool link too for lots of great Web 2.0 tools to use in the classroom

Flickr Slideshow

Flickr & Photo Booth

I have joined Flickr at last. As I had advised a student to open an account for her Vis Com assignment I thought that I should really see what it can do. A friend had sent me a link to her family photos a few years ago after she had moved to Australia. I though back then it was a great idea and one I should investigate further! Hey ho that was about 4 years ago. The photos I have uploaded are of my son experimenting with Photo Booth on our Mac at home. I have created a slide show and have placed them in my sidebar. Here's one of my favourites!

Animations in Education

Alice's Catch Phrase

Animation has had quite an influence on my practice over the last few years. As Visual Communication is part of my Educational Studies course in year 1 animation seemed like a useful and fun way of doing just that. This is the 3rd year that I have used 2Animate with the students and it still appeals as much as the first time! I love most of the 2simple applications anyway so it is easy to pass on my enthusiasm ans share one of their best products.

In line with the topic I am covering with my 1st year Ed Studies students I received this week’s ICTOpus link where they are looking at ICT in primary science, using as a focus a 'blast-from-the-past' piece. This is an article by Michael Negus, first published in 1981, looks at the potential of the 'microcomputer' in the teaching and learning of primary science. This piece shows remarkable foresight. Editorial margin notes make comparison between Michael's piece and the Becta science entitlement document. They also look at what Michael failed to foresee - the use of the internet for cooperation and collaboration.

Education, yesterday, today and tomorrow

In 1965 Gordon Moore predicted that microprocessors would double every 18 months (Moore’s law) leading to an order-of-magnitude improvement in performance every 5 years. Projecting ahead over the next twenty years, this rate of change would lead to the development of electronic technologies 10,000 times the power of today’s devices. He has since revised this prediction to a slightly slower rate, notwithstanding, the rate of growth in the electronics and computer industry has risen beyond imagination over that last 40 years. Its impact on educations is still being felt. Begging such questions as; ‘What will education be like in the year 2020?’ and ‘What should education be like in the year 2020?’ Technologies enable possibilities but they don’t determine future development. What positive implications will technologies have on education and society more generally?

How will ICT change the future of education?
Opportunity for Elearning Solutions in Third World Countries

The shape of technology in primary education today.

Year1's reflective Ideas

These are the ideas developed today with Educational Studies about their use of blogs for reflection

Wise Kids

This week I went to the Wise Kids conference on E-safety. (You could enjoy live feed throughout; Young People in a Digital World 2010 - Preparing, Supporting and Inspiring. This was an interesting aspect and one that has been refined since last year.) The only disappointment was the keynote speaker Dr Tanya Bryron was unable to attend, instead she provided a recorded interview. This turned out to be exceptional in my view and the highlight of the conference. An inspirational, intelligent, interesting woman that looks at today’s technological world with realistic eyes and an open mind. She considers the whole picture, something I have always thought many educational critiques fail to do. She announced that she is now reviewing her 2007 review, which should be another interesting read.

The most interesting and encouraging aspect to come out of the conference this year was the simple fact that we are now moving on from Internet lockdown in education. Recommendations for internet use in schools across Wales have been close to lockdown for many years. With Byron’s recommendations, it is has been a slow progress, but it is clear that education for safety is key. It is great to see and now maybe we can really utilise Web 2.0 technologies in our classrooms. I am looking forward to monitoring my new primary teachers as they enter the world of teaching to see if these new initiatives have had any influence on their practice.

Take a peek at Bett 2010

At BETT 2010

Well BETT 2010 did not disappoint. It was just as inspiring and captivating as ever. But for me the best part was meeting two of the most influential men I have yet to come across in the world of ICT in education. Tim Rylands and John Davitt, both completely by chance, although I did intend to seek them out. Rylands learning and creativity expert for both teachers and learners was keynote speaker for BESA in ‘Breaking the Bonds of Learning’, was incredible as ever. I introduced myself to Tim as he weaved his way to the BLI stand to do a presentation about The National Schools Film and Animation Awards before dashing off to present at an Apple event. Fortunately for me we met again at the wonderful 2simple party held that night where I was introduced to the wonderful Sarah who is obviously his inspiration. Meeting Davitt was even more of a surprise for me. My colleagues and I were observing a presentation at the Espresso stand, (partaking in a little champagne I might add), when I turned round to find him talking intently to my colleague! He too was invited to the 2simple party...what a night. Contacts made, inspiration at its fullest, awe struck and slightly under the effects of merriment the day couldn’t have been better. Oh and all the freebees too! My students had a great time at BETT, they tried the Dance Mat at LightBox, 2make a Super Story at 2simple, Roamer Too and oh so many more. Check out the The BETT Awards list of esteemed winners and the best in educational technology solutions.

BETT 2010

Well it's opening day at BETT 2010 today. Later today I am planning to travel to London with two eager colleagues and eight 3rd year students for whom it is their first trip. I am keen to see the new initiatives that will be show cased this year. I am looking forward to sitting in on a few seminars as usual this year looking at creativity, innovation and Web 2 technologies. There were lots to choose from, but undoubtedly they will fill up quickly, so finger crossed and early queuing should prevail! Here are the initial choices;

Creativity – an education agenda - sponsored by Lightbox Education
Web 2.0 Pedagogies: 'Playfulness, Expression, Exploration & Reflection.'
ICT in the primary curriculum – an essential for learning and life

I’ll give you more details on my return!

Web 2.0 Schools Project

At the end of the autumn term my 3rd Year BA students and Llangyfelach Primary School took part in the Web 2.0 project, cumulating in a World War II Wiki with year 6 and a Houses and Homes Blog with year 2. The day when well with the trainees planning and delivering a wonderful range of activities for both groups of children. The stresses and strains over the preparation of the day disappeared once the activities were underway, with a tightly run team effort. The children explored a range of new technologies such as Crazy Talk, Edu-Glogster, Podcasting with Audacity, film making and creating photostories. The year 2 children also had fun with the Roamer turtle and created their own games using 2Simple 2DIY, which was a great success. The children, although uncharacteristically quite at the start, were buzzing with excitement as their work was uploaded to the newly created wiki and blog.