A new approach

Wednesday, July 22, 2009

Dr Ben Williamson on Enquiring Minds

Monday, June 1, 2009

The Value the Blog!

Tomorrow I am talking to an MA class about the use and value of blogging. Blogs for personal use and blogs for classroom use. I have a fabulous range of school blogs for them to check out so that they can see the technology in action. For my part I can see that the use of blogs with my students has had mixed reviews. When the students were actually in college and taking the ICT module they were quite regular bloggers, however I have noticed, (and I must admit I’m guilty too) when they finish the module they tend to stop.

http://www.sandaigprimary.co.uk/
http://listen2poems.blogspot.com/
http://www.woodlandwideweb.the-office.org.uk/blogs.htm
http://www.nextgenerationlearning.org.uk/ohnothingmuch/Tanyas-Blog/Welcome/

Sunday, May 31, 2009

End of the Academic Year

Well they said this term was the calmest! They said! The teaching is all but over, but it’s far from calm. Although it is just a matter of marking assignments it can be quite consuming. I wish I could be more efficient in term of time management, but I just get so involved. Each assignment has its merits, even those that are a challenge! I learn so much from them, not just the research they present, that goes without saying, it’s the way in which some are presented, with such conviction! I spend so much time reading, checking and evaluating, as feeling that I must give each one its worth, I just lose track of time. Before I know it the deadline is upon me and I’m panicking!

This year I changed my 2nd Year assignment, I made it more research based. I have had quite a good response from my undergraduates, the title was, ‘Discuss why ICT is a Key Skill and therefore an important element of primary education. Demonstrate your understanding of progression in ICT, use practical examples and reference to your school experience and appropriate literature.’ I have had some fantastic responses so far, and I feel that the research element has helped them put ICT into perspective in terms of their responsibilities as a new teacher.

Which brings me to the question do they really believe what they are writing? What are their beliefs about learning and teaching with ICT? Do they write what they think I want to hear? Even those that pose a good argument, I have my doubts as to their sincerity.

My 3rd year specialist have been experimenting with OPUS, and although we have had some software issues, they have produced some really useful resources. I’m looking forward to sharing them with my colleagues to discuss the content in terms of subject matter. Interesting stuff!