Having recently written about discussions – why to contribute, and what not to do when you do contribute – I thought I’d write a quick update on a real live event taking place on 17th November 2011. This is a bit of an advert, but the event I’m writing about is free and should be good for professional development, so I hope you’ll forgive me.
Read MoreIs the computer lab defunct?
Having attended a conference at the Westminster Education Forum today on the future of technology in education, I am moved to raise this issue again: have computer labs had their day?
The idea that they have was mentioned two or three times. Whilst I can see the attraction of arguments in favour of mobile technology as opposed to fixed technology, I don’t think the two are necessarily mutually exclusive. Rather than rehearse my arguments again, I’ll refer you to an article I wrote back in March 2011 called Come back, computer lab, all is forgiven. Hope you enjoy it.
Two great quotes about education technology
I heard one very quotable thing today, and read another very quotable thing. The first was to do with copyright, the second to do with embracing technology in education. See what you think:
Read MoreExplorations
I’ve been exploring seven things today, and I thought you might be interested. They are a blog, another blog, another blog and yet another blog, a new service from Voki, a book, and photography.
Out of this world
It’s August in Britain, and it’s raining. In fact, I was reading today that the Meteorological Office has issued a severe weather warning for the South-East of England! So, a typical British summer in other words. What better time, if you’re still enjoying the school holidays, to visit an exhibition or two?
Why so many “Found on the web” posts lately?
You may have noticed that quite a few of the articles to appear here recently have been in the form of links headed “Found on the web”. Why?
Read MoreBack to school: 2 reading suggestions for ICT teachers
I know that to most folks in England, “back to school” seems a long way off. But pity our colleagues in Scotland, the USA and other parts of the world for whom this has already become a reality. Here are two resources you might find useful.
Relaxing with technology
I need a break. I’ve been working like crazy, weekends too. So, for the next few days I’m having a break. As I’m not able to go away, a “staycation” is called for. I can’t go away partly because of another looming deadline, and even more partly because of the two feline parasites who have recently taken over our household. (I could meet the deadline from anywhere in the world, but it's too soon to leave the cats in somebody else's hands.) As a techno-addict I’ll be using a computer of some description or other to provide some entertainment. Here’s what I have lined up
Synchronicity, mobile phones and a great upcoming conference
It’s strange, is it not, how certain linkages occur, what some would call coincidence , and others synchronicity ? Yesterday, the mobile phone was the common factor for me, and continued to play a part: I became so engrossed in responding to an email that I missed my station by two stops, and had to backtrack!
Dates for your diary
Before you go offline for the summer, here are a few dates you might like to pencil into your diary. They are events which you are bound to find useful in your educational ICT work.
Read MoreWhy technology goes wrong
Join us for the final Vital Teachshare discussion of this school year, as Tony Sheppard, aka Grumbledook, talks to us about a topic that I am sure is dear to our hearts:
Why Technology Goes Wrong. The discussion begins at 7pm UK time Tuesday 26th July, and you can access it by clicking on the link just given. Use the timezone converter to find out what time it is where you are.
Tony is a key member of Edugeek, one of the most vibrant online forums I know of.
Please tweet about this event, using the hashtag #vitalcpd. Thanks!
See also:
Update on 2011-07-26 21:06 by Terry Freedman, Educational ICT Consultant
We had a great session: brilliant talk by @grumbledook that covered just about everything, and a great follow-up discussion.
To view the recording, click the link below:
Unsubscribing blues
I’ve recently decided to finally take the bull by the horns and unsubscribe myself from any newsletter or other mailing that I don’t at least skim on its arrival. It’s part of a drive to de-junk my life, starting with our home, and moving on to my inbox. You’d think that unsubscribing would be easy. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case.
Read MoreManaging ICT on a budget
Tomorrow evening, at 7 pm UK time, I’ll be hosting a discussion on managing ICT on a budget. If you have any top tips you’d like to share, or are looking for some ideas on how to make your budget go further, why not pop along?
Read MoreAn update in the style of an old film
Let there be joy and jubilation! I’ve been working really intensely on a particular piece of work, which is why this website hasn’t been updated in several days. But now, I have almost completed it. And so, to mark the occasion, I have recorded a brief update.
Read MoreGoing incommunicado (for a while)
I don’t care how “switched on” you are: everyone needs to “get off the grid” some time!
Read MoreThe effective use of ICT
One laptop per child: a worthy goal, but does it lead to the most effective learning? Research published over the years has challenged the assumption that youngsters do better working on their own than sharing a computer.
Read MoreGrowing Knowledge
OK, because of the insanity of the deadlines I’m up against I’m going to have to say this fast, so you will have to listen fast. If you’re in London over the next week or so, there is a great exhibition you should go to.
Read MoreVirtual schooling? Don’t make me laugh!
Life without connectivity
As you know, Christchurch in New Zealand has been beset recently by a terrible earthquake, which was then followed by aftershocks – which are still occurring. People have lost their homes and, worst, their lives.
For those who are fortunate enough to have survived the disaster, what has it been like without internet connectivity, or with only intermittent internet access? Why did Diane Brooks, an ICT consultant who runs an ICT in Education blog, recently advise schools to take up blogging?
Four hours to go…
In just four hours’ time, Professor Margaret Cox will be giving a short talk on haptics, ie touch technology. This will be followed by a discussion. Do join us!
28th June at 7pm UK time, join by clicking here. If you’re not in the UK, find out what time it is in your neck of the woods by using this timezone converter.
There is more information on this topic in this article: ICT gets all touchy-feely
Update on 2011-07-01 10:10 by Terry Freedman, Educational ICT Consultant
To view the recording, click the link below:
View the Elluminate Live! recording
If you're interested in joining a small group to explore these ideas further, please email me to register your interest, for me to pass on to Margaret. If you can say a bit about who you are that would probably be helpful.