ELECTRICCHALK

…because everybody learns from everybody else.

Education Blog:

Audioboo on Participation and Fear

February 23, 2010 - Comment, MSc, Whole School Issues - By: Chris

Pic: Picture of tarantulaAs part of our MSc we’ve had to read a paper by Guy Merchant (2009) on Web2.0, new literacies and the idea of learning though participation. We were asked to provide a response on it in a form of our choosing. I thought I’d have a go with Audioboo as I haven’t really had a chance to play with it.

“Cell Groups” and CPD

February 3, 2010 - Comment, MSc, Professional Development, Whole School Issues, cpd - By: Chris

Pic: Cell by skatejpgThis idea has been knocking around in my head for a few days. I’m not even sure it’s a practical suggestion but when you’ve got an itch you gotta scratch.
There’ve been quite a lot of new developments regarding CPD in the…

Thoughts on the iPod Touch for Edu

December 17, 2009 - Comment, Equipment, Whole School Issues - By: Chris

Pic: CC Image - /Joe on FlickrTo what extent does the iPod Touch contribute to pedagogical change? On it’s own I’m not sure it does. It’s designed with a different purpose in mind. Having tried one out for a few weeks these are some of my initial thoughts as an aide memoire (and they probably will change over time).

Web 2.0 in schools – Practical considerations

November 4, 2009 - Comment, Professional Development, Web Tools - By: Chris

Pic: Image - Netbook by -eko-We’ve embarked on a project with some of our primaries recently to investigate using web2.0 applications for teaching and learning.

One thing that has come out even in the first few weeks is that actually, all is not as rosey as it could be. I’m becoming a bit more pragmatic when it comes to a vision of a web2.0 future.

Why does it matter what browser we use?

October 16, 2009 - Comment, Web Tools, software - By: Chris

Just a quickie. I’m genuinely confused but I suspect the answer to this will, as usual, be blindingly obvious.
I’ve been reading this article from the Guardian about the anti-competitiveness of Microsoft in the browser market.…

Literacy skills in the media industry

August 14, 2009 - Comment - By: Chris

Pic: London NewspapersA recent Guardian article pointed to the decline in literacy skills of new recruits to the media industry. I thought it was interesting that Skillset talks about competence with multiplatform media being important but that “traditional skills” like literacy and communication are part of that.

So how much emphasis is placed on cretive writing in the media studies syllabus?

Taking Stock – is this blog worth it?

August 6, 2009 - Comment, Professional Development - By: Chris

Pic: Eye See YouElectric Chalk is nearly a year old (at least in its current incarnation) and I feel the need to evaluate.
I’m quite pleased with the way the blog looks and the visitor numbers are good but I’m a bit demoralised that visits are short and virtually nobody is leaving comments. Also, I suspect I’ve lost sight of what this blog is actually for.

How do you train web2.0?

June 28, 2009 - Comment, Professional Development, Whole School Issues - By: Chris

Pic: Training RoomThe quick answer is I don’t think you can. Or should. The key is to cultivate an organisation that embraces change, novelty and risk across the board, not just in ICT. Something a fair few schools feel discouraged from doing.

Here’s the long answer…

Reasons to be Scottish…

June 19, 2009 - Comment, Whole School Issues - By: Chris

Pic: SaltireAs part of the Scottish Diaspora I usually look back at the country of my birth with my head in my hands. But it seems that they’re doing a lot right when it comes to learning with technology. Am I being seduced by good PR?

Getting grumpy about the news…

June 12, 2009 - Comment, Whole School Issues - By: Chris

Pic: Image - fotdmike on Flickr2 rather discouraging Guardian links to look at…
Tougher School Inspections form OFSTED  – Great! Just brilliant news for schools in disadvantaged areas. I have to admit to being confused. Some messages coming out of government…