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…

Farewell Fliggo

January 18, 2010 - D-Ed Pool, Web Tools, Whole School Issues - By: Chris

Pic: bye!Here’s another entry to the D-Ed Pool, technology that has fallen by the wayside, and it’s an interesting one as it’s a service I quite liked but also is a good example of one of the main pitfalls of using web2.0 tools for education.

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).

Evangelising web2.0 for schools – Sacha Chua

September 3, 2009 - Professional Development, Whole School Issues - By: Chris

Picked this up via Free Technology for Teachers this morning. It’s nice to come across someone with a sunny disposition on the web especially when it’s blowing a force 4 Yorkshire gale outside so thank you Sacha. Check out her slideshow on Web2.0 for teachers…

The iSchool Initiative

July 23, 2009 - Site of the Week, Whole School Issues - By: Chris

Pic: ischoolTravis Allen is an 18-year old student from Georgia, USA who has started something called the iSchool Initiative. He makes the argument that if all students had the Apple devices running a collection of apps there would be considerable learning, cost-saving and environmental benefits for schools.

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…

Don’t film your school play!

May 19, 2009 - Web Tools, Whole School Issues - By: Chris

Pic: Image - DavidQuick on Flickr
I feel the need to be mean and uncharitable. It’s been that sort of week.
With a few exceptions, all the videos of school productions I’ve seen have been unwatchable tosh. It’s a shame because you know that…