That Friday feeling ....
Karen Robertson
Friday 19 May 2006
I met Don Ledingham today when I was in the Peffers Place, standing in the cue and waiting for my lunch. He reminded me gently that I hadn't yet joined the blogging community in Exc-el. It is true ... I have had my login since Monday and haven't yet contributed. So here I am ... Friday night and ready to blog the night away!
I have recently returned from maternity leave and in my absence, a bit of a revolution has taken place. Individuals involved in educating young people in East Lothian and beyond have formed a community through contributing to the exc-el website and it is turning into quite a powerful tool. I feel in some ways that I am running to catch up and for someone who has been actively involved in using technology in learning and teaching, this feels a little uncomfortable. It occurs to me however, that this is probably how many teachers feel as the digital divide looms between the native users of technology (our pupils) and the immigrant users like myself. The truth of the matter is that children are very comfortable with technology and learning through technology. They are very often using technology in a more creative and challenging way at home than they are in schools ... and here lies our challenge. This medium is exciting, it does motivate and it provides unique opportunities for learning. We need to embrace it and use it to our advantage (even if, occasionally, we need to work outside our comfort zone)!
8.00
In the office to catch up with my emails. Hadn't seen Elizabeth Cowan for a few days so managed to discuss a few issues.
10.00
Meeting a Penston House with Derek Borthwick, Scotsys and Ross Nicol. We were discussing the new extension for pupils with Additional Support Needs at Ross High. We intend to put interactive whiteboards into 3 of the rooms. We were able to discuss the specification and what would be involved in the installation of the ceiling mounted projector. The idea that all parties can discuss issues at the beginning of the build will hopefully mean that all the work can be co-ordinated and cabling etc for the technology can be hidden. A very productive meeting - good to have a joined up strategy.
12.00
Meeting with Alan Cruickshank about Infrastructure feedback for the
SSDN strategy.
2.00
Worked on an advertisement for a secondment opportunity for a co-ordinator of the Microsoft Innovative Teacher Programme. This is a programme developed and funded by Microsoft to promote innovative teaching through ICT. I will post the advertisement and further information about the programme when it is finalised.
4.30
Left the office - beautiful weather!
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Comments and Digital Natives
David Gilmour
Monday 22 May 2006