| Digital - teacher | Education in a technological world

Todays thoughts and findings:

Interesting review of technology used in schools from a parent;

'The point is to make the computers disappear from view, so that using one in class or for homework is as unremarkable as using a textbook or a pencil.'

Read it here.

Oh, following the service station discussion previously, I stopped off at the Newport Pagnell services today as I left Milton Keynes.
What an unfortunate time to arrive there - I think the nations pensioners were on a trip. The place was packed solid, so I left!

So lucky

One of the advantages of being the Digital Teacher in Residence is that I am able to visit such a variety of schools all around the country. In doing so I get to see so many varying types of technology being used within schools. I have been into schools with ICT suites, schools without, schools with desktop machines, schools with laptops, schools with thin client machines.
Yesterday I was introduced to the RM Smartboard (I'd not used this type of interactive whiteboard before) and it was great. I stood in front of a class with Adventure Island displayed on the whiteboard, and used the small 'pen' to move around the screen and write over the map we were looking at. So much easier than having to draw on a seperate board and then turn back to a computer screen.

Another advantage of this job is that I get to travel around, and see so many different areas; from motorways to country lanes, and in the great weather that we have been having recently, you cannot beat a drive down a country lane.

Finally, I also get to sample the varying types of coffee on offer at Motorway service stations!!

(I recall these services from my childhood as being unique; going on a holiday, dad driving, stopping at one in the middle of nowhere and finding there was one building with a transport cafe, shop, amusement arcade, grotty restrooms and a few other things).

Well they have changed a bit since those days - they look much smarter now, the restrooms are cleaner, have more fast food outlets in them, and the restaurants are nicer, and they even have branded coffee houses within them.
So, no more coffee in a cracked mug while sat on a metal framed wooden chair, at an old table with a stained plastic checked tablecoth, full ashtray in the middle and the gentle wafting of ciggarette smoke throughout.
No, now its all no smoking, plush carpet, smart tables, comfy chairs, and even video screens and radio to watch / listen to. Lovely!
Oh, and I seem to be visiting the Tamworth services quite regularly. Not sure why it's that one, but lots of my journeys seem to involve the A42/M42

Time to dash

Well, I'm off again around England meeting and working with a range of teachers in schools who are piloting Adventure Island.
I'm wondering whether I ought to take my camera and take some photos of my travels to remind me where I went to.
I could put them into a photo album called 'on my travels' or something similar.

So on Tuesday I am off to Berkshire, then Wednesday I travel to Dudley. I'm back in Nottingham on Thursday for a meeting in the city, but then it's back into the car and down to Milton Keynes for Friday.

How I am going to be able to stay awake through Saturday evening at the Jools Holland concert in the ground of Belvoir castle after all that driving I'm not sure.

Through the marvels of technology I've ararnged for a few entries to appear on the blog while I am gone. Enjoy them, they're both links to interesting articles.

State of the Nation

I've been in London today at the RSA (The Royal Society for the encouragement of Arts, Manufactures & Commerce) discussing my work as the digital teacher in residence.
While waiting for my train back to Nottingham at St Pancras (which was cancelled, see further on) I noticed a lack of litter bins in the 'new' station.
I assume this is a response to the constant threat of terrorism that follows us everywhere since the world has become a "better place" in the last two years.
No litter bins - so where does the rubbish go? Well it stays on the seats or is dropped onto the floor until a station worker armed with a dustpan and brush patrols and picks it up.

So a great big thank you to Dubya and friends, your actions over the last few years are helping to lower our unemployment figures. I knew there had to be a reason to go to war, and at last I think I've found it.

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As I said above - my train was cancelled due to engine failure, so there I was at the patform gate waiting for the next train with about 200 other passengers. When those gates opened it was like the start of a marathon - people racing down the platform to get onto the train and get a seat. (The good news was that I did manage to get a seat facing forward, and at a table too - a bonus!)
Oh, and the train was late leaving the station because the driver was late arriving (his train to London was delayed).

Ironic.

Here, there, everywhere

Well if I ever wanted to see all of the UK this is my chance!
My calendar for June has (so far) visits and workshops in;

Milton Keynes, London, Berkshire, Dudley, Nottingham, Bristol, Chesire and Cambridgeshire.

I expect more to be added over the next few days, with many more schools involved in Adventure Island requesting a visit. Only problem is, I only have 8 more days free !!

Who would have thought back in September that I would have toured around so much. It's a complete transformation from being based in the classroom.

On a seperate note, my local radio station (and in fact the rest of the stations within the musicradio 'company' around the UK are asking a question on their websites today;

A report says teachers face increasing workloads and growing problems with pupil behaviour. Do you feel sorry for the teachers of today?

Guess what - everyone thinks that teachers have it easy. So once again, I suggest it's time for a national 'swap jobs with a teacher' week - let's see how non teachers view teaching after spending a week in the classroom. I somehow think there would be a lot more sympathy.