ICT developments

Frustration. An exciting meeting and dialogue (well, heated debate!) between some pionier users of ICT and SLT occurred yesterday. We made some great progress:

Agreement to get at least one teacher desktop in every classroom asap
Online registration - this will reduce the cost of photocopying currently used to track internal truancy
The possible move of the school email system to gmail

Other topics were talked about also. To me the way to get teachers using ICT is to ensure that they have access to a computer and have to turn it on each and every day. Insisting on online registration will do this. Then, once the computer is logged on and on the desk a teacher may use the internet to search for resources, use a PPT to make life a bit easier....

One of the most frustrating parts of the discussion centered around the VLE / blog debate. We all have to use VLE's, the government expects it. However, it seems to me that the learning conversation isn't going on. I was told that my blogs, that support pupil learning, dilute the brand of the school and that I should migrate over to the VLE. The problem is that time is needed for training. I am enthusiastic about using a VLE but it must be able to match the educational functionality of the blog - quick, easy, instant, accessible, looks great etc...

It may be me, but on reflection I wonder how many decisions begin with either:

'How will this improve learning?', or
'How will this make life easier for teachers?'

To me these questions should be at the forefront o any decision, new initiative or course in a school.

I may be way off the mark here, but I find using VLE's as a virtual filing cabinet is missing the point. However, I have committed to playing around with the VLE this weekend - even if it's just to add ammunition to my case!!

The new blogs are going well - the plan is to create a virtual 'study/homework diary' that pupils and parents can access. If successful I plan to 'launch' the blogs using moo cards and text messages.

Another advantage with a Wordpress blog over a VLE is that I can measure its success. I can see the number of hits and measure the number of downloads through 4shared and slideshare. This is really useful in providing evidence linked to my development plan and the eventual aim of going for the SGQM.

It also doesn't help that the VLE is not accessible yet to pupils - a blog needs to evolve and react to what happens in the classroom.

Anyhow, I'd better climb off my box, get the bike out and enjoy the sun! Plans are afoot to ride the length of Wales and my climbing partner has convince me to complete the 'end to end'. Mmmmm.

Photo credit

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David Rogers

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