Start a learning adventure: UK Innovative Education Forum, Manchester- 30th November 2010

This time last year I started on a journey that has been challenging, rewarding and fun. It all started by submitting a Virtual Classroom Tour about a small project that we’d conducted in the department. Good friends Ollie Bray and Dan Roberts convinced me that it was a good idea. And it was! I was lucky enough to take part in both the last UK and European Innovative Education Forums, at both I was exposed to a wide range of innovative practice. But the best bit is that it was other teachers doing the sharing. Compliment this with some great looking workshops and keynote speakers, and I consider Microsoft’s Partners in Learning network to be valuable CPD. The best resource that the network has is Stuart and Kristen. Their down to earth attitude and enthusiasm creates a very human side to the Microsoft machine.

I’ve also met some wonderful people, including the other UK European representative last year (I even got lost in Berlin with Jan Webb).

So, I would fully recommend going along to the Manchester event (it’s free!). Even better, submit a Virtual Classroom Tour. Don’t think that your idea isn't innovative enough – the focus is on the learning, and simple ideas are often the most effective. I’ve embedded my tour below and I’m happy to offer advice to others:

Pirates and Social Networking

View more presentations from David Rogers.

I have included details of the event below:

The 7th Microsoft Innovative Education Forum is a one-day conference, free of charge to all teachers and educators who wish to attend and will look to address the theme of ‘Connecting Learners, Connecting Teachers.’

This forum aims to connect Teachers with Teachers, Educators with Educators. Allowing you to share expertise and learn from each other. Giving insights into how you can connect your students with technology and connect them with their learning.

This year the Forum is being held at the Hilton Deansgate Hotel in Manchester on the 30^th Nov.

We have a packed agenda with Keynote speakers at the event will be the world renowned Prof. Sugata Mitra famous for his ‘Hole in the wall’ project and Michael Furdyk CEO of the young person’s online community , Taking IT Global.

In addition, Delegates will be able to choose from a range of practical workshops covering areas such as using free software and Web 2.0 technology, games based learning and managing innovation in schools.

Workshop 1- TakingITGlobal - Mandeep Atwal, TIGed UK

Workshop 2- Outdoor learning & technology - David Rogers, The Geography Collective

Workshop 3- From the cloud to the classroom, making innovation stick! - Guy Shearer, Head Teacher, Lodge Park Technology College

Workshop 4- Creative use of technology in the classroom - Dan Roberts, saltash.net community school

Workshop 5- Office 2010 in the Classroom – Stuart Ball – Microsoft Partners in Learning

Workshop 6- Kodu Games based learning - Nicki Maddam, Hartsdown Technology College, Margate

Find out more details about each workshop here>>

What’s on your mind?

For the first time we are holding an Innovative Teacher Meet, 29 Nov. at 7:30pm

Join us for drinks, canapés and a series of TeachMeet style pitches from leading teachers at Hilton’s vibrant Cloud 23 bar, providing 360-degree views of Manchester.

Share with like-minded teachers in a series of 3-minute open pitches.

Also, find out who are Microsoft’s 2010 Award-Winning Innovative Educators. The awards will be presented at this event, to Teachers who have submitted projects that illustrate the innovative use of technology to enhance teaching and learning. Not only will they receive award recognition, but have the chance to be invited to The European Education Forum being held in Moscow next year. These project will be on display at the event.

Don’t miss out, register today http://uk.partnersinlearningnetwork.com

High Impact, Low effort

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What makes a learning experience profound? Personal reflections and possible implications for classroom practice.

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Banned Word Board

Today I want to share some simple ideas that I have found to be very effective in the classroom. I can't say that they are my own original ideas, although I have played around with them. The first is the Banned word Board. This is a simple display in the classroom that lists a number of words that are not allowed to be used by pupils in their written or oral answers. The effect has been an increase in the quality of written work, and I have almost made comments such as 'Sir it's simple, the stuff just affects the thing and causes people problems'. Pupils are now more able to use specific language, something that is vital especially at GCSE. I have had to make a few modifications, such as the introduction of 'Heavenly Words' This is an additional display placed on the ceiling. I found this necessary as pupils needed some stimulus in finding replacement words. After advice received after posting the idea on the SLN forum , I have also introduced semi-banned words...

David Rogers

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