Glow for all

My recent work in using Glow in the initial stages in Aberdeen City has prompted me to dig out this old blog and write a post.
I am working on a P7-S1 Transition Grow Group with a colleague from our asg Secondary school. While working together last week, he wanted to put some video on a website of his own and link to that whereas I would have preferred to put the video on Teacher Tube and get the embed code.
In fact there were everal things that my colleague was doing that I did not fully understand. But I realised that it did not matter!
He could work on his bits at his own level and I could work at mine! And this is the message that I think is important for Glow Mentors to get across to the many teachers who may be worried about Glow.
While the concept of Glow is no problem to all the technophiles out there, the majority of teachers are not yet working with web2 tools. I think the message needs to be that people can work at their own level and develop from there. When I started my class blog a couple of years ago, I posted only text. I then wanted to put pictures and later started to embed code etc. But I worked and learned at my own pace!
I have seen too much criticism of others recently and do not think that this is helpful to encouraging others to start something that they may not be that comfortable with.
Inspirational blogs like that of Ewan McIntosh and Nik Peachey and many others will always be helpful and show people what they could aspire to, but let's try to have a culture of help and encouragement, rather than criticism.

A very useful Blog

I recently discovered Nik Peachey's blog. It is packed full of ideas and carefully thought out evaluations of fabulous web2 tools, many of which I had not come across.
His blog is different in that it is full of ideas to help teachers but Nik offers only his opinions of the tools rather than of the practice of others. A very refreshing change!

Voices of the World

After posting our March contribution to this great project, I had a look at what we had done so far. Both the pupils and I have learned a lot of new skills in using some of the brilliant web tools that are available out there all free of charge. These tools are excellent for encouraging creativity. The success of this project is thanks to the hard work of Sharon Tonner.

Flower of Scotland

Reasons for blogging.

Next time I'm asked why I have a class blog, I will use the many ideas in this excellent video to help me with my reply.

Raising attainment?

I am in a very fortunate position this session. I am sharing my class with a probationer, freeing me up to cover non class contact time one day a week by teaching French to P5 and 6 which is really enjoyable for me.
For the remainder of my week, my remit is to develop ICT. I have an ever growing 'to do' list but am loving every minute and feel that this is my dream job. At last I have the time to follow those jobs up and feel that I can make a difference.
However I was brought back to reality when my boss (to whom I am greatful for giving me this opportunity) asked me what I was doing to raise attainment. By this, she meant raising the passmarks in English Language and maths.?????? This is what we measure.
I had to think about my answer. Had she asked me about confident individuals and effective contributors, I would have had a wealth of answers. But how easily are these things measured?
Surely if a pupil, who is not a high attainer in these subjects, can gain confidence through contributing their particular skills, then that makes us, as teachers, successful?
And what about lifelong learning?
One of my new 'French' pupils mentioned that when she showed her mum our new French blog, she was delighted and said that 'Her French was coming back to her.' Now, when I add a new activity, this pupil tells me, 'My mum will be happy!'
Yet these successes are not easily measured. I suppose I will continue to do what I think is right!

My Class Blog v Bebo

Last weekend I attended the the annual prom with my Primary 7 class. I did not bother to take a camera as I knew that there would be no shortage of children taking photos.
As in previous years, I expected a deluge of photos in school on the Monday which I intended to put on the class blog but none came.
By the Thursday I was very puzzled and asked the children where they were. 'They're on my Bebo!' was the chorus.
Mmmm! Didn't think they were old enough!