Just wanted to share to all my fellow bloggers....
I recently discovered on my Smartphone a brilliant 'app' called 'Deezer'. This is basically a free app, in the same vein as 'Itunes' but much better!. You simply download the app, and once installed, you can search any album/song/artist you like, as there's something like 300,000 to choose from! I would highly recommend it and test it !.
Friday, 13 December 2013
Thursday, 12 December 2013
The 12 weeks of Uni
On the first week of Uni my tutor gave to me a lesson in beginners Ict
On the second week of Uni my tutor gave to me two woolly gloves
On the third week of Uni my tutor gave to me three French blogs
On the fourth week of Uni my tutor gave to me four library cards
On the fifth week of Uni my tutor gave to me five Ted talks
On the sixth week of Uni my tutor gave to me six books a reading
On the seventh week of Uni my tutor gave to me seven students drinking
On the eighth week of Uni my tutor gave to me eight website links
On the ninth week of Uni my tutor gave to me nine tutors dancing
On the tenth week of Uni my tutor gave to me ten teaching sessions
On the eleventh week of Uni my tutor gave to me eleven Power points
On the twelfth week of Uni my tutor gave to me twelve parking spaces
With indirect reference to 'The 12 days of Christmas' published circa 1780.
On the second week of Uni my tutor gave to me two woolly gloves
On the third week of Uni my tutor gave to me three French blogs
On the fourth week of Uni my tutor gave to me four library cards
On the fifth week of Uni my tutor gave to me five Ted talks
On the sixth week of Uni my tutor gave to me six books a reading
On the seventh week of Uni my tutor gave to me seven students drinking
On the eighth week of Uni my tutor gave to me eight website links
On the ninth week of Uni my tutor gave to me nine tutors dancing
On the tenth week of Uni my tutor gave to me ten teaching sessions
On the eleventh week of Uni my tutor gave to me eleven Power points
On the twelfth week of Uni my tutor gave to me twelve parking spaces
With indirect reference to 'The 12 days of Christmas' published circa 1780.
Tuesday, 3 December 2013
Festive Fun...
I have added the Youtube video of 'Are You Being Served?', which is from the 1981 xmas special entitled 'Roots?'. The staff are celebrating Old Mr Grace's 90th birthday, and viewers can see no less than 4 musical numbers, the highlight of which is the Scottish dancing. Sheer brilliance !!.
This episode saw the last appearances of Young and Old Mr Grace, and legend has it that Wendy Richard (Miss Brahms) declined to 'blacken up' for one number. Watch and you'll see why.....
This episode saw the last appearances of Young and Old Mr Grace, and legend has it that Wendy Richard (Miss Brahms) declined to 'blacken up' for one number. Watch and you'll see why.....
The Man whose life was unto a Mr Men story
Are you sitting comfortably ?? Then I'll begin....
There was once a man who lived a very nice life, in a very nice part of the world, with very nice neighbours, and his very nice children. His house was very nice, as he had worked very hard to make it so.
One day, not so long ago, the man was sitting in his very nice armchair, looking at his very nice garden, when his mind started to wander, as your mind sometimes does when you have nothing else to do. After a few minutes, and eating the last of the Jaffa cakes ( Is it a cake or a biscuit? pondered the man, then realising he didn't have that much spare time for such trivial trivialities).
As I said, the man was sitting there, when at this point in our story he realised that he was, and had indeed been, at various varying stages in his life, been one of the Mr Men ( which ironically enogh were his favourite stories EVER)(better than Winnie the Pooh).
After even more wondering and pondering, the man realised he was more like Mr Strong. Not necessarily in physical build, but in a way that he kept everyone together, and looked out for those dearest to him. He then realised he was also like Mr Silly and Mr Nonsense (his fave characters), as he had always thought it highly important to maintain some silliness and nonsense in everyday life, no matter what the book of life threw at him ( and it was quite a big book). He then realised again he was like Mr Bump (always accident prone, just like the man had been in younger years),and also like Mr Lazy, but not very often nowadays.
The most important thing the man realised that he was going to be like Mr Birthday very soon, as his very nice daughter had a very nice forthcoming birthday, and he was in charge of the cake ( a huge responsibility, bigger than huge itself). But, most of all, the man was most like Mr Happy.
'Why?' I hear you ask. Well, this was because even though having a very nice life the man knew deep down (deeper than an actual well), he was indeed Happy.
Jackanory, Jackanory, Jackanory......
There was once a man who lived a very nice life, in a very nice part of the world, with very nice neighbours, and his very nice children. His house was very nice, as he had worked very hard to make it so.
One day, not so long ago, the man was sitting in his very nice armchair, looking at his very nice garden, when his mind started to wander, as your mind sometimes does when you have nothing else to do. After a few minutes, and eating the last of the Jaffa cakes ( Is it a cake or a biscuit? pondered the man, then realising he didn't have that much spare time for such trivial trivialities).
As I said, the man was sitting there, when at this point in our story he realised that he was, and had indeed been, at various varying stages in his life, been one of the Mr Men ( which ironically enogh were his favourite stories EVER)(better than Winnie the Pooh).
After even more wondering and pondering, the man realised he was more like Mr Strong. Not necessarily in physical build, but in a way that he kept everyone together, and looked out for those dearest to him. He then realised he was also like Mr Silly and Mr Nonsense (his fave characters), as he had always thought it highly important to maintain some silliness and nonsense in everyday life, no matter what the book of life threw at him ( and it was quite a big book). He then realised again he was like Mr Bump (always accident prone, just like the man had been in younger years),and also like Mr Lazy, but not very often nowadays.
The most important thing the man realised that he was going to be like Mr Birthday very soon, as his very nice daughter had a very nice forthcoming birthday, and he was in charge of the cake ( a huge responsibility, bigger than huge itself). But, most of all, the man was most like Mr Happy.
'Why?' I hear you ask. Well, this was because even though having a very nice life the man knew deep down (deeper than an actual well), he was indeed Happy.
Jackanory, Jackanory, Jackanory......
Tuesday, 26 November 2013
Show me a Reflection,O Mirror.....
Yesterday (25.11.13) was my micro teaching session, the first I'd done since August of this year. I volunteered to go first as I wanted to play some 'easy listening' music as the Student's entered the classroom. This seemed to work.
Although it was a mere 20 minute session, I had done between 8 and 10 hours lesson prep. Some may think that 'excessive', but it was very important to me that everything ran smoothly ( which it did, as I kept within the time allotted), and without rehearsal ( no time for that, ironically enough).
On reflection of this session, I am very glad that it was a success, and that I've completed the task. The unfortunate issues, however, would be that no-one took time to look at the 3 posters I had placed on the tables, with information about each fracture. If anyone had, it could have generated a discussion prior to the teaching- so that prep was in to no avail whatsoever.
Also, the cursed 'PowerPoint' was mentioned, which will be a long running discussion for some time yet. The idea of the micro session, and indeed all my future teaching practice, is to feel comfortable within my own parameters, and to self gauge how much content to use/research/resource accordingly for each session. It's also about using the teaching aids one feels comfortable with for that one session. I also thought the humour used in the session didn't get the reception I'd anticipated ( v. tough audience on further reflection), which reminded me of the audience's from my acting days.
However, it's all done now. 'Satisfied am I' as Yoda once said.
Although it was a mere 20 minute session, I had done between 8 and 10 hours lesson prep. Some may think that 'excessive', but it was very important to me that everything ran smoothly ( which it did, as I kept within the time allotted), and without rehearsal ( no time for that, ironically enough).
On reflection of this session, I am very glad that it was a success, and that I've completed the task. The unfortunate issues, however, would be that no-one took time to look at the 3 posters I had placed on the tables, with information about each fracture. If anyone had, it could have generated a discussion prior to the teaching- so that prep was in to no avail whatsoever.
Also, the cursed 'PowerPoint' was mentioned, which will be a long running discussion for some time yet. The idea of the micro session, and indeed all my future teaching practice, is to feel comfortable within my own parameters, and to self gauge how much content to use/research/resource accordingly for each session. It's also about using the teaching aids one feels comfortable with for that one session. I also thought the humour used in the session didn't get the reception I'd anticipated ( v. tough audience on further reflection), which reminded me of the audience's from my acting days.
However, it's all done now. 'Satisfied am I' as Yoda once said.
Friday, 22 November 2013
How technology has changed the way we learn
In the 21st century, technology has changed the ways in which we communicate and go about 'everyday life' beyond recognition. Very few educators would disagree with the notion that technology has dramatically changed the teaching and learning process.
In this final 'homework' blog (hurrah!), I will discuss the 3 of the 12 points identified by Dr Katherine McKnight, Phd on how this has occurred and its relevance.
i) Communication Evolution - Because the majority of people in the world rely on text speak, it is becoming more apparent that our students have learned a dialect/language we don't always understand. They now communicate in many different modifications, due to technology. Maybe its 2M2H (Too much to Handle).
ii) Extended Classroom Communities (ECC) - Technology facilitates our ability to extend this, by using such web based platforms as Edmodo. With this internet application, both Teachers and their Learners can discuss homework, post assignments and interact with their Peers as they work on the relevant project.
iii) 'Bye Bye' to 3 ring Binders - Gone are the days where learners would struggle to carry all their work around in numerous binders. Nowadays, a computer, tablet or even mobile phone can keep all these 'files' and 'handouts' in neat folders. Teachers can also use a Web 2.0 tool, http://www.LiveBinders.com, that allows uses to create an online binder.
On reflection, I found this website very useful and informative. It is written and updated by a Teacher, with many years of experience. The site is easy to follow, and has many other links which could be useful for the student Teacher.
Dr Katherine McKnight, Phd is an Author, Educator and Consultant who began her career over 20 years ago in Chicago, US.
Further reference can be found on http://www.teachhub.com
In this final 'homework' blog (hurrah!), I will discuss the 3 of the 12 points identified by Dr Katherine McKnight, Phd on how this has occurred and its relevance.
i) Communication Evolution - Because the majority of people in the world rely on text speak, it is becoming more apparent that our students have learned a dialect/language we don't always understand. They now communicate in many different modifications, due to technology. Maybe its 2M2H (Too much to Handle).
ii) Extended Classroom Communities (ECC) - Technology facilitates our ability to extend this, by using such web based platforms as Edmodo. With this internet application, both Teachers and their Learners can discuss homework, post assignments and interact with their Peers as they work on the relevant project.
iii) 'Bye Bye' to 3 ring Binders - Gone are the days where learners would struggle to carry all their work around in numerous binders. Nowadays, a computer, tablet or even mobile phone can keep all these 'files' and 'handouts' in neat folders. Teachers can also use a Web 2.0 tool, http://www.LiveBinders.com, that allows uses to create an online binder.
On reflection, I found this website very useful and informative. It is written and updated by a Teacher, with many years of experience. The site is easy to follow, and has many other links which could be useful for the student Teacher.
Dr Katherine McKnight, Phd is an Author, Educator and Consultant who began her career over 20 years ago in Chicago, US.
Further reference can be found on http://www.teachhub.com
Monday, 18 November 2013
PowerPoint Ponderings
This session was interesting as it was another new learning curve for me, as with all the new things we have been taught on the ICT modules. I think that PowerPoint is a technology tool which you can either 'grasp' easily or not. I fall into the latter group, having never used it before. Some of my Peers used it tonight with their Micro teaching sessions, and it looked very easy to use. This was impressive to an observer like myself.
However, for the moment I still liken it to swimming through treacle.....
Sunday, 17 November 2013
Barriers to the effective use of technology in Education.
In order to remove any barriers for the effective use of technology in education to progress, we must identify them. This is the first step needed if progress is to be made within the ICT environment.
Dawes (2000) highlighted 5 important factors, after a study conducted within schools in the Midlands. For the purpose of this Blog I have chosen two factors to discuss.
These are :
1) A sense of purpose for ICT use, and 2), Realistic time management.
As Teachers, we can sometimes find ourselves in a 'catch 22' situation by considering the following points : a) How can we decide which new technology to use if we have no experience of what it can do ? and b) If we do not know how to use it ?.
I would suggest that in order for us as Teachers to 'keep up to date' with the ever rapidly changing face of technology, we need to ask ourselves if we can answer the two questions aforementioned. The only way to achieve this successfully is to recognise the vital part that Technology plays within the classroom, and within Education itself. Furthermore, as Teachers we have a professional responsibility to update ourselves regularly, so that we can in turn update our learners.
Furthermore, and with regard to realistic time management, I acknowledge that computers and new technology save an inordinate amount of time within our daily lives. However, this does not detract from the issue that they do not decrease the amount of time the operator spends on performing the related tasks ( this is from personal experience). I would suggest that there are important implications for realistic time management, given that the majority of planning for lessons is done at home.
Whilst the use of home computers can be used to 'streamline' the work load, a possible disadvantage may be that it can add to the time spent undertaking teacher related tasks. This is turn can detract from the time needed to spend on family orientated tasks/ activities.
'What we do alters who we are'
(Zimbardo and Lieppe, 1991).
References :
Dawes, L. (2000a) 'The National Grid for learning and the professional development of teachers : outcomes of an opportunity for change', De Montfort University : Unpublished PhD Thesis.
Zimbardo, P and Lieppe,M (1991) The Psychology of Attitude Change and Social Influence, New York ; McGraw-Hill Inc.
Leask,Marilyn (2001) Issues in Teaching using ICT (Ed).
Routledge Falmer London.
Dawes (2000) highlighted 5 important factors, after a study conducted within schools in the Midlands. For the purpose of this Blog I have chosen two factors to discuss.
These are :
1) A sense of purpose for ICT use, and 2), Realistic time management.
As Teachers, we can sometimes find ourselves in a 'catch 22' situation by considering the following points : a) How can we decide which new technology to use if we have no experience of what it can do ? and b) If we do not know how to use it ?.
I would suggest that in order for us as Teachers to 'keep up to date' with the ever rapidly changing face of technology, we need to ask ourselves if we can answer the two questions aforementioned. The only way to achieve this successfully is to recognise the vital part that Technology plays within the classroom, and within Education itself. Furthermore, as Teachers we have a professional responsibility to update ourselves regularly, so that we can in turn update our learners.
Furthermore, and with regard to realistic time management, I acknowledge that computers and new technology save an inordinate amount of time within our daily lives. However, this does not detract from the issue that they do not decrease the amount of time the operator spends on performing the related tasks ( this is from personal experience). I would suggest that there are important implications for realistic time management, given that the majority of planning for lessons is done at home.
Whilst the use of home computers can be used to 'streamline' the work load, a possible disadvantage may be that it can add to the time spent undertaking teacher related tasks. This is turn can detract from the time needed to spend on family orientated tasks/ activities.
'What we do alters who we are'
(Zimbardo and Lieppe, 1991).
References :
Dawes, L. (2000a) 'The National Grid for learning and the professional development of teachers : outcomes of an opportunity for change', De Montfort University : Unpublished PhD Thesis.
Zimbardo, P and Lieppe,M (1991) The Psychology of Attitude Change and Social Influence, New York ; McGraw-Hill Inc.
Leask,Marilyn (2001) Issues in Teaching using ICT (Ed).
Routledge Falmer London.
Saturday, 16 November 2013
Inspirational Blog 2
This exceptionally inspirational video is by Ric Elias, the CEO of Red Ventures, a marketing services company in the US. In January 2009, Elias was sitting in seat 1D of flight 1549. This was the plane that crash landed into the Hudson River in New York.
After his ordeal, Elias learnt 3 things about himself that were moments of self realisation. These were :
i) All things in life can change in an instant - nothing matters, so never postpone anything.
ii) Never waste time on things that do not matter, adopt an attitude of no more negative energy.
iii) His only goal in life is to be a good Dad.
Having undergone a life threatening incident myself (see blog 14.11), I can relate to all of the three points made by Elias. I would argue that no individual can predetermine what is going to happen at any given time, and therefore it is perhaps better to adopt the missive previously stated. Furthermore, negative energy could be seen as a potential learning barrier. The only way to conquer this is to have self confidence and to use this to its maximum potential. This can be achieved by encouragement from family, friends and peers.
Finally, and from a more personal perspective, I firmly believe that if you have achieved a lifelong goal, then everything else will follow in due course. I am a full time Dad (2 Daughters) and so my lifelong goal is accomplished. My new lifelong goal is to become a good Teacher. I know this can be achieved by adopting the 'rules' spoken of with such heartfelt meaning by Ric Elias.
Thursday, 14 November 2013
The value of Mobile Technology in Teaching and Learning.
'Using Mobile Phones to Improve Educational Outcomes : An Analysis of Evidence for Asia'.
By John Harmen Valk, Ahmed T.Rashid and Laurent Elder (Pan Asia Networking, IDRC,Canada).
Published March 2010.
This academic research looks at the very relevant significant changes that remain within the many developing countries in the World, with particular focus on rural and remote areas,and the importance of delivering quality education to those in need.
Although much hope has been placed on the new ICT's available, especially with mobile phones being a prime and highly relevant example, there is still over a third of the world's adult population who have no access to new skills and technologies which are necessary to improve the quality of their lives (Dhanarjan,2009,p46).
The research goes on to argue that mlearning (mobile learning) can also increase access to those situations where cost is seen and can be seen as a significant barrier to learnng (Visser and West,2005).
In conclusion,the analysis of the project (discussed at length) indicates that while there is important evidence that suggests mobile phones impart educational outcomes by facilitating increased access, much less evidence exists as to how mobile impact educational outcomes are achieved by promoting new learning.
The full analytical report can be seen at http://www.irrodl.org/index.php/irrodl/article/view.
References :
Dhanarjan, T (2009). Education for all in the digital age.
In S.Akhtar and P.Amito (Eds), Digital review of Asia Pacific 2009 - 2010.
(pp59-66).
Visser,L and West,P (2005). The promise of m.learning for distance education in South Africa and other Developing Countries.
In Y.L.Visser , L.Visser, M.Simonson and R.Amirault (Eds), Trends and Issues in Distance Education : International Perspectives (pp117-129).
Greenwich, CT : Information Age Publishing.
By John Harmen Valk, Ahmed T.Rashid and Laurent Elder (Pan Asia Networking, IDRC,Canada).
Published March 2010.
This academic research looks at the very relevant significant changes that remain within the many developing countries in the World, with particular focus on rural and remote areas,and the importance of delivering quality education to those in need.
Although much hope has been placed on the new ICT's available, especially with mobile phones being a prime and highly relevant example, there is still over a third of the world's adult population who have no access to new skills and technologies which are necessary to improve the quality of their lives (Dhanarjan,2009,p46).
The research goes on to argue that mlearning (mobile learning) can also increase access to those situations where cost is seen and can be seen as a significant barrier to learnng (Visser and West,2005).
In conclusion,the analysis of the project (discussed at length) indicates that while there is important evidence that suggests mobile phones impart educational outcomes by facilitating increased access, much less evidence exists as to how mobile impact educational outcomes are achieved by promoting new learning.
The full analytical report can be seen at http://www.irrodl.org/index.php/irrodl/article/view.
References :
Dhanarjan, T (2009). Education for all in the digital age.
In S.Akhtar and P.Amito (Eds), Digital review of Asia Pacific 2009 - 2010.
(pp59-66).
Visser,L and West,P (2005). The promise of m.learning for distance education in South Africa and other Developing Countries.
In Y.L.Visser , L.Visser, M.Simonson and R.Amirault (Eds), Trends and Issues in Distance Education : International Perspectives (pp117-129).
Greenwich, CT : Information Age Publishing.
Tuesday, 12 November 2013
Frustration
Well I've spent 2 hrs almost trying to access the ICT homework, but to no avail ! My laptop is playing silly games with me as well!
Perhaps with my lack of knowledge with all this technology it's a sign to give up! I don't think I'm as academic as I thought initially.
It's so frustrating. This may be my last blog for a while.
Perhaps with my lack of knowledge with all this technology it's a sign to give up! I don't think I'm as academic as I thought initially.
It's so frustrating. This may be my last blog for a while.
Monday, 11 November 2013
Inspirational Video
I hope it inspires someone enough.
Thoughts of a Blogger
Way back in May 1994, I was driving home from work after doing Nights. As I drove along the M1 back home, as I did every morning, my car suddenly stopped without warning. I tried desperately to start the engine, but to no avail. The next thing I remember is an almighty bang and me 'coming to' on the embankment, looking at a very squashed car. I regained consciousness again in the local A/E dept some time later. It transpired that my car was first hit by a 55 tonne lorry, which spun me round into the path of an oncoming car. I had all 3 emergency services present (having been cut free by the Fire Brigade) and caused a 10 mile tail back on a Monday morning. I lived to tell the tale, with a 4inch gash to my head ( I still have the scar) and this took 18 stitches to repair. I also had 6 broken ribs.
It takes an incident like that to make you realise how lucky you are to be alive, no matter how bad a day you've had. It also sort of links in with my micro teaching session, the one where I'm already having Insomnia. If anyone wants to search any words, I highly recommend http://thefreedictionary.com/Trauma..
Monday, 4 November 2013
Monday with Our Mandy....
Well here we are again, altogether back in the safety of Uni, after a week orf. Today's session was concerned with mobile technology ( nothing to do with babies and cots), so we were let loose on Ipads. This was a very interesting session, as I was learning new skills to add to my repertoire.
The best part was making the video ( a clean one) with ma homies - Paul, Oliver and oor Dave. This was hilarious to make, as it was all improvised.....
Nice to be back....
The best part was making the video ( a clean one) with ma homies - Paul, Oliver and oor Dave. This was hilarious to make, as it was all improvised.....
Nice to be back....
Thursday, 31 October 2013
Thursday thoughts.....
Well here we are at the end of another week, and another month. The nights are drawing in, so that means Winter is on its way......
As for this 'blogger', its a trip Up North this weekend to catch up with Family, which is a vital component of me life....
As for this 'blogger', its a trip Up North this weekend to catch up with Family, which is a vital component of me life....
Sunday, 27 October 2013
Sunday sunday......
So here we are on the alleged 'day of rest'....and so having helped youngest daughter with her English homework and the eldest with history, I find myself here before doing some research, and then off to Swansea to see Sarah Millican, who is on tour and whom I've waited eons to see live.
I'll try and apply Maslow's theory whilst being entertained.....
I'll try and apply Maslow's theory whilst being entertained.....
Wednesday, 23 October 2013
Wednesday
Well I think I've finished the notes for my micro-teaching session, after Heaven knows how many rewrites ! That's the trouble with being a perfectionist- you never know when to stop !
Off to Swansea tomorrow in my quest to get the financial side of things sorted....
Off to Swansea tomorrow in my quest to get the financial side of things sorted....
Monday, 21 October 2013
Malevolent Mondays....
So here I am at the start of another week, and at the end of another Monday in Uni....
I thought I was doing so very well with the ICT skills but I fell at the first 'urdle today, and it made me feel disheartened somewhat. If you're like me and have never been to Uni, it's quite a challenge to get accustomed to this entire new way of life, and to learn all these new skills.
Its not the teaching that scares me witless, but the failing of the course when you know so many of one's family n friends are rooting for you ( even those back Oop North).
I dare say this feeling is quite normal for us 'students' and so I 'opes to bounce back like the eponymous Tigger....
Quote of the week ; " In a world full of extraordinary people I'm glad I met you ".
I thought I was doing so very well with the ICT skills but I fell at the first 'urdle today, and it made me feel disheartened somewhat. If you're like me and have never been to Uni, it's quite a challenge to get accustomed to this entire new way of life, and to learn all these new skills.
Its not the teaching that scares me witless, but the failing of the course when you know so many of one's family n friends are rooting for you ( even those back Oop North).
I dare say this feeling is quite normal for us 'students' and so I 'opes to bounce back like the eponymous Tigger....
Quote of the week ; " In a world full of extraordinary people I'm glad I met you ".
Microsoft Microisms
My home computer has a windows operating system, through which I can access such Microsoft applications as word processor, desktop and creating a document.
My experience stems from being self taught, over a period of years, which began with my first Pc (a Commodore 64) progressing to my own mini laptop which is more than earning its keep at present !
I am finding it a very valuable experience and equally as steep as learning curve, given it has been so very long since it all began....
NB ; I have yet to acquire the necessary skills to use PowerPoint within this course, yet it is a task I have to achieve in time memorium.
My experience stems from being self taught, over a period of years, which began with my first Pc (a Commodore 64) progressing to my own mini laptop which is more than earning its keep at present !
I am finding it a very valuable experience and equally as steep as learning curve, given it has been so very long since it all began....
NB ; I have yet to acquire the necessary skills to use PowerPoint within this course, yet it is a task I have to achieve in time memorium.
Wednesday, 16 October 2013
Further adventures....
Hello fellow Bloggers....
I've added a new video link to my page. Its of the 2 Ronnies, as I'm a big fan of theirs. Watch the clip of the Morris Dancers to see some pure genius word play.
Also, a little quiz question for you all...
Who said : "I have many principles. If you don't like that one, I've plenty more to choose from " ???
There will be a prize for the correct answer...
I've added a new video link to my page. Its of the 2 Ronnies, as I'm a big fan of theirs. Watch the clip of the Morris Dancers to see some pure genius word play.
Also, a little quiz question for you all...
Who said : "I have many principles. If you don't like that one, I've plenty more to choose from " ???
There will be a prize for the correct answer...
Tuesday, 15 October 2013
Inspirational Blog Homework
The Blog I have chosen to review can be found on teaching with soul This website was founded by Lisa Dabbs,an American teacher who was herself inspired to teach whilst at school.
The motto of the site is "Teaching with soul - Inspiring,Mentoring,Equipping Teachers ".
This is an American website,aimed at Teachers in that particular country.However,there are 5 useful and
very relevant topics to teaching across the boundaries of language and terminology.
These are (in brief) :
1)Be a connected Educator - take time to figure out for yourself.
2)Be knowledgeable about Web 2.0 - this ICT tool is collaborative,internet based and user driven.
3)Join a Social network - there will be times of isolation when teaching.This is normal.An online community is a place where others like you can be found to talk to.
4)Become a Blogger - it is a journey of discovery,as it helps with reflection and feedback.
5)Be reflective and reach out - share your experiences and reflections on your blog.
From this list of tips and advice,I would say that all of them are relevant within the teaching field,as they can be seen to overlap and intertwine with each other.Further to this,the tips are particularly relevant to the field of ICT,in as much as each of them can be explored with limitless boundaries for the individual teacher,to develop both professionally and personally.
If I had to recommend one tip from the list of 5,I would choose Tip number 4. The reason for this would be two fold :
i)As a relatively new 'Blogger',it is indeed a journey/voyage of discovery for myself as it is a wholly new experience.
ii)The more I use this ICT skill,the more my chances of improving my reflective and feedback abilities are likely to improve as I progress through the course. I will be able to improve on feedback given and use it positively.
On the website there is an 'Inspirational Link' of the week,which directs the user to different blogs.
In conclusion,I belive that the website is very easy and accessible to use (as a beginner)with many useful tips and advice to be found.
Therefore,I was and definitely am inspired to learn,develop and teach.
The morning after the day before
Well its the new day after Monday's teaching sessions,and I was very relieved to get home,after a 15 hour day!
Tuesday began nice and early as always,around 7am,and by 715 the washing machine was serving its sole purpose in life.Although I imagine my washing machine doesnt have a very exciting life...
After the obligatory school run,off to the Gym,where I pay money every month to have the privilege of 'perspiring' in a different space.Nice.
Home then to look at the current Assignment,which I'm not so daunted by now after a good night's kip.So just a quick 'blog' update before tackling this weeks ICT task....
Ttfn.
Monday, 14 October 2013
Technology Reflection
So far within this ICT lesson I have gained the knowledge and skills of using a Blog via the use of Google and Firefox.
This is a totally new experience to me,having never used this technology before. However,I was able to access Google + Blogger.com using my Smartphone.I also had useful guidance from my Tutor and my Peers within the group.
I am quietly confident (!) that these new skills will serve me well for the duration of this course.
In the Beginning......
This is my first 'ever' Blog,something which is so very new to me,after an even longer time away from the classroom!
I have,however,discovered new skills within the IT environment which I never knew I was capable of,but have found myself adjusting to this new artificial world that surrounds everyone in the universe,probably as far away as Barnsley (If they could see me now,that little gang of mine).
So come along for 'yonder ride' and we'll explore this new phenomenon together,by Jove yes....
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)