Kristianstill

Friday afternoon, two talented, socialable and engaging male students choose to disengage from class. It would be easy to excuse their behaviour as “last lesson of the weekitis” or to attribute their behavious to the slightly dull topic of databases or to blame the situation that they are ”boys.” However I am in the business of finding solutions, of working with young people, not reinforcing stereotypes and accepting excuses. I believe “we” can be successful, that we, is “the students and I.” I did asked the boys to think about our situation, I hope they do, but there is a lot more enjoyable things to think about than ICT last lesson on a Friday.

So to reflect on Clarence Fishers post on time for ”personal interests.” Are we asking our students to learn appropriately? When did I last use a database? Would I have used one had I been taught the skills in school? Would I have enjoyed the learning process? Would I accept the “spoon full of medicine is good for me argument” if I didnt? Maybe now, as an adult, but I am not sure I was ready to accept this as a student….

Lets take a thinking side step, Google (and other companies) allow their employees to  take 10% – 20% of their on the job time to pursue their own interests, resulting in some amazing innovations. Like employees, our students are often tied into a rigid schedule of “getting things done.” If I gave my students more time to pursue their own interests (not fancy pants though) would they work more deligiently and successfully on their coursework?

“The ability to work on an agenda that actually interests you would be a massive change in education.”

I agree with Clarence, but its not easy connecting with databases? Do I in fact even need to? Woudl the students respect the time to focus on databases if they were given more freedom? Do they realise that if we complete the unit we could try to use the time for more exciting and experimental ICT? Do they see the finish line? I do hope the boys give the lesson a second thought as I value their thoughts and contribution to the conversation. Perhaps I will take a risk and email them, asking for their opinion….. If they respond and permit me, I will let your know the outcome.

I admit it, I have a bee in my bonnet and have done sinve I moved from the post 16 sector to Hamble College. Especially with that word trust. As a teacher I am seeking more trust, thank goodness I am not the only one banging that drum, as I read Ewan McIntosh’s post…

‘Just look at the lack of control over their technology and it’s not surprise that most teachers have, indeed, a fair distrust for the education Establishment.’

Today, I wrote to our LEA complaining for being filtered so indiscriminately. Should any educator from Hampshire (or any where really) stumble upon this post (unlikely but possible) please let me know how restricted technology / internet access restricts the learning opportunities for your students.

Ironically, our Art teacher is currently running a “barriers” project in his GCSE class and yet the amazing and FREE Piclens can not access Flickr or Google images! Will someone in a position of authority see sense.

The week I learnt just how fast time in schools can pass. I have made myself accountable on a number of ICT issues and completed only one or two. Whether it is the “unknown unknowns” like cover, staff issues in their classrooms, unique student events (theft from a changing rooms following Yr 8 football practice) or deliveries, time passes quickly. Having an office is highly beneficial but it also makes you available. I intend to speak to colleagues to find out how they prioritise and plan their time.

Online ICT lesson bump- I wanted to run an online quiz on using the internet. The lesson can from my thoughts on demonstrating skills rather than merely testing skills. I had planned a fantastic lesson using a chatroom as the learning platform. This was not a new idea but a tried and tested teaching method I had implemented at Tauntons with great success. Unsurprisingly the webware was blocked. Hampshire I expect a good explanation. Educators need control over the filtering systems not to be controlled by them! You do not come into the library and tell the librarians which books they can offer, you do not protect students from the racy controversy in Shakepeare! So trust me as a professional to use the internet!

Achievements: IT staff are now on radio, I think this will help their team communication but also their efficiency and communication within college. PCs purchased, their installment provides a work programme for IT over Easter. Automated shutdown required.

Next week I am meeting with the Head. I have created an Self Review Framework presentation for SLT to share with him and over Easter I hope to write the ICT vision.

Just thinking out loud…. can the ICT the new KS3 curriculum be written with a sports theme, eg all topics be given a sporting spin? I will share these thoughts with Gideon at Perins School, also a Specialist Sports college.