22/08/07

Held the second workshop and it went OK, not better than yesterday, but OK……..warmed up a bit at the end. Makes me wonder what the best time to have PD is. First thing in the morning people are fresher but usually have to rush off quickly when the bell rings, or last thing in the afternoon when the session can run as long as the stamina lasts, but the daily grind has usually taken its toll.

The generation gulf was clearly shown today by two “cheat sheets” designed to assist with the use of our new multi-function, whizz-bang printer. The student example was a typed set of clear instructions with one graphic. We know they won’t even bother to read it……..they’ll just jump straight in, and if they get it wrong, try again. The teacher’s instructions are a one A3 page pictorial with as few words as possible! Lots of pix with fingers pointing at the appropriate buttons. We know they will still get it wrong, and come running to the IT Office after the first failed attempt! And then we’ll show them and send them happily on their way……..till the next time.

21/08/07

Ran a workshop on a new piece of software that I am passionate about. It’s really hard to transfer that passion, but I tried and I think the message about process being more important than product, got through. A few teachers have said they will trial the mind-mapping component of HeuLab, Fun with MindBook, in their classes next week, so I have to rate this morning as a success. I’ve changed a few things that I thought needed tweaking, so that tomorrow’s effort might be smoother. All good practice for the two and half hour workshop I’m running at a conference next week.

I also had a great conversation with a teacher who is really making an effort. She had her first go in class the other day, without me being there in support. She did all the right things…….modelled what was necessary, provided a scaffold etc and then let them loose on the Tablets. She tells me that, at first, there was an overwhelming sense of loss of control!!! But she persevered, overlooked the occasional and obvious excursions into msn, and at the end of the period was pleasantly surprised by the achievements of her students. This has given her a great confidence boost, and she is now ready to experiment some more. If only lots of other teachers would be willing to take risks, and let go of the reins. I think they would also be surprised at how much work can actually get done when, and if, the teacher falls silent.