I managed to spend the holiday, when not wall building and path making and shed removing and soil laying and plum slate transferring…, having a break from the guilt that is contempory education. I could have done with another week though!

I appeared to have chilled out about ICT. Chilled out, not cooled off. We seem to get driven by new tech, instead of leading where we need it to take us. So, I’m endeavouring to take it all one step at a time. You can tell I’m only two weeks in. Though, cynicism apart, these have been two good weeks, not the usual two panicky, get-everything-organised weeks. Setting clear, but very simple goals for a simple CFE topic, has made the learning, and the planning, focused and effective.

And of course I will be using ICT. When I want to and when it enhances. Not because I ought to.

The weekend before taking my first ICT in-service, with my notes, and life, safe on the machine, and backed up onto my mac, the sight of smoke was not encouraging. It’s subsequent death was regrettable.  What was not anticipated was that the mac would also roll over the next day.  With the back up.

I was left with a very unpredictable and unwilling desktop, and shredded nerves.  The course passed, but the lack of serviceable internet connection for the holiday, and no access to my usual programs produced what could only be called withdrawal.

It’s only when you haven’t got it, that you realise how much you need it.  In all senses.

Sort of says it all, doesn’t it!

I’ve watched my children, and I do mean my children, as I apparently and obviously have had a life of sorts outside teaching, using Bebo!  In truth, they show a commitment and dedication to this community that impresses, surprises and makes me a tad anxious. Well, what are father’s for but to worry and pay up? 

I am jealous of this successful ict, and hope/pray/doubt/trust etc. that Glow will not only have the functionality, but also this fascination.  If it does, you can’t help but believe that the pupils will lead the way. At least until the next new thing takes over. If it doesn’t, they will bypass it, and the opportunity. 

I do hope there are some switched on designers in this – ones who haven’t been educationalised. Like us! 

And, boy am I tired!

It’s a good word, if not a bit clumsy. From my work on technophobia I had come to realise that research had indicated the importance of using an appropriate analogy when introducing new technology, especially to the reluctant. So I started to analogize! What is the role of a glo mentor? I’m sure we’ll be told, in glowing detail, but it does strike me that we have two obvious roles: to be a Driving Instructor and a Tour Guide! 

An instructor helps you handle the car, learn it’s features, but the purpose of learning is not to pass!  It’s to go places. And that is when you need the tour guide- to show you the sites, point the way and make recommendations. Perhaps some mentors are more skilled at one over the other? Which am I? Or should I use the clipboard and the umbrella.

So, what do you think: helpful, or should I keep taking tablets?!