graham.dickie

… And from a Loox PDA, on the free wireless access, with smug techie glow, a quick report!
Discovery- located mac software for Digital Blue microscope.
Solution- iWeb (Apple) works on other servers and looks really good for school website-must get new iLife.
Observation- teachers are getting rediculously young.
Concern- how much did LTS spend on all these freebies and why was I delighted to receive the free mug, nylon bag and glowing pen?!

And, boy am I tired!

I’ve been ‘analogizing’! Something I picked up from a recent educational document! (They do come out like rashes don’t they?)

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?! 

I’ve only ever once been on a rollercoaster. It had seemed like a good idea at first. But sitting waiting for it to start, seeing for the first time how far up was up, and realising how far down was down, I wanted to reconsider the decision. I didn’t get the chance. A mistake I won’t repeat.

I’m beginning to get that feeling again! But I think this could be much more fun- and hopefully a darn sight less dangerous! So, if you promise to be patient and understanding, I’ll introduce myself.

My name- Graham Dickie. I am a classroom teacher in Kilchrenan Primary where I am responsible for P5-7. OK, I don’t have many, but you should see the number of Maths groups! I am in my 5th Year of Primary teaching, having worked for 20 years in the ‘Service’ industry.;-) where I was involved in teaching, counselling and leadership. Apparently!

I became a member of the Argyll & Bute ICT Masterclass last year, and serve on the “Learning Culture” Group. I like technology, but can’t set the channels on my HiFi! … Yet.  I really enjoy trying to help people make the most of ICT opportunities in the classroom and I have a special ’soft spot’ for those who think they’re no good at it.  I know that feeling!

In the classroom we use, like many, digital photography, video and blogging. The internet is a constant source of reference, research and communication and various software from Word and Powerpoint to Inspiration and Myst get fairly regular workouts.  We try to integrate ICT wherever and whenever we can, and not because it is fashionable and required, but because it enhances the children’s learning and sparks their creativity. You can catch up on some of the antics on my blog at http://gdsrandomjottings.blogspot.com . You will find our class’s first foray into blogging at www.kilchrenanprimary.edublogs.org . Please feel free to drop by and perhaps leave a comment.

 I look forward to working with you all in the coming months and, now you know where I am, please ‘don’t be a stranger’!