We have all witnessed over the past 20 months the huge increase in the number of tools, apps, and platforms available to support learning and teaching in the classroom, whether virtual or in the return to the face-to-of face environment. Some of us were aware of these tools beforehand, but perhaps didn’t really see or […]
Choosing a tool: It all starts with Why? Read More »
Educational Change Having experience in a range of educational settings for almost two decades including preschool, outdoor education, primary teaching, secondary teaching and further education, I have witnessed changes in pedagogical practice throughout; from traditional teaching structures to collaborative practices in innovative learning environments. This followed by Covid has led me to reflect on what
AC: Some things stay the same! Learner Control & Online Forms Read More »
(inspired by the Sunscreen Song by Baz Lurhman and Mary Schmich article) Ladies and gentlemen of the class of 2022 Use WordPress. If I could offer you only one tip for the future, WordPress would be it The long-term benefits of WordPress have been proved by SEO’s Whereas the rest of my advice has no
The WordPress song Read More »
In the summer of 2020 I think I managed to clog up my whole email inbox with mails to myself saying “must watch”, or “must read” or “do this course” as I clambered to get to grips with the new reality of remote teaching and learning…….. Did I ever go back in and even look
Using Twitter and Wakelet for Professional Learning and Development Read More »
How will schools ensure they are ready for what the future may throw at them? What will need to be considered when planning for the use of Digital Technologies in schools post-Covid? These are the questions that are most pressing right now, not only for me, but for many organisations and government bodies. To this
How do you plan for the unknown? Read More »
As educators around the globe prepare to take a well earned rest over the summer months, some are already starting to consider what education and training will look like in a post-inoculation world, which we refer to as AC (After Covid). The past fifteen months has witnessed an increase in the use of digital technologies
Looking Ahead to a New School Year – Planning for a Blended Future Read More »
Connectivism: a basic overview In previous posts, and indeed in numerous other places, it has become more apparent than ever that teaching and learning have had to change. Yet, even before the pandemic, society and technology were continually changing the education landscape. ‘Connectivism; The Learning Theory for a Digital Age’ by Siemens published in 2005
Connectivism: a reason for choice? Read More »
Due to the low 30Cs temperatures of early fall in Virginia and with the school air conditioning not operating at full capacity, many Albemarle High School teachers would leave their doors open which would allow a sneak peek into their classrooms. One particular day, I passed by the open door of the computer science teacher
Rubber ducks, a US Air Force sergeant, and my introduction to cybersecurity in schools. Read More »
Learning for our students Universal Design for learning is a framework, a mindset, a way of reaching, engaging, and empowering all students. It is defined as a “research-based set of principles to guide the design of learning environments that are accessible and effective for all” (CAST). Before we explore some of the UDL Principles in
What is UDL and why does it matter? Read More »
Relationship Building Relational development can be considered a vital component of effective teaching and learning, indeed one that has an impact on learners’ motivation and achievement (Niemi & Hotulainen, 2015). Some argue these relations are built through positive social interactions with peers (Cemalcilar, 2010). However, moving to online learning has reduced the opportunities for learners
Emulating Social Interactions Online: A simple idea! Read More »
