Using Technology in Schools by @rlj1981

Name: Rachel Jones
Twitter name: @rlj1981
Sector: Secondary
Subject taught (if applicable): Classics and Computing
Position: Assistant Director of Studies
What is your advice about? Using Technology in schools

1: Do not assume that children know how to use technology better than you. They are probably *awesome* at using Instagram but that doesn’t mean they know how to use Google Drive.

2: Do not use technology because SLT/OFTED/Lesson Observation form says you have to. Use it because it makes a real difference to the learning in your classroom.

3: If you are using desktop machines and you get an issue before ringing IT Support:
a- try turning it on and off again (really)
b- try a different internet browser.

4: Using non-traditional or not intended for educational purposes apps or websites can get you some brilliant results. Give them a go.

5: If something isn’t working the way you intended be brave enough to stop the activity and do something else instead. Better to admit it isn’t working than waste pupil time.

Technology by Anonymous

Name: Anonymous
Twitter name:
Sector: Primary
Subject taught (if applicable):
Position: Teacher
What is your advice about? Technology

1: If you find IT useful in your classroom then it’s fine to ignore those that don’t.

2: IWBs are great tools but like any tool useless in the hands of those not willing to learn how to use them.

3: Teachers won’t be replaced by technology but those teachers who can’t or won’t use tech will be replaced by those who will.

4: Use tech to get students ready for their future and ignore those teachers who are stuck in their past.

5: Pedagogy comes first, then tech and remember even books, paper and pencils are technology.

Deploying Technology in the Classroom by @markallday2

Name: Mark Allday
Twitter name: @markallday2
Sector: Secondary
Subject taught (if applicable): Computer Science
Position: Director of Learning
What is your advice about? Deploying technology in the classroom

1: Embrace technology to reinforce your classroom practice, not replace it. Use tools that are right for you within your lessons, schemes of learning and classroom environment.

2: Discuss your experiences and findings with others. Sharing what went well and what was a disaster is useful collaboration for you and your colleagues!

3: Have a tool kit of useful applications which you can then deploy in your long term planning or even on the spot as part of a learning episode. See – https://itun.es/gb/rNSK9.l

4: You do not need to know it all (or even more than your students). This is a common boundary, but it shouldn’t be! Why not involve students in helping you and their peers?

5: Be adventurous and experiment with blended learning, embracing both technology and more traditional teaching methods. Sound planning allows them to concord and not conflict.

Technology by @StuartLock

Name: Stuart Lock
Twitter name: @StuartLock
Sector: Secondary
Subject taught (if applicable): maths
Position: Headteacher
What is your advice about? Technology (slightly flippant)

1: It’s fine to use an IWB as a projector. It’s probably a mistake to use it interactively.

2: It’s probably a mistake to use a class set of iPads.

3: It’s probably a mistake to take them on the computers, or to a computer room. This doesn’t apply to ICT or Computer Science.

4: If they need to use their mobile phones in your lesson, there was probably a better way.

5: A visualiser is about the only good piece of technology for learning.

Technology in the Classroom by @mrbeeict

Name: None given
Twitter: @mrbeeict
Sector:  Primary
Subject: All subjects
Position: Teacher
5 Bits of Advice About: Technology in the classroom

1. Use it to support effective teaching and learning. Not just an add on.
2. Be prepared to be told of its diminished value as a learning resource by colleagues or external staff. Use it for the children, not for colleagues.
3. It’s our duty to ensure children are digitally literate by time they leave school. It’s the way of the world; as important as reading and writing.
4. Stay connected. Teach, learn, share.
5. Differentiate. Even with technology.

Online Resources by @splozza

Name: Lorie Dickson
Twitter: @splozza
Sector:  Primary
Subject: All subjects
Position: Associate School Leader
5 Bits of Advice About: Online resources

1. http://www.literacyshed.com – brilliant story starters/videos.
2. http://www.topmarks.co.uk – great collection of interactive whiteboard resources.
3. http://www.bbc.co.uk/education – updated site full of resources for all subjects.
4. http://hwb.wales.gov.uk/Resources – Cymru Grid for Learning is packed with resources/lesson,plans each including an interactive starter/main/plenary.
5. http://www.reachoutcpd.com/international/ – develop your science subject knowledge (free trial).