Once again it was time to gather together to explore all things ICT and restock the chocolate store at the first of this academic year’s Subject Leaders’ Update. As usual, there was a good turn out for these popular events and it was great to welcome some new faces. If you’re a new ICT Subject Leader could you make sure we have your details so we can include you in any emailshots?
We were joined by Keith Ansell, E-learning Consultant with the SWGfL who lead a workshop highlighting some of the fantastic ‘free’ resources available through the SWGfL. We had a wonderful time exploring our region with Big Day Out, created mulitmedia rich Myths and Legends, looked at the great resources available in the media gallery. It was also great to hear that the SWGfL are to retain the popular British Pathe service.
Keith also highlighted a great offer from iBoard just for BaNES ICT Subject Leaders. Email us for the link. He also spoke about the SWGfL Film Animation Competition to be held in the summer term. He explained that teachers can use film animation techniques to create films in any curriculum subject area. There is the possibility of some workshops to support teachers and an associated awards and presentation event. If think you might be interested in this, please could you email Wendy or Spencer so we can begin preliminary planning for the event?
We had an overview of where we are with Merlin and updated everyone on what information was now with headteachers. As promised, we’ve set up a Merlin page on this blog (see link above or click here) where we can update everyone on all things Merlin. We’ve also published links to resources to explain what Merlin is as well as a link to an example of how Merlin might be used in a teaching and learning context.
Finally, we had a quick look at some new technologies that we feel will have a positive impact. These include the easy to use Flip video camera, Easi-Speak microphones and the Asus mini-notebook. We also looked at the emerging technology of epaper. I believe that this will have a big impact in a few years time to the way we view information and where we view it. If you’re interested in the development of technology in education, take a look at Futurelab’s newsletter; it makes interesting reading!
We ended with a few dates for the diary:
- eSafety Conference, Bristol – 26th November 2008
- ICT Regional Conference – 1st July 2009 (provisional)
- Next ICT Subject Leaders’ Update – 10th June 2009
Also don’t forget to look at our Courses page for the other events happening this year.
