Still here

Getting to grips with things at the start of a new term is always time consuming. A brief post to say that I will be creating a new blog in my role as SSDN mentor which has been rebranded "Glow". Haven't had time to look at the introductory material yet but as the training has been delayed until at least next April it will allow me to settle into my new class and school.
Attended in-service on Curriculum for Excellence. All Primary and Secondary teachers were together, a real novelty but a worthwhile experience in itself. Look forward to seeing how things move forward.
Now it is back to class preparations...big list , much to be done

A couple of days well spent

Not long back from a visit to Campbeltown ( accompanied by Spencer) of course to collate material with Marlyn for our forthcoming seminars at SETT. A Chinese meal and a few glasses of wine helped get us working as we began to decide what to include, or more difficult what to omit, from the seminar. We are now after 2 days and nights of discussions ready to organise some slides using Keynote- the Mac answer to PowerPoint. Another learning curve coming up then!

I have also for the first time made use of the Bluetooth feature on the laptop. We sent each other files to practise, some from Marlyn's phone and others laptop to laptop. A small step for computer experts...another giant leap for me! I have decided to get a new mobile phone and have chosen one with features, as opposed to one that just phones! You know the sort, Bluetooth, polyphonic ringtones, MP3 player and so on....but the main attraction is the colour.

Marlyn had a copy of the CalMag magazine, where, the article Owen and Samuel wrote appears on the back page about the teddy project. They will be thrilled to see it in print.

Pictured are my latest gadgets...a groovy pink memory stick (Magic Key) and an amazing colour changing mini mouse for the laptop.

Busy times

Today has been a busy and productive day. It started with an early morning phone interview with Douglas Blane for the TES about our seminar at SETT "Infants Can Communicate" and my use of ICT generally. I was a bit nervous about the interview but once I got into the swing of it, I enjoyed the chance to discuss the project. It also helped clarify points to include in the seminar which Marlyn and I have still to bring together.

I also spoke with Catherine McGoldrick the Oxford Reading Tree rep. Dunoon Primary needs a new reading scheme and ORT is a possibility.

In between phone calls I have been painting my kitchen and reading a few blog posts. Ewan and John have been discussing the design aspect of blogs and web spaces and giving children the opportunity to be creative with their space. I think that the look of the blog is important. I certainly have enjoyed adding things to my blog, and think that at primary level posting photos, Bubbleshare slideshows and animated gifs all adds to the appeal as well as developing skills and a real sense of achievement.



I also read Alan November's latest blog post where he asks
" Do you believe connecting students to people around the world in your curriculum will benefit your students? If so, what are some of your ideas?"
I can only say that the biggest thrill for the children with Talking Teds was the global aspect of the blog and the knowledge that they had a worldwide audience. This was really motivating for them. I also feel chuffed when I see hits from around the world on my site meter. I am just a beginner blogger....what lies ahead....when will I understand everything that Ewan, John and Andrew talk about on their blogs?

Just off to embellish this post with a few bits and bobs.

Holiday reading

Just received my latest purchases from Amazon.
I have always liked reading non-fiction and reference books so it is not as sad as it looks!

Spent time today in my classroom sorting the computer area and setting the interactive whiteboard up to small person level.

I am back in tomorrow to do a bit more sorting and organising....then it's off to Blackpool on Saturday.

My new classroom

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Well here it is- my new room, ready to be licked into shape. Went into school today and tried out the computer, an iMac running OS9 and an old 'grey' machine. Back into tomorrow to do a bit of furniture arranging!

Scorchio!!!

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Technobabble or How to learn HTML and Javascript in 20 minutes between toddler interruptions

Having spent 20 minutes or so in the presence of my brother at the computerface (he who is blessed with a great many wee men in bowler hats).....discussing HTML and Javascript.....I can now quite confidently say that I have a lot to learn!
My big brother is a patient and enthusiastic teacher who is extremely knowledgeable about his subject. I remember reading his Phd thesis...well the title...and giving up...another Greek document.....but with a bit of encouragement I could get quite into all this stuff...given time.
In the meantime if I can get a handle on FTP's and Javascript
copying I would like to try the Lightbox photo slideshow application which looks really cool. Perhaps John Johnston at Sandaig could talk me through it as he seems to be quite a few giant steps ahead of me!

My visitors have gone and now I know why I didn't do all these sorts of things when my children were small!

Summer visitors

My brother and his family are on their way to visit...haven't seen them for a couple of years. My brother is a computer programmer or software consultant or some such thing. Don't know if he knows how to blog though so it will be interesting to get his opinion of this old blogging business. I am sure he knows all about HTML so might ask him for some advice...it's all Greek to me.