LinkedIn

Well, I've just created a LinkedIn profile :/

Moodle

Submitted my evidence for the Coleg Gwent Moodle Up & Away certification, and feedback was that the site was "outstanding".  Big cheesy grins all round :D

LAN School

Had training this week on LAN School.  Seems like a useful tool - I've already used it just to check on student progress in class (without the student's knowledge).  This may seem a bit sneaky, but actually it enabled me to observe where the individual students were struggling, and then offer directed help without them actually having to ask - I suppose it's a way of giving support without the student having to alert the rest of the class to the fact they are struggling.

I'm not sure how useful it will be in a mixed workshop setting - interrupting adults when the are all working on different things may be more detrimental than beneficial.

I did use it a little in my web design class though, and can see that if students produce a good example it will be great to show to the rest of the class, or to get students to demonstrate a skill to the others.

Another thing that I found particularly interesting was the tutor himself who delivered the LAN session.  He is so clearly in tune with Estyn requirements, that he managed to weave Welsh / ESDGC / H&S etc etc into the session with apparent ease, and he directed us to where we might also be able to do this.

Mixed emotions

So a pretty mixed few days.  Firstly I was complimented on my Moodle site at work, from the Moodle trainer himself.  Apparently the Moodle site I have developed to accompany my Web Design course is one of the best in the college.  That was great to hear.

Then a blow.  My low grade in my teaching obs was surpassed by a lower paid individual, making my position feel altogether awkward.  Great for my colleague, difficult for me.

Then another plus.  An A in my masters assignment.

So am I good or not?  Hard to say, and one minute I feel like a great teacher, and the next not.

Moodle & Interactive White Board

I had training today on Moodle.  I already have a Moodle site for my Web Design L1 course, and was told that I had one of the best Moodle sites in the college at the moment which was great to hear.

Still room for improvement though - so planning to set up an initial topic with graphics that lead into each session to make it more aesthetically pleasing.  I'll enjoy doing that!

As far as the IWB goes, I was shown the spotlight - which I'm sure will be really helpful in Web Des, and the recorder - again something I'm sure I can use.  Think the hide & slide will be less useful - but perhaps just need to think more imaginatively and now I know it's there, I may come up with a use for it.

Talked about LAN (?) being able to link all users to the IWB so that I can demo good work, and again this will be great to include.  Feel very motivated to get going now :)

Management and Leadership

Session this week discussed differences between managers and leaders.  Still not sure I fully grasp the issues, but in essence I think (stress, think) that managers deals with processes and outcomes ie practical stuff, whilst leaders motivate and inspire.  So, managers deal with tasks and leaders deal with people.  Some useful reading suggested, so I'll try and get some books from the library.  Interesting to compare my managers and leaders with what I've learned!

Education training wiki

Posted on Twitter....tempted to register - a wiki for people in education doing research... http://ourextendedstudies.wikispaces.com/space/notify?responseToken=02c6986b68ede6e526308e5bba6082bf3