tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8164631800743679925.post2513093056152348541..comments2023-08-01T04:18:22.254-07:00Comments on Connecting in a Connected World: Can I have some 'training' with that please...theother66 (formally MadMiller)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02677589224153912756noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8164631800743679925.post-74527869293606048192008-01-14T09:53:00.000-08:002008-01-14T09:53:00.000-08:00We have some exciting stuff happening where I teac...We have some exciting stuff happening where I teach and some very excited teachers. At the same time, I am quite anxious because there is a lot of emphasis on tools and not how we use them and integrate them into our teaching. There appears to be little comprehension of how much time it takes to learn and properly utilise the tools. <BR/><BR/>My feeling is we need to look at our cirriculum and philosphy of learning before we throw in all these tools such as blogs and so on. <BR/><BR/>Not sure if I am making sense, but enjoyed your post anyway. SarahSarah Stewarthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00480597227427423793noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8164631800743679925.post-324714689965962062008-01-09T14:02:00.000-08:002008-01-09T14:02:00.000-08:00Thanks Sue & Paul for responding into my questions...Thanks Sue & Paul for responding into my questions. This is very much appreciated. <BR/><BR/>It appears that we need to be 'targeting' educational leaders and engaging with our ICT Managers - and work as one big TEAM.<BR/><BR/>What strategies have people been using to enlighten their decision makers in their institute in the area of e-learning?<BR/><BR/>Does your educational institute have an e-learning strategic plan - and if so, what does it include and what might it be missing?<BR/><BR/>I still believe that if we can 'engage' all educators (teachers and leaders) into understanding the importance of their own professional development - then it will become a natural course for them to move along the e-learning path.<BR/><BR/>Educators call themselves 'professionals' but are they always professional in their own development?<BR/><BR/>Should educators be like some of the other professions, where they are required to continue to update their qualifications to remain in the 'profession' (and be given the support, whatever that may be, to do so)?theother66 (formally MadMiller)https://www.blogger.com/profile/02677589224153912756noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8164631800743679925.post-12551960966779067052008-01-09T06:05:00.000-08:002008-01-09T06:05:00.000-08:00These are important questions. I believe the key l...These are important questions. I believe the key lies with resolving the question about educational leadership. All other hurdles will prove exceedingly difficult until educational leaders are onside. <BR/><BR/>I find it extremely frustrating that here in my part of Canada, decisions about using technology are too often not being made by educational leaders. It is the non-educators, the people who should be in a support role, who are setting the implementation agenda. Network managers may understand the technology very well, but they often have a limited grasp of what is really needed by learners in classrooms. <BR/><BR/>This is why I believe we need to focus on educating the educators. Sadly, there are too many educational decision-makers who are resist learning and changing!Paul Hamiltonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01594007631592685010noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8164631800743679925.post-67804854808570939062008-01-09T05:39:00.000-08:002008-01-09T05:39:00.000-08:00Those are really good questions you have asked All...Those are really good questions you have asked Allison because they are really hard to answer. <BR/><BR/>So I am going to write as I ponder. Sure it is 2008 but lets reflect on progression of technology. The world wide web came into existence in 1994 but was fairly basic. We didn't have Google until 1998 (hopefully my dates are okay). So progression of computers in homes developed in the '90s but it wasn't until the late '90s that it became really common for people to have Internet connection in their homes. Unfortunately the reality is people are still learning how to use this technology which makes them technophobic as it is easier to stick to what they know then to go with something that they are less certain of. Our unfortunate reality is most educators don't realise the potential of technology. <BR/><BR/>Good point about the professional development - wish they would take that on board. <BR/><BR/>Regarding your last question - we will struggle. We need them to get it - so that they appreciate the need to have in place long term strategies for staff development. If I had charge of the funding it would be focused on the professional development and not purchase of the technology. No point having the technology if it sits in the cupboard not being used. <BR/><BR/>Sorry I haven't answered these questions well. <BR/><BR/>Sue Waters<BR/><A HREF="http://aquaculturepda.edublogs.org/" REL="nofollow">Mobile Technology in TAFE</A>Sue Watershttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13230898483382609377noreply@blogger.com