I have been really finding the teaching of oral Language skills difficult over this term, particularly in the ‘using technology to enhance…’ sort of way.
But today I was teaching in an Intermediate (Y8) class today in Hastings, New Zealand who were working on ‘projects’ on oral language-
One group was practicing and a play, another looking a Shakespeare’s Macbeth. But the group I was most interested in were considering Martin Luther King’s ‘I have a dream’ speech. They have to go on Youtube and listen to the footage then they accessed the ‘script’ via the web.
They had to identify the techniques MLK used in his speech to connect with the audience and then answer some questions independently.
Isn’t it amazing what happens when you move out of your comfort zone. It appears I am not alone in the NZblogosphere to leave the classroom, permanently or otherwise.
I am now beginning a whole new adventure as an Educational Technology Advisor. It is what I have hoped to become and there appears to be some flexibility that I require right now and to be perfectly honest with you I want to see this venture grow, probably as much as the boss does! I love its vision and ethos. The whole team wants to affect change for the better in the classrooms of New Zealand, for the better, and for a bright shining future.
As you can gather, I’m rather excited about 2008… bring it on!
When I attended Jane’s podcasting workshop and produced my own bit of ULearn fluff. Imentioned to those who were unfortuate to sit near me in the session that “I’m sure Ze Frank presented at TED”. Never one for being 100% sure of anything technical like podcasts and vodcasts etc. I quickly shut up. Especially when my nod and smile for reassurance from Jane was met with a shrug.
Anyway, just for Jane and Sharon or CORE Education (the unfortunate individual who could not escape) here it is:
It is my privilege to introduce an new blogger to the edublogosphere. I was honoured to meet Amanda in a breakout at Ulearn. Please visit her site, encourage her by commenting, she’s putting all her notes from Ulearn on her blog, its well worth a read.
I also need to thank Chrissy and Amanda for volunteering skyping me into Tony Ryan’s keynote. I was so disappointed about missing it and now thanks to Web 2.0, skype, twitter et al. I get two offers to let me listen.
Derek Asked for help with his closing remarks I thought I’d share these two….
“It is always good to get the bigger picture, we are not alone in our school, in our desire for progressing, personalising learning. Implimenting ICT in our schools. Its great to share ideas, try things out, get some direction and focus the mind.”
“Here there is space and time to become the reflective practisioners we wish we could be all the time.”
Thanks to Rachel for passing them along or was it Jane, someone’s battery died …Am writing this before he speaks so….
Tony Ryan its your responsibility as ‘part of the system’ – what are WE going to do about it…. No more moaning and complaining. Let’s just get on with the business we’re in…Michael Jackson’s Man in the Mirror spings to mind.
I don’t remember where the story comes from but a grandson asks his grandfather.“Were you hero in the war?” And the Grandfather answers “No, I just fought beside some.”
It came to mind today as I sat and listened to the Minister of Education.
