Virtual Learning Network

Thanks Jan - I've just downloaded it.

Nathaniel asks where the tensions and challenges lie in innovation in your school.  

Preceding posts come from innovators who are school leaders who support innovation either with time, money or encouragement or who have school leaders who do so.

Will Richardson challenges us to rethink “why we want kids in schools in the first place”.  But the bottom line for a lot of educators is that while they agree that the more important aim is to prepare our kids “as powerful, passionate, persistent learners,” the exam system and expectations for entry into the workforce or tertiary institutions narrow the focus.  Assessment systems like National Standards can stifle innovation.  External but powerful forces like the Health and Safety Act create hurdles in time, money and activity.

Many parents too, look for schools they see as supplying (sic) a good old fashioned education with familiar structures.  

As leaders in schools where innovation is encouraged and embraced, how have you got there? What hurdles have you had to leap or knock over and how have you done it?

Growth.

I want everyone to own their learning needs and develop the learning dispositions to see these happen. We need a culture that embraces individual learning needs for students and teachers alike.

Hello everyone!

I hope you are planning to join us for our last meeting of the year - our first year - at John Paul College, 4.30pm-6pm. 

(Thanks Judith Smallbone for organising this).

We've said educamp style - which means sharing stuff - but stop press: Tanya Gray, who runs workshops on coding and such like, is coming through and will share some fun computer science concept activities (see below).

So certainly - bring ideas to share if you like but no pressure as you can see. Something different, something to intrigue your students and yourself.  What a great way to finish the year!

"Hello!

After my day reading around this I've written - typed that is - a blog post: http://likeahoginmud.blogspot.com/2014/09/the-great-debate-to-type-or-to-hand.html

Thanks Hamish and thanks everyone for my Sunday reading. I'm no closer to knowing whether it is okay to ditch handwriting completely but I rather think we are not all ready for that. As an individual learner, however:

• I love that my OCD side can produce a neat piece of writing.
• I write (create text) more than ever in my life before.
• i write for authentic audiences around the globe.
• My writing is purposeful and the need to write is owned by me.
• I can collaborate on text in real time with people who are geographically distant.
• My desk has less paper on it for me to file (not really) and I can locate items more easily.
• My individual learning needs are being met with self chosen tools.
• I can access material to read from my house on any topic.

Please don't make me do typing drills! Yuck! Please understand that I need to own my learning and that it's not about how you think I should do it! Happy hols everyone. 

i am with you Shane. Hooray!

So true! It's more important to teach the best form of communication!

All I'm hearing here is tool tool tool - all based on personal belief rather than real future-focussed reasons. Um...and not sure about Nathaniel's rationale about being marooned on a desert island. 

Until we have equity and can easily access digital devices, there is a place for learning to print the letters - but not mindless drills. 

Can I have some real research please into use of fine motor skills maybe? Or effect on reading?

I return to one of Jill's earlier statements. Is it more about our reluctance to accept change?

I agree that there is a place if there is a purpose. I only heard to aid other classroom skills though, not bigger purpose. 

In my youth, we were asked for handwritten applications. If the job requires that skill all well and good. I would question whether I wanted to work for someone not using the tools we have access to now.

I'm also hearing "they." Where is the place of choice of tools and meeting needs of individual learners in your classes?

As a "Twitter" fiend, I question that handwriting alone creates the need for pithy epithets!

I'm being nit picky I know but I'm enjoying reading all these posts which I've left for my Sunday reading!

I beg to differ. Paula Hogg https://mobile.twitter.com/diana_prince_ww strarted a similar discussion on Twitter, focussing on the effect on reading ability.

That led me back here.

I wonder if Cripps' theory is still valid, especially as you point out, with other tools we now have access to?

I don't think there is a place for handwriting if it is "just in case". Look at the demise of telegrams and printed photos. There are more efficient ways and I'm more likely to Facebook you or text you on your birthday than post a card. Even my shopping list is on an app. While equity of access to digital tools is a issue, I can see a place, but not years of daily drills.

I heard Russell Burt from Point England, talk about a parent meeting he had with over 80 people present. The same question was asked. He asked the group, "How many of you have good handwriting after 15 minutes a day, 5 days a week for say 7 or 8 years?" Three parents put up their hands. 

What we don't know is what link there is between physical manipulation of the letters and reading ability. We have manipulated letters since the development of a symbolic way of expressing language. Fine motor skills are important in other areas too. 

I look forward to seeing where this discussion is going.