Free resources for Norfolk Schools

As most schools will know, resources provided by E2BN are mostly free and of a high quality.  Their latest journal signposts some of them. Take a look!

Can we have some algorythmic folk dancing in Norfolk Schools?

Reading the latest "SWITCHED ON" newsletter from CAS (Computing At Schools), I would love to see some Norfolk Schools produce their own the folk dances and other innovative non-computing ways to teach key concepts.  As described on page 3 of the publication, there are plenty of resources alreaedy available online.

We will ensure that any video produced in Norfolk gets promoted through our networks and conference.  Go on - have a go!

Scholarship fund for teacher professional development

Adopted from NAACE newsletter:

5 Years On!

I just wanted to say a big hello to the staff at St Marys and that I remember the good days I had at that school! I'm now starting Yr12 in September and its been 5 long years since St Marys! I've loved every minute and its great life experience. In Year 5 which is over 6 years ago now, I started 'Making The News' with Mr Gabe and Benjamin Mead-Boulton and its great to look and see how everything carried on after I left. Well done to everyone! It can be a big step starting secondary school and I remember it was for me all that time ago and now I'm doing it again with Sixth Form. Remember everyone to just enjoy whatever life throws at you. Thomas Carter, Ex St Marys Student

Snippets to round off the year

Are you considering your curriculum - see the futurelab article for some food for thought.

Content vs Skills article by futurelab

http://content.yudu.com/A1si7n/SecEd08jun11/resources/index.htm

Don't be scared of Secondary school !!!

Helloo. I thought that it would be good to give the year six's some advice for when they move on to year 7. When people say that when you move to secondary school you won't make any new friends that's a lie. People talk to you and sometimes even playout after school. Also people say that you will get lost when finding classrooms well when you get a planner which is basically like your homework diary that tells you when you have lessons and which classroom it's in. There is a map that helps show were it is. Also the number of the classroom you are looking for is on the door. Also if you are not with one of your friends that you want to meet up with at break or lunch you can arrange a place to meet up and then you can get food from the cafes etc. This is just basic infomation that loads of people feel but when you go on your 2-day visit it calms down your nerves and helps you see what it will be like when you start. Made by Chloe who left nearly a year agoo :)

E2BN Conference Journal

The E2BN Conference promises to be a fantastic event for teachers interested in the latest developments around ICT and learning.

Take a look at the Journal to see what will be happening.  It's not too late to book a place either...

E2BN - 2011 conference.pdf

E-Safety Online Activity

E2BN will be running ‘Safe Smartphone – It’s no Game’ E-Safety sessions on 25th May and 6th & 7th July

Once again we are delighted to be able to offer E2BN schools access to this online interactive role play that develops e-safety knowhow.

Each session lasts an hour and takes place at 9.30, 11.00, 1.30.

Your students take on the role of ‘student adviser’ to a number of virtual characters who are concerned about their own online activity. As the scenario unfolds your students will be prompted, via a series of on-screen messages, to consider how best to advise them. Students respond to the scenario via an ‘instant messaging’ type interface. Throughout the session, our experts monitor and respond to your students comments. The activity encourages students to think about some of the dangers that the Internet presents, how to best to deal with them and most importantly how to keep themselves safe.

Simply send an email to info@engage.net with your name, schools contact details (school name, address, telephone number), number of students taking part and say which day/ time session that you would like to take part in.

Sessions are limited so please book early to avoid disappointment.

If your school takes it's broadband connectivity form one of the local authorities listed below and you quote 'E2BN' in your email you will not be billed for these sessions

(Bedford Borough, Cambridgeshire, Central Bedfordshire, Luton, Milton Keynes, Norfolk, Peterborough, Southend-On-Sea, Suffolk, Thurrock)
Places are limited to two classes per school.
Session run for an hour, at 9.30, 11.00 and 1.30

Subject Leader Development Meeting 18 - Spring 2011

Subject Leader Network for ICT      -      Spring Term 2011

The following agenda is designed to develop your knowledge, understanding and skills in order to improve standards in your department

Session 1

·        Impact of white paper on ICT

·        Functional skills incl. apprenticeships

·        Wolf report on Vocational Education (role of ICT Qualifications?)

Session 2

·        The Curriculum Review

·        What ICT should every pupil learn?

·        EBac, Gold Standard and ICT

Session 3

·        Developing learning and teaching through schemes of work

·        Examples for Y7 integrated curriculum, Year 9 and OCR

·        Choice of focus to work on

o       Considering differentiation

o       Behaviour and climate for learning

o       Developing subject knowledge

Session 4

·        Feedback from Teachers International Development – ICT Teachers in Australia

Session 5

·        Evaluating different tracking models (3 groups)

o       Vocational related qualifications (OCR, DIDA, BTec)

o       New GCSEs, IT Diploma

o       APP at KS3

Session 6

·        ICT across the curriculum

o       Effective models for tracking and development.

o       Progression or consolidation through cross-curricular teaching?

Safer Internet Day - 8 February

We should make the most of pupil owned devices for Learning - but how?

Increasingly, there seems to be a consensus that pupil owned devices should play a bigger role in their learning at school.  A recent survey by RM, NAACE and Intellect gave an interesting insight into how practitioners evaluate the role of technology in learning.  Whilst we continue to work towards this and can even point to some early success in Norfolk, we cannot yet talk of a widespread approach to make this a normality.  A significant proportion of schools continue to ban pupil devices.  Usually there is an acceptance that pupils will have devices, but they must stay out of sight or will get confiscated. Some schools have taken a bold approach, developed some rules and policy with the student body and are beginning to see some benefit.  Other have started to adjust their networks to provide free wifi & Internet for pupil owned devices.  This is increasingly seen as a normal expectation in FE and HE institutions, with Sixth Forms catching up fast.

What is needed next, are the case studies which show that such an approach has impact on learning throughout the whole institution and not just for the enthusiast who deploys this in their classroom.

Where now with ICT?

Interesting times - that's what I hear more and more often when I talk to people about ICT and learning.  Clearly, the change at a national level are having some impact, but school life is surprisingly resilient and the impact of technology on learning is increasing if anything. 

Whilst we are in a process of re-organising a few things (See ICT Services for School's project), we are also continuing with some of the work that teachers appreciate a lot.  For a start, there are two big conferences coming up and both of them promise to provide insight into the way pedagogy is changing and technology is enhancing learning.

Our Norfolk ICT Conference (details to be announced shortly) promises some high calibre keynote speakers and the E2BN Conference will provide welcome regional networking as new support structures emerge both within Norfolk and the East of England.

Free computers for children with learning difficulties and disabilities

There is still time for parents of children with profound disabilities or special educational needs to apply for a Home Access package with Assistive Technology to help with learning in the home. Packages are being distributed free with the help of ICT specialists, XMA and Assistive Technology experts iansyst. Up to 5,000 grants for individually configured computer packages are left, but these grants must be applied for before 30 November 2010. Upon award of a grant a computer package is tailored for the learner’s individual needs and can be worth up to £2,000.

If you have children in your school or are working with children with SEN or disabilities, ask the families to check eligibility and apply by calling the Home Access helpline on 0333 200 1004 or visit www.xma4ha.co.uk/assistivetechnology.aspx or www.homeaccess.org.uk to learn more. (copied from naace)

Reflections on ICT Services for Schools

There is a new level of transparancy at Norfolk County Council as the ICT service provider, ICT Solutions is being joined up with the corporate technology unit.  The details of how this will be done, by when and who is involved have all been publicised on the web.  Documents such as the PID (don't you just love a bit of project jargon ), the way schools will be involved (Stakeholder engagement strategy) and other details are all publicly available.  Norfolk might be making the most of a new era, where there is no sign of new capital investement in ICT from national sources, but also more freedom.

Schools on the whole seem to be increasingly positive when reporting on some of the services they receive.  Yet pressure on budgets and the arrival of technologies that can make us more efficient might just be some of the incentives to rethink technology provision in education.  The real incentive ought to be our ambition to do right by the young people we serve.

With a strong vision of how LEARNING should at the heart of it and pupils who are supported to increasingly take responsibility for their learning, there is much chance that 21st century ideas drive the kinds of technology we want to have in Norfolk.

A lot will depend on schools, but early signs are promising, with 50% of responses to the survey on ICT Requirements for schools coming from young people, there is every chance that their voice will be heard.  Teachers and senior leaders will be given opportunities to get involved directly.  The workshops coming up next week are one of those.  Hopefully many will be involved and driven by their own vision of how Technology should impact on learning and not just by efficiencies.

World Class ICT for Norfolk - consultation with schools has started

After the hiccup of BSF being cancelled, work is now underway to build a single ICT service for schools and the County Council.  The schools' service is up for a redesign to make sure it is in line with our ambitions to have world class ICT for Norfolk's learners.

The questionnaire on what kinds of requirements schools have to deliver 21st century learning has just been published. 

Click here to start the questionnaire.

Something is happening in Norfolk and opportunity to win ICT equipment

Some hopefully useful snippets on e-learning this week:

Word on the grapevine is that there is a new project in Norfolk to redesign ICT services for schools.  Schools should be able to find out tomorrow from ICT Solutions' ebulletin or MI Sheet on Oct 29th.  There is likely to be quite a lot of consultation with schools - we'll keep you posted.

The Guardian is running a competition for Classroom Innovation Awards.  More details on their website.

There is a new report from Becta outlining what cloud computing is all about and how it is relevant to schools.

ICT Mark Special offer - Attention small schools in England! (from Naace)

There are some useful links on the latest Futurelab Newsletter

Follow us on Twitter: @sebgasse, @norfolkteachers

	Digital literacy and innovation handbooks now re-available Three of our previously out-of-print publications are now available online at futurelab.magcloud.com. A printed copy can be ordered for a small fee or an electronic version can be downloaded to an iPad free of charge. A pdf copy and further information about the handbooks can also be found on our website. Further information...
	Thinking guides Thinking guides can support independent and group research projects with frameworks for thinking, planning and enquiry. Now available to purchase from Futurelab are a set of ready-made, interactive thinking guides. Print them, edit them or use them as inspiration to make your own! Further information...

E2BN CPD for Schools - FREE

Offer to E2BN Schools   Do your colleagues need to know more about E2BN Online Learning Resources? Twilight and INSET sessions introducing E2BN resources such as The Gallery, Making The News2, Myths and Legends, Cookit and DiscoveryBox Could you use some help using E2BN Online Learning Resources in the classroom? E2BN Master classes – An E2BN E-Learning Consultant in your classroom working with you and your pupils to get the most from an E2BN online Learning Resource. Try running a News Day with Making The News 2 or develop story writing skills with Myths and Legends. Contact our E-Learning Consultants to find out more. Barbara@e2bn.org or Carol@e2bn.org

CEOP button for web browsers

CEOP button for web browsers

I found this on IT4L, a blog by Steve Beard

ICT Mark Assessment opportunity for small schools

Special offer - Attention Small Schools in England!

Year 9

Hello everyone, its Rebekah here. I have had a very good 7 weeks off, been a lot of rain but I made the most of it. Back to school tomorrow, and am starting in year 9! Seems like only yesterday I was starting nursery at St Mary's. I hope everyone down there had a good summer holidays. I'm very excited about starting in year 9 as I move up too a different building in my MASSIVE school! Going from the big fish in the little bowl, too the small fish in the big bowl, as I said I had a very good summer holidays, Christmas will soon me on us and will have the snow again! I hope you are all well From Ex St Mary's Pupil - Rebekah Mead Boulton

Mail Merge with Gmail and Google Docs

Now that we are rolling out the use of Gmail as part of the NSIX (Norfolk Schools Internet Exchange) provision, we need to turn our attention to updating curriculum content to take advantage of the new features.  We are also very keen to ensure that we bring the concepts right up to date.  Whilst we may have been teaching mail merge letters to ensure pupils know how to be efficient in their use of ICT, this is no longer the most efficient way to communicate.  The concept remains the same, but we now communicate mostly via email rather than printed letter.  There is a great tutorial by Mark Wagner showing just how to do this.  It may take a little while before pupils have got their contact list populated, but a separate lesson on this may provide the right starting point.

New year and new CPD

Most of us start a new academic year with good intentions, a bit like the personal targets we set ourselves on New Year's Eve.  Often this might include a learning target e.g. this year I'm going to get to grips with ICT.  Now there are a couple of new resources for the well motivated, which might just suit your lifestyle and provide a low cost option for professional development.  The ICT subject association NAACE has supported the creation of free online ICT CPD courses for teachers and practitioners.  You will find courses for primary and secondary phases and useful guides on things like assessing ICT against National Curriculum Levels.  The second resource to take notw of is VITAL.  This has been created by e-skills UK and the Open University specifically to support ICT CPD in all of England and is supported by the Department for Education.  There are face to face training events, online courses as well as blended learning opportunities to choose from and many are  provided by established institutions in our area.

www.ictcpd4free.co.uk

www.vital.ac.uk

Chat Safe by team 3

Year 5 and 4 are doing Net Detectives. It is Y4's first time and Y5 are teaching them. We are doing about safety on the internet. This is how to be safe on the internet. 1. Always tell your parents if you're being bullied on the internet. 2.Are you old enough for the website? 3.Ask your mum or dad if you are allowed on it. 4.Don't share passwords with anyone. 5.Don't talk to people you don't know. 6.Get your parents permission to go a chat site. 7.Always tell your parents that you you's a chat site. I hope you follow our helpful advice. By Gary, Karla, Charlie, Keiran, Aaran, Chloe, Niamh and Lilly.

Y5 Starz Detective (chat safe) training with Y4

On 15.7.10 the Starz Detectives got into gear again, but this time Y5 trained Y4 about internet safety using FaceBook and other social networking sites like BeBo and MSN. Here are some ideas we had: 1.Do not hack into accounts that do not belong to you. 2.Do not delete hate spams but leave them and show them to an adult to use as evidence. 3.Do not reply to a hate spam, just ignore it and the sender will get bored and stop. 4.If you are not happy about it, block their account from your pages. 5.If in doubt, call for help.

It's recycling week!

It's recycling week and to celebrate and to help out we are doing one of Mrs Kings wonderful idea we are producing a recycled herb garden. We're using all kinds of weird and wonderful containers from a marmite jar to a KFC bucket. Once we have got a sufficient amount of herbs we are hoping to cook with them. To do with recycling week we are counting the amount of used water bottles that are used. Because when you go to the shops to get a bottle of water ,the amount of water that is in the bottle was actully double the amount bcause of the amount of water used to produce the bottle therefore wasting water a energy. By Jordache