Simon's podcast

International Standards cover everything from catering to construction. The subcommittee are meeting in Wellington this coming week to discuss the issues around digital media. None of this did I realise until part way through the day when I spoke with Carin Sundstedt who is the ‘Minister for Education' - Sorry, no. She is the ‘Standards New Zealand' representative on the International Standards Body . This is a recording of a conversation between myself and her as she tries valiantly to put me in the picture as to how this all came about.

Sitting in the Bloggers' Cafe with Andrew Salisbury from St Joseph's School in Feilding. Just wanted to share the conversation I had with him about his classroom practise. This was all as a result of a conversation about blogging and podcasts and what would he could do with ICT now that he feels he has some wriggle room with his small, more familiar class of Year 5s Have a listen here. By the way, the intro music is Andrew's.

Neila Thompson (with a p) has been working with five and six year olds at Flaxmere Primary. She has had an iwb for 2 years and remains excited about using her board in the classroom. “It’s amazing what you can do with five year olds and an iwb” she says. The presence of an iwb in a classroom changes your perspective on teaching, challenges your pedagogy, motivates students and is a powerful tool in the school where formative practise and personalised learning are key.

Whilst wondering the stands and most delegates were of in workshops I had a chat with Greg, Editor of Interface Magazine.

I spent some time talking with Mike from ULearnz.org.nz Here is what he had to say about the project and what exciting things subscribers are treated to.

I wondered around with a Easitalk mp3 recorder for a while and caught peoples initial thoughts and reactions to ULearn. Below is a list of links that I gleaned from my conversations. Have a listen. http://www.mogulus.com/ http://kpetv.blogspot.com/

Had a conversation with a student the other day, I don't really recall the details but it must have been about the ridiculous things pets get up to. She told me about her amazingly talented cat and how it seems to climb up the bunkbed steps 'magically'. "I'd love to see that," I say. So several days later she brings in on her mobile a video of her cat, see below. And sends it to my mobile via bluetooth. Possiblilites for classroom applications are swelling in my mind. Interestingly, one kid said "telling on you, you've brought a mobile phone into class" is the same kid I've encouraged to bring in his own laptop from home. hmmmm, go figure.

I began my first day at my new school today. Every Wednesday I will be working with some students in need of assistance with their writing. They are a great lot and I had a fun day, but that is not why I am posting. At lunchtime today some Japanese students from the International Pacific College turned up at school and blessed, and blasted, us on the Taiko. These were fantastically talented students who had been playing for between one and four years. There was a audible 'Wow!" from the audience when the answer to "How often do you practise th be that good?" came back- "Twice a week, for 3 hours." These students are dedicated and talented. What a treat. I managed to take a few pictures and a short video (60 seconds) before my memory card was full- doh! Sorry I could share more with you, enjoy.

I interviewed some random youth about what life would be like when they are forty.

It is not only a shame that kids are having to be taught in a shipping container its a shame the Ministry are so reluctant to provide a regular classroom.

A few rambling thoughts as I return home from the conference

My thoughts on secondary education.... while I'm on the road.

Just because there is not a book out there does not excuse us from infusing technology into our classrooms, not harnessing the power of the internet to broaden students experiences and deepen their understanding of the world and widen their horizons and aspirations.

I heard michael Absolm speak a week or so ago. here's what he had say. Turn it up because he enjoyed wondering away from the microphone