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Phase Two of GLOW
I’m delighted to say that, thanks to Tess Watson I got the chance to have a look at GLOW from inside the trial, yesterday and tonight. Of course my webcam refused to work. Probably thought the sight of me, at that time of night, first day back was not advisable.
It’s easy to see how this sort of thing would work with pupils. They already are more comfortable in front of a screen. It struck me that it would also solve the problems that come from standing at the front of the class trying to keep their attention by the sheer power of personality. Actually that’s one part of my teaching that I don’t enjoy very much –what they call being the ‘sage on the stage’. In my case it’s more the midget with the widget (I’m five foot high and use my whiteboard control liberally). How much more civilised to be interacting online.
An important thing which struck me about the video conference was how relaxed people were when things didn’t quite work out. It seems to me that GLOW will move forward roughly at the same rate as the teachers who get involved with it. A lot of them will have to overcome the feeling of apprehension that new technology can create. And the best place to do that will be in a laid-back environment where mistakes are allowed.
I think most teachers would be pleasantly surprised at the atmosphere that I experienced in GLOW. It was nice sitting at the back of the class, just listening too.
4 comments:
Glad you enjoyed it. I wonder though, how much of the feeling of ease when things went wrong was created by those that were there? I suspect that had the audience been different, the temperament would have been quite different too. As someone who has dealt with training teachers to use technology for the past three years, IMHO being comfortable with technology can be a double edged sword?
A laid-back environment where mistakes are allowed is a great place to be in. I enjoyed the conference too. I hope that places like that will be avalible for staff to train in glow.
The other thing that is worth thinking about it that those teacher there last night we in there own free time, in their own homes which is a lot more relaxing than being in a room with expectant children. Teachers need time to play too.
Andrew - how do you mean?
Liz, It was great that you were able to join us. I am hoping to plan a series of VCs throughout the 'Phase 2' trial of Glow. Hope to see you on Marratech again soon!
:) Tess
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