Sabbatical Tales Continue:

Tuesday 15 July


Started the morning with a half hour run, first for over two weeks. I was pleased to finally feel well enough to go for a short jog along the Charles River.

This morning we visited the MET School in Providence MET School-Providence, Rhode Island

Rhode Island. We were given a run down on how the college works by two teachers from the college and shown around by students. This is an alternative education system called the “Big Picture Company” that focuses on individualized programmes that relate the education of the students through internships that they choose (working with businesses, hospitals, early childhood centres etc). The school is arranged into 4 schools of 150 students each, and the schools are broken down into advisory groups of 15 students per advisor.

The advisor stays with the students for four years and monitors their internship, goal setting, presentation of work and their Learning Plan. The process of learning is LTI-Learning through Internship. MET School

A balance of learning is built around the Five Learning Goals: Empirical Reasoning (Scientific research process), Quantitative Reasoning mathematics), Communication, Social reasoning (people’s perspectives) and Personal Qualities.

Refer:bigpicture.org or bigpictureonline.org

MET School-Gym

This model of education has definite possibilities, and fits neatly with current thinking around the consultation on Schools Plus in New Zealand. There may be some way that this type of programme could be used to modify the Gateway programme at MMC.

This evening we had pre conference drinks, met quite a few people from different parts of the USA and around the world. Maurie and I walked into the nearest township for dinner –beautiful countryside area, houses are attractive and very wealthy in tree lined streets.


Wednesday 16 July

BLC08 Conference started this morning.
MET School

Session 1: School Library Design – Pat Kyle. Showed us new library built at the Washington International School. Principles of design based around flexibility of space, project studios, IT capable, big screen for larger group presentations, space for smaller group/individual conferencing, light and open, plenty of power outlets.

“Don’t build a new old b uilding”.

Also viewed a social studies programme using google maps to bring project alive for the students.

Key Note Speaker: Ewan McIntosh, National Advisor Learning and technology Futures, Scotland.

“It’s not all native wit, from creativity to ingenuity”. Speech was built around effective teaching being based on: Teachers being interesting, quality teaching, participation culture (not tools).

Session 2: This my blog has taught me” David Truss

http://pairadimes.davidtruss.com
Session was a discussion about the use of b log sites. Referred to book: “The World is Flat:Short History 21st Century” –Thomas L Friedman

Session 3: WebPlay –Drama and Technology.

This was a mistake as my first choice was cancelled. Drama techniques that can be brought as a package.

Session 4:Practical Pedagogy-Web 2.0 On-Line Learning Development-Lauren C Panton Chatham University.

Discussion of a range of on line engines for Professional Development Learning Communities:
Diigo, Classroom 2.0, Voicethread.com, Slideshow, chinswing.com, podcast, webinar