Jelly’s Jottings

Last week I was lucky enough to go to the naace conference in Torquay. It was a long way from home and I thought I was the only Scot until Thursday. Then, thanks to the catalyst of Laurie O’Donnell who was giving a presentation on “The Scottish Experience”, I met Henry Paton from Inverclyde and Laura McLean and her depute from St Timothy’s Primary School in Glasgow. 4 Scots in about 700 delegates – no wonder the programme was geared to the English system with lots of new acronyms for me to work out! It was, however, really stimulating in many ways – and in at least two of the talks I heard Scotland being praised for being ahead of the game, especially in Web 2 blogging, podcasting and sharing online in different ways. It’s made me, after another 6 months’ silence, post on my blog again!!

I fear the return to hectic activity tomorrow may prevent my doing what would be good. It would be good to go over what I heard and saw, and put the best of it up on this blog – or on one within Dundee, when that facility is ready. Even just the amazing links and possibilities I heard about. Ewan McIntosh was quoted and praised several times for his use of Web 2. and his inspiration of others to do so. It may be that my memories of the conference will be kept alive if I take the time to read the posts on the conference blog.

I have lots of meetings tomorrow, as well as a multitude of mail to deal with I’m sure! A Scholar trainer is coming to give a twilight last thing for business studies teachers. Next day he’ll be back to present to our secondary headteachers in the hope that once they realise how good Scholar is now, they will encourage their staff to make better use of all of its facilities. Folk don’t seem aware of the amazing back-end of assessment and reporting of which the system is capable, both to pupils and teachers.

Lots of chores to do after my week in the south…..