CPD

CPD, SOCIAL MEDIA

How to get better at getting better…

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How to get better at getting better …

It’s fair to say, the last few years I have undertaken a lot of my own personalised professional development. A significant part of this has been through my reading in various guises. Whether it’s been on social media on Twitter, reading blogs, reading books, educational magazines or through engaging in sharing my own findings through my own practice, I have developed my career to a position which is almost unrecognisable to where I was in my career five years ago. Read more

BOOK REVIEW, CPD, EDTECH, LEADERSHIP, LEARNING, SOCIAL MEDIA, TEACHING

Perfect ICT Every Lesson by Mark Anderson – Book review

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Initially, I assumed this book was aimed at teachers of ICT and Computing… I was wrong! Perfect ICT Every Lesson is written for all teachers; from Primary to Higher Education, to support embedding technology across the curriculum successfully, effectively and purposefully. Originally published in 2013, it could be assumed that technology has advanced so much in recent years that this book is quickly outdated. However, it is clear that the strategies, advice and tools that Mark suggests are very much relevant today. I can’t believe how advanced the technology was in 2013 at Mark’s school, as many schools are still playing catch-up today! Read more

CPD, EDTECH, EDUCATORS, SOCIAL MEDIA, TEACHING, TRAVEL

Connected Educator

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What does it mean to be a connected educator? 

It’s that term you’ve probably heard but what are people actually talking about? The term ‘connected educator’ is the term used to describe teachers who use modern methods to stay connected with each other. Connected educators tend to be passionate and committed educators who use their global network of educators called a ‘professional learning network’ to share, learn and develop their work as an educator. This could vary from having a friend who teaches in another part of the world to having thousands of followers online from across the globe. In my opinion a connected educator is someone who is passionate about education and learning from others. Due to the global nature that comes with being a connected educator, essentially all connected educators are international because their networks transcend geographical boundaries (although time zones can be a pain sometimes!).  Connected educators are able to keep up to date with educational issues and debates, beyond the walls of their staffroom and the whole school. Connected educators are dedicated to their own professional development and recognise that as well as learning and gaining so much from others they can also share, collaborate and inspire other educators in some shape or form. Read more

CPD, EDTECH, EDUCATORS, HISTORY, LEARNING, SOCIAL MEDIA

The TeachMeet event for History teachers…

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I love teaching ( hence LoveToTeach the very obvious and not so subtle title!) and exploring pedagogy, research, methods and so on. I am also very passionate about my subject – History ( my mum remembers me at nine years old and being obsessed with the Tudors!). Although I have taught various other subjects as well such as Geography, Religious Education, Politics, Drama, Social Studies and even Welsh! As well as trying to stay on top of my workload I aim to keep up with the latest developments in education. As a Historian I am always keen to delve deeper into a specific period or study another event/period/country that I have yet to learn about. Subject knowledge and pedagogy are both very important elements of continuing professional development for all educators. TeachMeet History Icons is a very unique event focusing on teaching and learning, specifically within History. It is a TeachMeet ( free CPD event) hosted and organised by History teachers for History teachers. I am delighted to be a co-host, organiser and presenter once again this year as we return on the 1st April in Chester! The idea has to be credited to my good friend Tom Rogers who approached me about organising this event and I am so glad he did. Read more

CPD, SOCIAL MEDIA, TEACHING

What’s the link between LinkedIn and education?

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Following conversations with colleagues and teachers online about LinkedIn I thought I would run a quick poll on Twitter to see how the site is used within education. The poll asked teachers if they have a LinkedIn account. 311 people voted. The results were 42 % yes with 58 % saying no, they do not have an account. The poll didn’t go in-depth about usage or interaction but several people commented and responded. Read more