Andy – Day 2

The day began, with a healthy option, in the form of a continental breakfast.  I knew today was going to be another action packed day and so I wanted a good nutritious start.  My system just could not cope with another serving of ghastly scrambled eggs and putrefied pseudo-bacon.

My first breakout, was a very good practical hands on session on how to create an e-learning centre.  I managed to begin a framework of e-activities.  This entailed hyperlinking web pages and activities for groups within my class  to which I can add to later.  Although the session was too short to finish, at least I have something to take back to the class and engage them in some meaningful e-learning activities straight away.

Next up, I was cajoled, forsaking my intended breakout,  into a promised “earth shattering experience” in the form of  Tony Ryan.  I am pleased to report, it was the right choice.  Once again I had the pleasure of listening to an expert, not only share ideas, but also suggest how to implement good digital pedagogy in the classroom.  At the end of the session, the three of us, unashamedly rushed the stage and asked the “Great Man” to pose for a photo with the Clendon Park Trio.  He obliged unreservedly. 

(I would like at this point, to point out Mel W is actually dictating as I pace back and forth across the great expanse of the luxurious surrounds that is my suite.  It takes approximately 3 minutes to pace my suite.)

The day soured a little, however, and as the song goes “Two out of three, ain’t bad”.  (Angry pacing now.)

The last breakout, entitled “Developing self managing students using a co-constructed timetable”, unfortunately should have been entitled “Memoirs of Superman’s brilliant, so, so modern, decile 9, Anglo-Saxon, revolutionary educational classroom spiel.”  In other words, I couldn’t relate to Mr. Christchurch, and his self gloating importance in regard to how fantastically his class operates.  For example, “If a kids wants to get some books from the local library, all I need to do is call up a parent and get them to take them down. I love breaking the rules.”

My point here is we can all share the positives about how we run our classrooms, but I was really hoping for once again some good practical ideas of how to benefit my kids’ achievement through empowerment  and co-construction of content.  Rather it felt like, Gordon Ramsey showing us around his restaurant and beaming about how clean and shiny his kitchen is.  Call it pedagogy envy.  I think we’ll leave it there. 

Day two ended with some fanastic dancing at the conference dinner.

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