I can’t live without ... Twitter
@chickensaltash - Dan Roberts
I’m deputy headteacher at sYesaltash.net
Community School
@chickensaltash Dan Roberts
I love developing the innovative use of new technologies to enhance learning in all classrooms
@chickensaltash Dan Roberts
and to inspire students and teachers to take risks and be creative with ICT
@chickensaltash Dan Roberts
I can’t live without Twitter! I believe it is one of the most powerful ICT tools in education at the moment
@chickensaltash Dan Roberts
What other form of ICT can open a classroom up to the rest of the world in just 140 characters,
@chickensaltash Dan Roberts
empower teachers to become digital magpies where they can talk with other teachers in classrooms all over the world,
@chickensaltash Dan Roberts
and share their excellent practice and then take this back into their classroom?
@chickensaltash Dan Roberts
It is a modern-day, educational Samaritan service - teachers are no longer isolated, they can tweet questions, concerns, grumbles
@chickensaltash Dan Roberts
and within a matter of minutes have several supportive comments from other teachers in their position who help solve their problems
@chickensaltash Dan Roberts
It is perhaps the best value for money CPD for teachers as you can get inspirational ideas, resources, tips and advice
@chickensaltash Dan Roberts
and you don’t have to travel long distances or buy in supply to cover your lessons!
@olliebray Ollie Bray
I’m a national adviser for emerging technologies for Learning and Teaching Scotland
@olliebray Ollie Bray
An award-winning teacher for the use of ICT in teaching and learning, former school ICT co-ordinator
@olliebray Ollie Bray
I can’t live without my personal learning network, which includes Twitter
@olliebray Ollie Bray
You can spend thousands of pounds on software, give a computer to every child and develop an award-winning website
@olliebray Ollie Bray
BUT, unless you have teachers driving pedagogy and leading transformational change in your classrooms you’re unlikely to get long-term impact
@olliebray Ollie Bray
Through my personal learning network, which also includes Google Reader and online professional learning communities for teachers, such as
@olliebray Ollie Bray
the Microsoft Innovative Teachers Forum and Apple’s Distinguished Educator Programme, I can collaborate with educators from around the world
@olliebray Ollie Bray
We swap ideas, share practice, talk about successes, describe how we could improve and encourage each other to take risks
@olliebray Ollie Bray
I aggregate feeds of information and shared knowledge onto whichever device I am using, whether that is my phone (HTC), my laptop (Windows 7) or my iPad
@olliebray Ollie Bray
Mobile anytime accessibility helps me be nomadic in my own learning and I graze on information, growing as a practitioner
@olliebray Ollie Bray
What’s my point? Technology is great, but it is what you do with it that counts!
@olliebray Ollie Bray
There are some people doing some amazing things. Why don’t you join the conversation?
@stevebunce Steve Bunce
I’m a VITAL ICT CPD leader for NE England
@stevebunce Steve Bunce
I’m a consultant who taught in primary, middle and secondary schools, focusing on ICT
@stevebunce Steve Bunce
Currently, I support teachers as part of the Open University VITAL project, as the ICT CPD regional manager for NE England
@stevebunce Steve Bunce
I have a passion for innovative technologies, including the use of video games for learning and digital storytelling
@stevebunce Steve Bunce
Always keen to try new ideas, my catchphrase is, ‘What could possibly go wrong?’ And I can’t live without Twitter
@stevebunce Steve Bunce
In the last year, Twitter has become more important as a networking and CPD tool. I’m aware it works for some and not for others
@stevebunce Steve Bunce
It provides access to a large network of excellent educators, who are always keen and ready to help, no matter the problem
@stevebunce Steve Bunce
Late one Sunday, I was having trouble with a web tool the night before I needed it for a school session. In 30 mins, six people responded to my plea for help
@stevebunce Steve Bunce
Each response was informed and relevant - if only all support could be so good and delivered just when you need it!
@stevebunce Steve Bunce
I’ve found people very approachable. Several speakers have been contacted, enthused and taken part in our events, all through Twitter
@stevebunce Steve Bunce
Finally, some people may think Twitter is all about ‘what I’m having for lunch’. I believe an element of personality needs to shine through
@stevebunce Steve Bunce
rather than being serious all the time. I hope I’ve contributed to others’ learning networks,
@stevebunce Steve Bunce
as my network has given me the rich rewards of friendship, support and inspirational ideas!
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