Today, CEOP will be releasing ‘’The Parents’ and Carers’ Guide to the Internet at Safer Internet Day (SID), an entertaining and light-hearted look at what it takes to be an online parent.
Think You Know have released a promotional pack which includes all the information you need to run an event for parents or activities for children ahead of SID. If you would like to download this, you can do so here, just click on the Key Stage area you are interested in.
Today commemorates the day Queen Elizabeth II ascended to the throne after the death of King George VI. Her coronation took place on the 2nd June 1953 and this year, on that date , there will be a weekend of celebrations to mark the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.
To mark this auspicious occasion the Royal Commonwealth Society have announced a fantastic project called the Jubilee Time Capsule . All you need to do is sign up, pick a day in the last 60 years and tell a story of why that day is important you. You can use photos, videos, words, songs, poems. The best story from each of the 22,000 days will be showcased in front of Her Majesty The Queen as part of the Diamond Jubilee celebrations in 2012. Could one of your students or your school be chosen?
If you are looking for some different approaches to telling a story digitally, then we have a number of free resources that can help. Have a look at this guide, Digital Storytelling in the Classroom , it has loads of tips and ideas.
Free applications such as AutoCollage, Songsmith, Moviemaker and Photostory 3 are great tools, you can download them individually from www.pil-network.com ,or if you have Windows 7 through the Learning Suite. For help and ideas in using these tools check out our YouTube Channel
So why not use these free tools with your class and students to create and tell a story for the Jubilee Time Capsule, you never know, you could be presenting it to Her Majesty The Queen.
Want to give your students a voice? A voice of leadership? A voice that needs to be heard? Help them shout! Shout connects educators with rich content, tools and expertise that get students to take action on global issues.
New to the Shout programme this year are the Shout technical sessions. Join members of the K Team (a virtual team of teachers on the UK Partners in Learning Network and TakingitGlobal for the first session on Thursday, Feb 2 and learn how you can program and create interactive Shout games in the classroom.
The is your chance to discover and experience the work of the award winning Ray Chambers from Lodge Park Technology College. Ray has just won a Learning without Frontiers Award for Secondary School Innovation. He will share ideas and developments of using the Kinect SDK, to create applications for learning. Kinect is a webcam-style add-on peripheral for the Xbox 360 console.
This online webinar will also reveal how you can create your very own Kinect Shout Adventures game and provide educators and learners with a virtual platform to collaborate and share good practice.
Register for the free Shout technical sessions here https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/Kinectintheclassroom
Participate in the wider Shout project and join the first of three interdisciplinary conferences, “Water Questions: When We Want to Learn More,” on Feb. 7-8. These sessions will be led by Smithsonian experts. Participants will gain not only a global view but also a broad perspective, from the art world to the zoo, from underwater to outer space, from current problems to future solutions. Register at www.shoutlearning.org to join the conferences.
We have talked about the Learning Suite in a blog post in December. But since then we have undertaken some great work around its development and it’s evolving in to great free software and resources package for schools, teachers and students.
Inspired by some brilliant thinking from our Partners Manager, Mark Stewart, we have been able to add an additional tab, that allows companies that partner with us to give away free content. We have 7 partners on board and will be looking to add more in the the future.
Providing free access to popular articles, images, study guides and games from the Britannica Online Schools Edition . With articles on the Solar System, Pollution, Percentages, Ancient Greece and Weather. There are Study Guides onPercentages, Human Eye and Ancient Greece and a collection of images, videos, & games about the Human Eye, Photosynthesis, Fractions and Literacy
Providing free access to 2 hours of English Language practice exercises, written by www.oxfordenglishtesting.com . A fantastic offer of Year free subscription to the online Essential GCSE ICT Test and Assessment Tool and Free access to Oxford Owl, providing parents guidance on primary reading, math and more
Providing Math essentials, that offer tips and advice to help secondary students prepare for their exams. .
Practice every question, supporting students through exams. Walk through questions, self assessment tools and customized question resources for teachers to use with their classes.
Global Grid for Learning provides a safe and reliable way for teachers and students to search, stream and download high quality and copyright-cleared learning resources from trusted content providers. Our growing library of over one million digital multimedia resources makes it easier for teachers to engage, motivate and inspire media savvy students.
Global Grid for Learning ensures teachers and students have seamless access to the digital content they need, when they need it for anywhere, anytime teaching and learning.
A PC content search tool that provides relevant, contextual content based on the work you are doing at the time. You can boost your assignment results by using Autology to place appropriate educational resources from leading media companies and educators at your fingertips.
Science Photo Library's Free Educational Starter Pack is a selection of scientific images and video clips that will assist you in creating lesson plans, stimulating class discussion and building engaging presentations and handouts.
You can only get these free resources through the Learning Suite from the Partners in Learning Network – www.pil-network.com and more importantly they are only available through the UK version of Learning Suite
You will need a Windows Live ID, or Facebook ID or Gmail ID or Yahoo ID to create your profile. Next click on Learning Suite by Microsoft link. On the next page click the download for free button.
The next stage is important in getting the correct version. When Learning Suite begins it’s installation process, make sure the region selected is ‘United Kingdom(English). When the Learning Suite has installed you will have access to some of our great free applications, and to the free content from these partners, by clicking on the Microsoft Partners Tab.
If you have already installed the UK version of Learning Suite, then run it again and it will update itself and add the partner tab.
If you are looking for support resources for many of the applications in the Learning Suite then, you should check out our YouTube Channel. This Learning Suite playlist has over 20, 3-5 minute videos created by Teachers explaining how to use these applications in the classroom.
Download Learning Suite for free resources and applications from Microsoft – www.pil-network.com
Last weeks huge announcement at BETT 2012 by Education Minster Michael Gove caused a lot of debate, interest and discussion. Especially on the Microsoft stand, where we had lots of questions about what this new curriculum might look like and what resources that are available to support it. Amongst our offerings are Dreamspark, our developer tools for students (www.dreamspark.com ) and the many offerings from Microsoft IT Academy , including the new resources to support gaming. So what role can Partners in Learning in supporting teachers in developing this ‘new’ vision of ICT.
We already have amazing teachers who are modelling and sharing best practice. Many of whom were on our stand at BETT, and if you
You can find more teachers like Gareth and expect to see more support on the Partners in Learning Network. www.pil-network.com
This week in the UK the BBC are running a week long series of events called Stargazing Live . If you were at the BETT show last week you will have seen us give a brief demo of WorldWide Telescope. This is an awesome free application from Microsoft that utilises images from space telescopes like Hubble and image libraries from NASA.
It makes an ideal companion to any activities involving Earth and Space, and can easily support astronomy events like Stargazing Live. Being free its ideal for your students to download and encourage them to get involved in astronomy. So, if you are out looking at the stars this week, avoid any disappointment as a result of cloudy skies and download this application from www.worldwidetelescope.org
WorldWide Telescope is also part of the Microsoft Learning Suite, which is a collection of Microsoft free software and is available on our Partners In Learning Network . Select Free Tools> Learning Suite and make sure you choose the UK English version.
Enjoy!
I can’t believe it’s that time of year again when I pack my bags and head off to Olympia. This year for the first time without my trusty sidekick (Kristen) and as the new UK Partners in Learning Programme Manager.Luckily I will have Dan Roberts from saltash.net community school co-presenting with me. So I am sure our presentation will be slick and well rehearsed as ever.
This year we will be reflecting the stage of transition that we are currently in with the Partners in Learning programme. We will be highlighting and demoing the new Partners in Learning Network site, although still in Beta, we will be illustrating the new features and how it is a lot easier to add global collaboration to your professional/personal learning network.
At past BETT shows we have always demonstrated some of the free applications from Microsoft that teachers are using in this classroom. This year we will highlighting the Learning Suite, this is an application that has aggregated many of our favourites , such as AutoCollage, SongSmith and Kodu into a simple downloader, simplifying the installation process. We will also share lots of ideas how such applications can be used in the classroom with a ‘playful learning’ theme. There may even be prizes!
One of the unique features of the Partners in Learning Network, that sets it aside from other so called ‘Teacher Networks’, is that we give something back. So that schools and teachers can develop themselves professionally. Working with the SSAT we have developed a self review tool called, Partners in Learning Schools Research. This site allows School Leaders and teachers to identify the real ICT needs and areas of development of their school. This supports the 21st century transformation agenda, and allows schools to make informed decisions about the implementation of ICT to enhance and support learning.
One outstanding feature of the Partners in Learning Network is to bring teachers together to collaborate and share ideas, this is reflected in the teachers we have on the Microsoft stand. They include, amongst others, the brilliant Ollie Bray, who be presenting on Games based learning. Our stand has a dedicated Xbox and games area, you will find the Princess of Kodu herself, Nicki Maddams and the current genius that is the K-Team AKA Ray Chambers, Gareth Ritter and Jimmy Edwards.
It’s going to a great couple of days, so make sure you visit us, we can guarantee you will go away with a wealth of ideas, resources and contacts that will make your BETT visit worthwhile.
Ellie Jones is our BETT Princess and the mastermind behind organising this year’s BETT show for the Microsoft Education Team. She has coerced us all to writing a short synopsis of what we are presenting on our stand D30 and D40 next week.
Many of these demo’s are also going to be presented in much more detail from both Microsoft staff and teachers already using some of these products in their classroom that will be shown throughout the 4 days on our theatre stand. So, if you would like to come have play on the Kinect, experience a new innovative way of communication via Lync or just pop by and say hello, we look forward to seeing you next week.
Playful Learning – Ben Nunney, Academic Developer Evangelist
‘’Games aren’t just the thing you do once you’ve done your homework – they’re proven to enhance the classroom experience, drive home learning objectives, and can serve as an engaging and inspiring plenary. Microsoft had done amazing things over the past 12 months with Kinect which, using an array of sensors, makes you the controller. By connecting the Kinect up to your PC you can bring the Kinect Effect to your classroom. At BETT 2012 this year, we’ll have a whole bunch of demos for you to play with, and see what a touch of gaming can do for your school!’’
Private Cloud – Andrew Fryer, IT Pro Evangelist
‘’What on earth is a Private Cloud and why does it matter to schools at all? The idea is actually very simple; it’s the adoption of the techniques that are used to deliver the online services we all use like Hotmail, Amazon etc but inside your own school or network of schools. The key to this approach is extreme automation and standardisation to provide services as and when schools need them. You could be forgiven for thinking is all about saving money, but the real benefit is agility, allowing schools to innovate and adapt as they need to.’’
Public Cloud – James Marshall, Live@edu Specialist
“Come and see where it’s really happening, over on the public cloud pod! We’ll be showing off the latest and greatest technology Microsoft has to offer including Microsoft Office 365 for education, Live@edu, Windows Intune, and more! Find out how you can harness the power of “the cloud” to provide the most awesome and up to date technology to your students and staff and save your institution money at the same time!
So, spare a few minutes and prepare to have your negative nephological notions nuked by our team of experts!”
Get Online @ Home - Clare Riley, Group Manager, Education Relations
‘’If you have students in your class, or your school, who don’t have access to a PC at home, then THIS is the pod for you. Prices start below £100 for a Windows 7 PC. Come and see the Get Online @ Home refurbished desktop and laptop computers which come with Windows 7; Security Essentials; and a starter version of Microsoft Office. This is a great offer to share with parents and with the management team in your school. You can help families access this offer themselves , or you can encourage your school to use Pupil Premium funding to provide computers for disadvantaged students.’’
Productivity - Andy Downs, Schools Internal Business Manager
‘’Seamlessly communicate more effectively and efficiently than ever before within your Institution (and beyond) from a single user interface. Today’s world demands the ability to work real-time wherever and whenever with no boundaries…
An integrated Windows based platform (Exchange, Lync, SharePoint and Office) enables such abilities as: Instantly scaling from an email or an Instant Message to a complete Audio/Video Conference; Working collaboratively on shared documents in a central area and even driving towards a paperless environment.
Immediate savings in time and money are easily recognisable, but there are many other compelling benefits for your Institution - including positive impact on your Green Agenda!’’
Windows Phone – Simon Ibbitt, Further Education Business Manager
‘’Think you know about Smart Phones!?! Think again! This year at BETT Microsoft will be showcasing the latest Windows Mango Smart Phones, buy HTC Nokia and Samsung.
Microsoft really are ‘putting people first ‘. The Smart Phone is now part of the class room for both teachers and students alike. We can show you the power of Skydrive, the One Note and Lync integration and Office 365 for your phone. Or, perhaps you would like to see one of the hundreds of Apps, specially designed for education?’’
So come find us at BETT and see how Microsoft really gives you ‘'anytime, anywhere learning for all'.
Curriculum – Stuart Ball, Partners in Learning Manager
‘’The UK Partners in Learning Network connects teachers and educators across the globe, and unlike many other ‘teacher networks’, it actively contributes to teacher’s professional development through events and resources. At BETT 2012 this year @innovativeteach and @chickensaltash will present in their inimitable style and demonstrate some fantastic new resources such the Microsoft Learning Suite, Partners in Learning School Research and the new Partners in Learning Network site. This along with examples of how being part of the Partners in Learning Network has changed the way teachers think and have improved the learning opportunities for students, makes this session one of the most impactful you could attend.’’
MultiPoint Server – Steven Goddard, Senior Programme Manager
Windows MultiPoint Server is a simple, cost-effective way for more students and teachers to gain access to the latest technology, improving learning and helping students prepare to compete in a global economy. With Windows MultiPoint Server, a single computer supports multiple users at the same time, each working independently using their own monitor, keyboard and mouse and with a familiar Windows computing experience. Schools can provide more students with access to the latest technology, even with limited budgets.
Well what a year of change it has been for Microsoft UK Partners in Learning. The year began with Kristen (remember her!) starting her maternity leave, that left me as the only team member, it’s ok I am not looking for sympathy! I enjoyed the peace and quiet. Next, BETT 2011 , I teamed up with Dan Roberts (@chickensaltash) we did our best to make ‘Maths Sexy’ with Mathematics 4.0 , but it was Mouse Mischief the free plug-in for PowerPoint , that lets you connect up to 25 mice, that was the big hit. Jan Webb joined the team and accompanied myself and Teachers to the European Forum in Moscow, we came away not only with some interesting stories , but two award winners.
One of the surprises of the year was the emergence of a self developing network , dubbed the K-Team which is a growing network of UK teachers that utilise the Partners in Learning Network to develop and share ideas about Kinect in the Classroom and Kodu, look out for more ideas from them in the new year.
Our online resources in Partners in Learning continued to grow and develop with our YouTube channel getting over a 100,000 views worldwide. we will be adding more of our teacher videos from our free training events for teachers in Scotland , Wales and during the Easter and Summer breaks. We will announce those events on this blog. The network of teachers using Partners in Learning as part of their learning is still growing and was evident with all the new faces at this year’s UK Forum.
We began our Partners in Learning Institute programme for Elite teachers and Educators, with Dan Roberts attending the first Partners in Learning Institute training in Seattle. We will be launching our our programme in the New Year, in the meantime if you are at BETT, keep a look out for our top educators wearing these badges.
We end the year with yet more success at the Worldwide Forum in Washington D.C., award winner Gareth Ritter continues to have an impact globally, expect to see more of him next year.
So it seems things have come full circle, I am still the only member of the team, but the good news is , I have the pleasure and challenge of filling the very expensive shoes of Kristen as the new UK Partners in Learning Manager, thanks to everybody for your support this year. I am looking forward to supporting and growing the best educator network I know in Partners in Learning next year. It’s going to be very exciting. See you all at BETT 2012, and something's haven’t changed that much @chickensaltash will be joining me there too.
This year’s event was a of a change of direction for us. Firstly, we held the event at Microsoft UK HQ in Reading and we had a greater focus on Computer Science and Maths. Rather than our usual focus of ICT across the curriculum. You can read the various highlights of the day from these attendees on their blogs.
Dan Roberts – “ Having the opportunity to meet other innovative teachers and to look at the examples of their work in their classrooms was amazing”
Ray Chambers – “I was so over the moon about finally meeting people who I had talked to on twitter for months.”
Doug Woods – “it was refreshing to see that people still feel able to be innovative in schools despite the current economic and political climate.”
Nicki Maddams – “I felt totally inspired, listening to him (Ian Livingstone Keynote Speaker)”
Philip Anderson- “I met SO MANY people with great things to share and I had the time and opportunity to speak to so many of them too”
Jimmy Edwards – “I would definitely recommend that you join the Partners in Learning Network as you will be hard pressed to find a better CPD experience anywhere”
A highlight of the whole event for me, came at the Teacher Meeting, from two teachers, Becy Allen @trainieeteacher and Katie O’Reilly @kforeilly, they are trainee teachers at Plymouth University they talked about how they use blogging and networking. Both spoke incredibly well and it was clear that they are very passionate about what they do. You can find their blogs here and here. Expect great projects from these two in the future
The Award Winners
This Forum celebrates of our Partners in Learning Teacher Award winners. This year’s role of honour is :-
Kristian Still
Hamble College
Katie Boothman
saltash.net community school
Will Wright
Uxbridge High school
Emma Dawson
Trinty CE Lower School
Glyn Rogers
Ysgol Gyfn Gwyn Llyw
Sarah Coombes
Tynecastle High
Jimmy Edwards
Lindsay Purdon
Calderglen High School
Nicki Maddams
Hartsdown Technical College
Ray Chambers
Lodge Park Technology College
Choosing four projects to represent the UK at the European Forum in March was an almost impossible task, but with the help of judges, Walter Patterson and Ollie Bray, we managed to identify four projects that we feel best represent some of the current innovative thinking and use of technology in the classroom.
The four winning projects are from – Nicki Maddams- A Kodu Curriculum, Ray Chambers, – Kinect Olympics Katie Boothman – The HIT Squad and Lyndsay Purden - Learning Journeys with OneNote. Sarah Coombes’ project was highly commended and all received an Xbox 360 and Kinect for their school. Their projects can be downloaded from the UK Partners in Learning Network.This year’s outstanding contribution award went to Dan Roberts.
Thank you to all those that attended, we hope you went away inspired and full of ideas.