Hello World from New Zealand

Last week was the Ulearn10 conference in New Zealand. OMG I thought, I'd love to be there. As it happens Web 2.0 technology allows me to nearly be there. We are now able to see the presentations and have feedback as to what was said and done. BLIMEY!
I was also very surprised to see so many aplcations that can be used to share events. (http://blog.core-ed.org/ulearn/2010/10/crowd-sourcing-initiatives-at-ulearn-you-can-tap-into-for-excellent-resources.html) These are just a few.

Recognition?

I have been plugging away for the last 18 or months to get some recognition at school. It may be just starting! It could be the upcoming MLE installation and training or the e-safety stuff I have had to plug away but quite alot is down to my technician. A gem! (Programmer by HE training. Deep joy.)
If you are in any way connected to SLT, Please ensure that you give good recognition to those who do. You guys get paid for it. Us mere mortals get paid for teaching unless we have a TLR point.
I'll make sure that my technician is aware of what recognition is there. He needs it.

Are we professionals or what?

I was struck by a programme that I watched last week on the clinical use of hypothermia for brain preservation in acute conditions. I was entranced by stories of miraculous recoveries following long periods where the brain had no oxygen. I'm talking nearly 3 hours in the most extreme case.
Doctors around the world have siezed upon this to use for their advantage. It is used to treat what was, 30 years ago, the untreatable condition, an anyerism on the aortic arch. It's also used in conjunction with xenon gas to treat very premature babies with poorly developed lungs. Head injuries is a more common use.
What intrigued me most though, was the fact that the doctor presenting this, went to his own hospital base in London, and as all good professionals do, gave professional development to his colleages. What was their reaction? Well it seemed quite positive and they were all talking about how they might introduce the ideas in their hospital!
My point? In very few schools today would a similar thing occur. Why? Are we scared of change? No. From those who I have spoken to we are more than ready to accept change, and if you're like me, you can't wait. What the problem is that successive governments have cornered us with targets, against which OFSTED measure our, for want of a useful word, 'effectiveness'. Are SLTs running scared? Are they brave enough to say, " Hang on. We can use this, tried in such and such a place. See how effective it is!" Or "No we'll do it this way." Surely as long as we tick the curriculum boxes, (That is what this government loves) then we're Ok aren't we?
A bit too simplistic I hear you cry. Maybe that's because it is that simple. Time to stand up to the LAs. Their days seem to be numbered. It won't be long before schools are directly funded from central government.
When the day comes, people may be forgiven for thinking I'm on drugs!!!!

Photo courtesey of  mr.beaver - Creative Commons license

Frustration

I spent today working. For 6 hours I sat here on my computer being hugely focussed and even passing up my sons weekly rugby match to get on. (I must be ill!!) I completed a full and comprehensive redesign of my ICT action plan and adapted 5 policies for our e-safety policy documentation along with 4 forms to support those policies. A good days work you might imagine. Not on your Nelly! I know there is more to do but I now feel as if I have achieved even less than before.