How to get what you want !

Here are two quick clues to increase your chances of getting more ICT access in your areas! Whilst this is primarily aimed at learning and teaching the clues remain in tact for administration and Support staff.

1. Those who have spoken to me at any length with regards educational ICT will know that I am a strong advocate of what I like to call 'functional ICT'. This is where people can describe what they desire for ICT in non-technical terms, describing what impact they would like to achieve with an emphasis on the learner (in the case of teaching staff at any rate). You are likely to see conversations such as "I'd like more of my learners to have access to the Internet immediately when they need it in the classroom, ooh and also any new devices would be best to be small/portable so we can pass them around easily, ooh and also wouldn't it be great if they could display what they have found out to everyone in the class dynamically ........"

2. I also like ideas that push the boundaries no matter how crazy you think the idea is. You never know, it may be possible! If it isn't we may be able to provide a suitable interim solution in the meantime. Thinking of where you would like to be in terms of ICT usage for learning in say 3 years is also helpful here. This means that when we come to look at possible solutions (once we filter out the impossible or crackpot ones !) we can plan forwards for the next few years and add and upgrade as time goes by.

Final thoughts:

Phrases best avoided if at all possible (especially if not backed up by a learning impact)

"I'd like 3 more computers with plenty of memory"

"I'd like another projector please"

"I need learners to have big screens as I find it difficult to read off a small screen"