Category Archives: General

I Just Can’t Blog Off!

So over the last few days, I have really focussed on setting up this blog and fixing up all of the loose ends I hadn’t got around to customising (such as the icon in the URL bar and browser tab). It’s crazy, blogging was never something I had ever been interested in; but after setting up this blog, I feel attached to it.

So the last few days, I have been logged in for extended periods of time. Taking this blog seriously has come about purely because I enjoy the Digital Technologies module and am excited to share how it spans across my teacher training. But not only that, by familiarising myself with Glow Blogs now, I will be able to share my knowledge with my learners in my class, and should be able to teach it efficiently.

Also, on my journey to a digital classroom, I have been spending time creating interactive lessons related to Maths, so I can bank them – making them readily available for when I need them. All the maths lessons I have made relate directly to the CfE outcomes.

I will continue to share my journey with you all.

Until next time,
Sean

Stop! It’s Yammer time!!

Our latest exploration in class was looking further at the opportunities that Glow has to offer for teachers and online environments. These include Glow Wikis, OneDrive and of course Yammer – and that’s just to name a few.

OneDrive is used more for sharing and co-collaborating work with other educators, but it also gives you access to software such as Word and PowerPoint online. This is useful if working off of a tablet or any other mobile device. My favourite thing about OneDrive it that it allows you to store files online, so you don’t need to stress about finding your pen drive if you lose it.

Glow Wikis is really useful as a VLE (Virtual Learning Environment) where you can securely set assignments for your class, let them work on a project, post for help and all whilst you’re able to monitor their engagement in the Wiki with the click of a mouse! Also, it is a safe and monitored environment that you control who does and doesn’t have access to it. It also includes a calendar so your class would know what events are happening and when – so no more excuses!

My favourite app that I have found Glow to host is Yammer. It is very, very similar to the likes of Facebook, but it is a secure environment within Education where the children and parents can interact safely. Within your class group, you can announce things that are upcoming or important as well as the ability to praise pupils in what looks similar to a status update. As well as being able to chat with one another.  I really like Yammer because of the layout and the easy-to-use functionality of the app. I think it is fair to say I will definitely use Yammer with my classes in the future. When we look at CfE, it reads like this:

“I am developing my knowledge and use of safe and acceptable conduct as I use different technologies to interact and share experiences, ideas and information with others” –

TCH 1-08a/TCH 2-08a

This shows that there is a place for Yammer in the classroom as it helps cover this particular outcome.

I would say that I am confident using Glow and exploring the different apps it has to offer. Through Glow. I can become a huge leap towards a digital classroom and one step closer to helping my learners become more digitally literate. Through exploring this strength and wealth of apps at my disposal, I can create and maintain a virtual classroom environment – readily available to assist my learners.

Talk soon,
Sean

Yammer

Why is my reflective blog important?

To become the best teacher that you could possible be – it is important to constantly evaluate your own skills and to be able to reflect on your weaknesses. By reflecting on my skills within digital technology, I am identifying areas of strength and weakness in order to improve on both areas in the hope of making my classroom an active learning environment – and also in the hope of helping my class become more digitally able and digitally literate.

I hope you will enjoy reading my reflections as you follow me on my journey to self improvement.

Talk soon,
Sean