drew.burrett

Having reached the end of a unit with one of my S1 science classes, I thought I’d try a mind-mapping exercise for revision before their test.

Having read about Inspiration on Christine Gray’s blog I thought I’d give it a go.

With only 10 minutes to play between the ICT technician installing it (thanks Bob) and the class arriving, I was not best prepared, but it was simple to use and gave excellent results.

I’m sure that given more time to familiarise myself with it, even more use could be made of its features. The end product has been added to the ‘My Work’ section in S1 & 2 Work.

My last posting - about being hobbled by paranoid IGear security - should now be withdrawn, as it seems that the .ppt restrictions have been lifted.

I’m not deluded enought to think my blog, or my email to John McPhee has had any bearing on this reversal,  just glad I can post some more of my work.

There are a few new presentations in the ‘S5 & 6 Work’ on the right.

Whilst trying to update and tidy up a few bits and pieces on this blog, I found this morning it is now not possible to upload PowerPoint files through WordPress. As the message originates from IGear, this is an authority security issue, not wordpress not liking the file type.

Shall I just wait til I get home then?

I’ve just spent an hour fiddling about with Arygll & Bute’s CPD new online database, ‘Learning and Needs Analysis’ (LANA). It’s straightforward enough and full of useful features. Having been co-opted into the school’s CPD working group it now falls upon me to roll this out across the science faculty in the school.

The system allows users to store details of subject and skills expertise, personal interests and learning needs - identified through PRD. It also include the authority CPD catalogue which can be searched to identify relevant courses.

What is potentially most useful is the facility to find other staff with particular areas of expertise. I’ve mentioned ALBA interfacing, so theoretically anyone can search for ALBA expertise, find my contact details and get in touch. Staff are allowed to opt out of sharing information about their expertise, but it is hoped that everyone will recognise the usefulness of this facility and make the best of it.

Having invested a lot of time, effort and, no doubt, a fair bit of cash into LANA, Argyll & Bute are going to insist that all staff use this new system, which is no bad thing. What I’m not sure about is how it fits with Glow - which promises to do many of the same things, but with a national, rather than authority, perspective.