ECB

At the end of the 6 week Community of Practice about Technology, we have:

FLOSS (Free, Libre, Open Source Software):

Some examples of how FLOSS can be used was shared by the CoP expert, here

We talked about both what software people are using, as well as issues you have with using FLOSS, and in some cases what is stopping people from using FLOSS in their school.

A wide-range of FLOSS is being used by teachers that took part in the CoP (from office tools, to design software, etc.)

Some of the issues & problems people mentioned 

1. Problems downloading software
2. Difficult or time-consuming to use
3. Language barrier (software not in my language)
4. Software initially free, then not

Technology Careers:

We discussed some of the initiatives schools use to engage students in the idea of careers in technology:

1. Allowing students to research working in the field of infotechnology
2. Showing students how midrange and mainframes are programmed and how they are working in companies
3. Games companies as an example of IT-based careers
4. Using photo and film studios in school
5. Informing students about Open door days in universities, IT exhibitions etc

When discussing barriers to engaging female students in technology careers:

The first barrier is public opinion: "infotechnology is only for men".

Future technology:

The CoP expwert shared some documents with teh communioty:

Examples of using future technology: here

Computer games and learning report: here

28 ways teachers are using Twitter creativly: here

Here is how teachers in the CoP were using new technology in their schools:

1. Mobile phone photo stories (topic-based)
2. Twitter, Facebook, cloud computing and game-based learning.
3. Reading Eggs - trying to make pupils read more with the help of games. 
4. Robot Theatre - students could use these Legos they were very enthusiastic.
5. Mobile internet - Key To Nature identification tools in biology classes.

Some of the problems / observations with using high-tech in schools:

1. Children like playing games in their free time, so why are digital games not used more in schools?
2. Great interest in free software, but insufficient financing for hardware, so we have some laptops for teachers, but not for students.
3. Every student having laptop is wishful thinking...iPads and e-books also.
4. Financing is a major issue. 500 euros for 3D printing kit seems impossible. 
5. Most of our students don't have the possibility to use computer and internet even at home. 

Creative technology:

The CoP expert shared soem ideas about using creative technology in school: here.

Creative technology tools are used in the schools of people taking part in the CoP. A wide range of uses, including:

1. Video editing
2. Sound editing
3. Drawing/Painting
4. 3D modelling
5. Presentations
6. Website creation
7. Mind mapping
8. Quiz and crossword
9. Cartoons & comics

Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages to using these high-tech creative tools that people spoke about:

1. Teaching becomes more fun and students are usually more creative when using them in their home assignments.
2. Diversity is important. Many "old-fashioned" methods still work well. I think we have to use as many different ways of teaching as possible.
3. Limited time
4. A large "IT skills gap" between the students joining the class from different social environments.

Social networking:

The CoP expert shared "100 ideas of how to use Social Media in the classroom", here:

http://c4lpt.co.uk/social-learning-handbook/100-examples-of-use-of-social-media-for-learning/

Teachers in the CoP are using Social Networks a lot at school – for example:

1. Virtual class in Facebook for my project "Where music lives". 
2. Students have used blogs (blogger.com) 
3. Students have created google sites. 
4. PBWorks for teacher training
5. Netvibes as my E-portfolio
6. Can support communication with my colleagues and students from Asia and Europe thanks social network. 
7. Using social network communications for parents. They can follow their children grades at present time.
8. Through the social net you can also review what the students are writing and evaluate if the project is going well or not.

Questions and issues people had about social media in school:

1. Q: Did you feel that it was successful just because young people are attracted to the concept of social media? Or were there ways in which social media actually facilitated learning? 
   A: Students could present their creativity. Thanks to works of students, we have learned a lot about culture of other countries. It was not only learning, but it was intercultural exchange.
2. Some of my students don't have internet connetction, or they're forbidden to use it by their parents. So in such a way of comunication they would be excluded, and I wouldn't like to make such a difference between children.
3. If we give all the information via internet, our parents won't have the need to come to school, talk to us, etc.

Getting kit from companies:

People spoke about their various experiences of getting IT equipment (kit) from companies or organisations:

1. Companies offer used computers to our Department of Education, and they then offer it to schools and kindergartens. 
2. Possible to get old equipment from bankrupts. 
3. There are many competitions for teachers and students, where you have possibility to win computers or other equipment.
4. Schemes such as "Laptop to all teachers" or "Laptop for every teacher"
5. Leasing commitment from companies (e.g. Fujitsu-Siemens). So we get new computers every two-three years and pay for using them.
6. Some educational institutions can have special discounts on IT equipment. Some institutions provide 80% discount. 
7. Buy old (cheap) computers – e.g. 3-4 yr. old computers. Use them at least 3-4 years: they are strong machines. 
8. Sponsorship from IT companies (e.g. smartboard companies)
9. Most companies don't offer anything pro-actively themselves, you have to ask.

Problems with trying to get kit:

1. Computers weren't delivered with the operating system, the schools had to buy it
2. Technical problems with this old hardware so today I think the schools aren´t interested in getting used PCs any more