[senit] ICT skills

Main skills

Well said Russell, those 3 points seem key to me, and perhaps echo  
the point David Banes was making when talking about establishing a  
good quality of basic skills from which a teacher can then  
confidently explore new software deemed suitable for the needs of the  
students they work with. I would prefer to rephrase point number 1 as  
"Confidence in the ability to use a computer".

However... I do have an issue with the thought that a good quality of  
basic skills should be expected to be the same old combination of  
familiarity with word processing, spreadsheets and presentation  
software. I feel that Russell's point "Lack of fear of computers" (or  
my version) is the most important, for any user, teacher or pupil. To  
achieve this with pupils who have cognitive learning difficulties can  
often mean that highly text based programmes such as word processors  
and spreadsheets are generally too complex, whilst creative tools  
such as video editing and sound editing can be surprisingly accessible.
I'm sure we're all very familiar with supporting our pupils in  
becoming more independent in whatever they do, and using ICT is just  
another aspect of this. I'm not suggesting that some of these pupils  
are going to just start using stuff like this from zero experience,  
but that when being supported to start using them by a competent  
guide they can make far more progress and begin to express themselves  
much much earlier with well designed simple and exciting software.

That then brings me back to the key skills for the staff - get them  
confident as computer users, no matter what the software initially,  
and then if they pay genuine attention to Russell's point 3, "Empathy  
to the children and their needs" then they will be inspired to try  
and make time to learn whatever software they think is best suited.

Regards,

Sean O'Sullivan
sean.frankwise at easynet.co.uk
Headteacher (acting)
Frank Wise School, Banbury
http://www.frankwise.oxon.sch.uk

http://www.parkroadict.co.uk

On 17 Dec 2007, at 12:31, Eatais at aol.com wrote:

> Main skills
> 1 Lack of fear of computers, 2, willingness to try new software and
> approaches, 3 Empathy to the children and thier needs.
> Yes, do the ECDL but also do a specialist course in educational   
> assistive
> technology. I have written six such courses which are on the OCN   
> website for
> accredited centres to use FOC..
> It's nearly christmas!!!
>
> Russell J.  Bloom
> Head of service, Educational Assistive Technology / Accreditation   
> Officer.
> Educational Assistive Technology Service
> Access and Inclusion  Services
> Education & Leisure Directorate
> Bridgend County Borough  Council
> Ty Morfa
> Aberkenfig
> Bridgend
> CF32 9AW
> Tel.     01656 720201
> Fax.           01656 725806
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> eatais at aol.com
> Email  Non lists Russell.Bloom at bridgend.gov.uk
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