Leading Learning in a Digital Age Conference – Royal Festival Hall, London
Today we are at the Royal Festival Hall in London, invited by The VT Group, to deliver a keynote at their Leading Learning in a Digital Age Conference.
This event is part of an ongoing series of 6 intensive half day Leadership conferences for School headteachers, aspiring deputies and education leaders in Local Authorities.The conference is described as “not a lecture, but an intimate conference” for those who take leadership seriously and want to debate and discus their role in the school.
Whilst young people are able to seamlessly integrate ever new forms of technology into their daily lives, it is often more of a challenge for school staff to respond to or embrace such rapid changes. Therefore, today’s event is to look beyond the technologies themselves to focus on the challenges facing school leaders to motivate staff to embrace ICT as a means to engage pupils.
In addition, it asks whether technology can actually distract from the core values and business of school leadership, and if so, how to avoid this from happening.
During the presentation I mentioned many different “technologies” but tried to remain focussed on how they could be used effectively, and integrated into powerful learning experiences, that have have an impact on standards, and creativity, across the curriculum.
We looked at how games such as MS Flight Simulator, Wild earth African Safari, the games in the Myst series, and other, can stimulate immersive experiences that motivate and inspire children of all ages and abilities.
We also investigated the many positive aspects of game MAKING challenges, and how other digital resources can enhance the end results.
Some of the resources, online or otherwise, included: Wordle, Google earth/street view, Switchzoo, WordSift, TagGalaxy, Runkeeper, Stickybits, Bambuser, Qik, Kodu, Blogging, 2DIY, Skype, EtherPad, Primary Pad,/Scribblar, VoiceThread, Garageband, Crazy Talk, embedded text, Wallwisher, Twitter.. and many more.
The Royal Festival Hall is a great venue, with increible views, through The London Eye, across The Thames, to The Houses of Parliament. So, an apt setting on election day. It is possiblethat the building is as quiet as can be, because everyone is scrabbling away, back in their constituencies, hoping for that last minute support.
Thank you to Natalie Bacon, conference organiser, and her team. You get my vote. 
Category: 1) Events and Training days
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As well as our events, we like to share interesting, and more often than not, FREE tools, resources and ideas, some old, some new, and we hope you might find something useful. We'd love your thoughts. Tim & Sarah
What a great way to start the day! The ideas came thick and fast and I wanted a computer with me at the break to check this blog – my itouch could not access WIFI – not free at this venue – a barrier to learning!!!!!!!!!
Many thanks, am fully invigorated.
Thanks for the mention Tim