The First Steps Part 1

We've been up and running for three weeks now and I'm well behind in what I had hoped to be a fairly regular blog this term.  Why?  Because I'm chasing my tail trying to patch holes in all the little things we didn't anticipate.   

Week 1 - The induction project is on survival skills; equating survival climbing mount everest with good survival techniques in terms of the learning journey.   We got of to an excellent start with a setting the scene assembly equipped with an Everest mountaineer who.   I did a little bit on how excited we all were and how this was to be a voyage of discovery for us all.   Natasha, who has taken on the role as programme leader, provided more detail for the students.   We could see from the start that listening skills were going to be high on the agenda. 

Our biggest problem straight away on the programme is a lack of computers.   Initially we anticipated a higher demand for ICT facilities, in order to introduce good practice and necessary ICT skills.  Although we have about 60 computers available to us per 100 students, it is going to be a continual problem.  Especially as we are using computers to e-mail, access the Internet, blog, access the virtual learning environment (VLE), submit work, and make presentations.  No doubt I've left a few out.   There are some good schemes for schools offering cheap lap-tops for students to purchase, however in an inner city area such as ours, how do the students travel to and from school with the safely?