Transformation Teachers Programme

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 It seems difficult to know excatly where to start. As a programme facilitator and programme particpant it feels sometimes as if I am dancing on quick sand and desperately trying to keep my neck above the line! ‘Drowning not waving’ is another saying which springs to mind at times also. How did I get here? A question I find my self frequently asking at the moment.

Back in July 2006 I found myself reading a long and very heavy public document about BSF which had been circulated. As I flicked over the 20th page my name suddenly sprung out at me. Now as you all know well my name is unmistakeable – the family name that is not my first name. I read on and low and behold I was now the named lead officer on the development of an ICT  teachers transformastion programme of professional development for the London Borough of Haringey. It was the ICT bit which was the scary part of the document. What on earth did I know about ICT? Would have been a good idea to have been consulted before the  publication and release of this document to schools I think! But had I been consulted I would probably have protested and said I could not do it. So there I was – stuck with this responsibility. Where next?

Well, when in doubt start talking – its good to talk and good to share. So I gathered around me a group of much more expert people in the field of ICT and started working up a pilot programme which we could prsent to schools and other stake holders and…the rest is history. The interesting thing is that I did have a lot to offer the development group. Yes they were much more experienced in the field of ICT but my background in teaching and learning, reserach  and teacher training ensured that the programme remained grounded at classroom level and most importantly about impact and outcomes for children. And that will remain so as long as I am involved in the programme.

I have learnt so much in the last few months and for me the learning continues at an alarming rate. And…it is exciting. The most positive and important thing is that we are all learners and learning from each other on this programme. We all have something to give and something to learn even if we didn’t at first realise it. It simply takes a little courage and acceptance of the vulnerability of being a learner again. I really beileve that’s how progress is made.

I have used the camera, taken photos and used the video. I have used the equipment with my children who are very adept and keen to use digital media and who teach me new ways of seeing  the world. They are not afraid to take risks and expose their vulnerablity as learners and consequently they achieve because they do not see the barriers whether it is getting the camera to work for them or uploading their files. They see it simply as new learning.

The value of this programme I am convinced is that we will again experience what it means to be both learners and teachers which will hopefully transform the way in which we see the world and how we are as professionals within it.

Perhaps on reflection dancing on the quick sand is an important place to be at times as it tests your determination, resiliance, flexibility and active thinking skills.