West Sussex have a policy:
"...the decision has been made to give all West Sussex schools their own Moodle installation..."
Of course I have 2 boys at primary school in West Sussex, and if their school is implementing Moodle as a VLE then I want to help. So just before Christmas I volunteered myself as someone who knows about web stuff, and have been spending a fair bit of time since then talking to the school about all things web.
My first task was to revamp the school website, which I chose to do using Moodle (as I don't have control over the hosting package I was unable to install a CMS of my choice so it seemed wise to stick with a system they already had - and used - and which was being maintained and supported).
I also spent some time with the head of ICT planning Moodle roll-out across the school, and meeting with other local primary schools to see how they use Moodle. Holmbush Primary were particulary helpful, with some nice examples of creating accounts for historical figures (Henry Viii) to 'chat' to the students.
Now the thing that I find hardest to get used to is the fact that we're dealing with primary school kids - aged between 4 and 11. I'm used to an 18+ audience, who can all read, and all (supposedly!) take responsibility for their own learning. All of a sudden we're thinking about kids that can't read, and particularly in terms of online stuff which happens at home in support of the classroom work, where the parents role is significant.
Also, unlike at University, there is no top-down compulsion to use Moodle. Staff are free to use it as they wish - if at all.
Tomorrow I'm co-running the first Moodle training session for teachers at the school. I'm nervous because
a) I am not a Moodle expert. I'm a Blackboard girl, and although i can find my way, I could easily get caught out with a "how do I..." and
b) I predict a lot of the teachers just won't be interested, and why would they? They teach 4 year olds in a classroom, does Moodle make sense to them? I hope to find some great examples of use to share with them.
If you're interested, the site is currently at:
http://learning.swissgardens.w-sussex.sch.uk/
I'll let you know how it all goes.
1 comments:
My little 'uns use their Moodle (http://learning.thomasbecketmiddle.w-sussex.sch.uk/) quite often now. Mostly it's just to chat with their classmates, but the year 5 teacher has set assignments on it and also posted spelling homework there.
Despite my year 6'er insisting that homework is posted there, we've never been able to find it.
Be interested to compare notes if you have a free lunchtime.
Robin
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