Keeping up with Technology #1-

I follow a lot of enthralling blogs, reading really thought provoking articles. I have recently come across some posts by two writers that I really enjoy. They have been writing about similar subjects and I felt that together they made a good series.
The first is by Michael Shepherd who is a headteacher in Blackpool. The original article can be seen here ‘Into Tomorrow Getting geared Up for the Future’

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Anyone doubting the power and importance of technology over our lives doesn’t have to look too far to see how it is shaping the world. Recent political events have shown that social networking can’t be seen as a fad, it is affecting change on a huge, global scale.
The innovative and creative use of technology can be a force for positive change in our schools and the way we learn. As educators we ignore this at our peril. In a world of such rapid growth and change standing still is not an option and indeed, is tantamount to moving backwards. We owe it to children to embrace new technologies as this is the closest we can get to the future world they’ll function in.
The pace of change in recent years has seen many schools develop their pedagogy to incorporate new thinking and learning tools. Interactive whiteboards, visualisers, laptops, handheld-devices some or all of these are now seen as the norm in classrooms as teachers look to blur the distinction between formal (school) and informal learning
It isn’t easy to predict the future but it would be fair to guess we’ll see an advancement in some of the areas currently emerging in schools. As mobile devices grow in capability and connectivity it is going to be important for schools to ensure they can cater for the ‘increased traffic’ going through their servers. Schools won’t be in a position to meet the demands of pupils to get online with the systems originally built for an IT suite and a few class computers. It might not be the exciting, shiny end of the new technology revolution but it is the foundation we need to put in place if we are to accommodate the needs of learners.
What are your predications for the future of new technologies in schools?

Michael Shepherd writes over at Smichael920 blog.He is headteacher of a large primary school in Blackpool on the North West Coast of England. He is also the Head of the Primary Network for Specialist Schools and Academies Trust which represents all affiliated Primary Schools across the UK, providing bespoke support, advice and training.