May 07 2008
Complaining?
I got myself into wee bit of a discussion recently over at Ewan’s blog.
It’s been a question that has been preoccupying me for a while: what to do about a lack of IT resources in school? (1) Make the best of what we’ve got and work around the difficulties without complaining (2) Make the best of what we’ve got but complain about the lack of suitable access (3) Give up due to the lack of suitable access.
I reckon most teachers could allocate themselves into these groups. I have to admit that I aspire to (2) but a lot of the time I verge into (3).
However, some teachers (such as Jaye) strongly feel that “we don’t live in an ideal world, and I’m afraid sometimes we have to make the best of what we’ve got” (I am hesitant in quoting you Jaye, but having read your blog I do get the feeling that this does briefly summarise your approach to this issue). I’d suggest that this approaches my (1) from above.
I have a problem with this argument. I do intend to try to make the best of what Glow has to offer - more than that - I’m really looking forward to it! However, from a personal perspective, I do believe that the lack of suitable access will severely restrict its usefulness to my learners. If I feel this way, should I not say so? I would argue that ‘complaining’ about the lack of access to PC’s is an argument on behalf of Glow, not against it.
I feel that Glow will not be a success just because it has been produced by LTS, or because teachers must use ICT in their lessons as part of their GTCS registration, or because it is a part of AiFL or aCfE. As has been shown with many initiatives in the past, they have to grab the imaginations of the grass roots to succeed - they cannot be directed from above.
I think Glow will be a much bigger success if the barriers to hardware are removed from non-IT classes. I appreciate that in the current climate that this is unlikely to be resolved - but does this mean I’m a complainer for saying so?
I think you make some valid points here…I’m in Helsinki at the moment and the success of ICT integration here is in no small part down to the availability of and access to the necessary hardware, and the investment to make this a reality. Perhaps the Scottish government needs to think about putting its money where its mouth is, particularly as it is so fond of making comparisons with Finland.
And perhaps I’m starting to re-shape my views on this !
First of all, I’m so glad you don’t mind me quoting you Jaye. I’m also quite surprised that you’re reshaping your views!
But, on second thoughts, it’s not that surprising given where you are right now. The reason I hold the views I have is down to seeing how it could be done. Once you’ve seen what it’s like to have easy and appropriate access to hardware, you can appreciate the knock-on effects this can have to staff & pupils’ approach to IT. All of a sudden, initiatives such as Glow become about the learning opportunities and not about the hardware.
Hope you have a great visit!