Last week I had the pleasure of joining the staff of The Kings School on the second day of their professional preparation for the new academic year. The Kings School has a reputation for excellence and innovation in boys education, and their mandate for 2007 to explore and adopt Web 2.0 is impressive. The day before staff had been given some time to explore a number of Web 2.0 tools – just to have a ‘hands-on’ taste of the possibilities. On day two I was given just under an hour to present Web 2.0 – the vision, the purpose, and the value for learning and teaching.

While I have done quite a few similar presentations, each with their own focus and purpose, I found the opportunity to work with my King’s colleagues to be exciting. It makes such a difference when leadership has made a ‘decision’ to support staff in developing Web 2.0 knowledge and skills!

There was a lot of enthusiasm generated, and I know that they will be following up with rolling workshops on various Web 2.0 tools to ensure that staff are confident and able to transform their learning and teaching frameworks. Many thanks to Rob Chandler, Director of Staff Development, for the opportunity to assist Kings in this professional development programme.

Things are ‘afoot’ in my own schools as well. This week I visit with two primary schools with a view to looking at how we can change (develop, innovate) collaborative teaching practises and integration of technologies.

I think 2007 will prove to be a valuable learning experience for many of us! I hope I get lots of invites to do lots of ‘fun’ things this year!