While other people were tucking into the Easter eggs early in the morning in true Easter style some teachers were learning about some of the new tools from Microsoft and sharing ideas how to use them to make a marked contribution to the quality of learning that takes place in the classroom. We were at Microsoft’s Easter camp in Reading at Microsoft HQ. You can see some info archived on the twitter hashtag #msecamp and what is the 1st rule of Easter Camp I hear you ask? Well it is that you ‘DO’ talk about it and that is what I am doing!
Just like 5 beautiful, giant, luxurious Easter eggs (well I had to keep up with the Easter theme!) there were 5 teachers that caught my eye or grabbed my attention hearing about the learning that takes place in their classrooms. I had the pleasure of meeting so many fantastic teachers over Easter where we got the opportunity to share ideas and good practice with each other, I felt very lucky!
Here are my famous 5:
George is a secondary ICT teacher at Monkseaton school in Newcastle, follow him for some great ideas although be warned as it says on his profile he is a rugby player at weekends. If you are lucky enough you may discover why he calls himself Sleepwalker on twitter.
Jen is a secondary art and media teacher ‘down south’ and was an award winning teacher at the European Innovative Education Forum in Moscow this year which means she will be attending the world finals in Washington in November. She has a great blog here: http://jenacrossthesea.blogspot.com/
Chris is a ICT Development Manager at a Bradford primary school. He is Interested in the world of educational ICT and all things techy aswell as wearing heavy leather jackets on very hot days. It was great to finally meet Chris after all this time. He also does some great things, check out is blog here: http://mrmayoh.bowlingparkprimary.net/
or is it?
Jan is fantastic and arranged the Easter camp which I thank her for, but at the moment she seems to have a split personality and I am not quite sure which one is really her. If in doubt follow both of her ha ha! http://janwebb21.com/
Finally wow not quite sure what to say about this man – think you just need to check out his blog and it says it all, he also has some amazing recipe ideas for kebab pizzas!
Check out Gareth’s blog it is awesome! http://www.askthemusicteacher.co.uk/
And last but not least (if you can count this is now not 5 but 6 however this one doesn’t really count as he wasn’t there enough to make it in the famous 5!) I am sure you all know this guy but the living legend Stuart Ball @innovativeteach did appear at times throughout the camp, but did seem to vanish anytime there was any work to do. I have known Stuart for a few years now and he regularly has fantastic ideas and great advice for teachers.
http://blogs.msdn.com/b/teachers/
So if you are starting out on twitter or not following these guys yet then please do.