So...

...here I am, about to start a journey as Head of Technology for a well resourced primary school in Johannesburg, South Africa.

At this junction in my Education career I thought I would start collecting the ideas, procedures, points of interest and anything else that comes up in the implementation of and running of a school IT system.

I joined my current school just as a Google Apps roll-out was occurring. I have lived, worked and trained both myself and other staff through the process. We now have Apps accounts for all staff and students and use Google products extensively throughout the school.

We have also been using  iPad's extensively through the school and are involved with training of teachers in and around Johannesburg in the use of tablet devices in a classroom situation. This year 2013 we are launching a one to one project in 4 grades and this is mainly what I will be blogging about (not always but mainly!)

I firmly believe that technology should not be used just for the sake of using it. It must be used as a tool for furthering education and not as an end for that educational process. Until we use tech as a natural part of teaching it will always be an uncomfortable subject.

My favourite part of the job is the search for new ways to use existing technology, rather than just trying to keep ahead of current trends (impossible!). How can a school effectively implement new ideas using current resources? Where should we focus future energies in terms of funding and training? And finally why we should do it at all?

Lots to think about and not very many clear answers.

Speak soon!