Hack to the Future organiser, Alan O'Donohoe
I was delighted to be able to speak to Alan O’Donahoe via Skype recently. In a wide-ranging conversation, Alan told me some fascinating things including:
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Royal Shakespeare Theatre
This is what the new Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon looks like today.
Obviously, it’s in the middle of a re-build. A lot of the original, 1930s façade has been retained with modern additions.
The most obvious of the additions is the viewing tower on the right. It was not in the original design and was added by the architects to make the scheme more welcoming and encourage visitors, even if they are not coming to a performance. You can read the full story of the design here. (more…)
My new podcast - come and join me!
I’m very excited to announce my new podcast! http://www.yesmusicpodcast.com One fans’ exploration of the world’s greatest progressive rock band. Subscribe for free so you don’t miss any of the episodes where I feature one of Yes’ studio albums every week!
So, I’ve found myself organising TeachMeet Midlands 2011 with the incomparable @ssutherland and @tombarrett. Firstly, I need to make a confession – I’ve never been to a TeachMeet in person! I have attended several virtually by following Twitter hash tags and a variety of different streaming web video services but 20th May 20011 will be my first actual, physical appearance at one. No pressure then!
TeachMeet Midlands 2009 was also at the National College, Nottingham
However, as you’ll know if you have been lucky enough to attend a TeachMeet – this is actually the point of the movement. You don’t need to have presented at a TeachMeet before to offer a presentation at TM Midlands and you don’t need to have organised any kind of event before you take the plunge and set up your own TeachMeet. I am most fortunate to have Tom and Stuart as co-organisers, of course, as they have both set up TeachMeets before, so maybe there’s a challenge for you -
come to TeachMeet Midlands, find someone who has organised one before and lean on their expertise to set up your own!
Even if you’re not quite ready to organise an event yourself, you should definitely consider presenting at TMM11. Everyone I have ever spoken about TeachMeet to talks passionately about their first presentation experience. Most of us are in the business of presenting to some kind of audience at times but that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s easy to stand up at a TeachMeet. However, if you can share even the smallest experience from your classroom or work, you’ll get a great reception from your peers at a TeachMeet.
Don’t think what you have to share is obvious or that someone else has already covered it – there are bound to be lots of interested people in the audience.
TMs are so informal and supportive that everyone goes away energised, whether they have listened, shared or both. So sign up on the wiki and get involved!
TeachMeets – a great time and great CPD, guaranteed!
My other half has just started a month of night shifts so I am finding myself at a bit of a loose end. I’ve decided to fill in the time by creating a series of tricks, tools and tips tutorials, along the same lines as I showed in my TeachMeet Takeover presentation at BETT last week.
So the first of the ‘How to’ pages is ready now here – take a look and let me know what you think, please.
I’d also like to extend an open invitation to anyone who would like to either suggest a topic for a tutorial (assuming I know anything about the subject!) or write a guest post – just leave a comment with some way of contacting you and I’ll set it up.
I’m looking forward to welcoming some guests as soon as possible, so please don’t be shy!
UPDATE:
My other half finished her night shifts successfully and I managed to hit my target of a quick tutorial every night. It was tiring but great fun. Do take a look and choose your favourite!
It shouldn't be like banging your head on one of these
I recently made a tweet about the procurement process which was picked up by @realprojects and @innerquest. As we have all been involved with the pain of procurement in various ways over the years, we decided to try and come up with some tips on how to stay sane – if you are tendering for work or managing the process of appointing suppliers.
A shared Google doc helped us to collaborate on the tips and this is what we came up with after a bit of chopping and editing:
Stuart Ridout
It’s time for part 6 already!
@stuartridout is the generous participant this time. Stuart is about to start a new Assistant Head job and is currently putting together the remarkable #newleaders Twitter project.
In addition to offering some terrific insights into digital identity, personal and private use of Twitter and Twitter for new starters, our conversation covers the phenomenal #pgcetips, the TeachMeet movement, social media safety concerns and the ways schools use Twitter.
Listen to Stuart and then please leave a comment!
Music: Kevin MacLeod Can’t use this flash audio player? Here’s a link directly to the mp3 – Stuart Ridout on Twitter
Look out for part 7 (if it comes to pass!) – I might come and ask you to take part. If you’d like to be interviewed, please add a comment below or contact me on Twitter – @kevinmulryne