transforming the way people learn through innovative technology and practice
May 2009
newsletter issue 58
Welcome to Issue 58 of Futurelab's monthly e-newsletter, which aims to keep you informed about our latest projects, resources and events.
projects
Games and Learning
Games and Learning is part of Futurelab's Becta-supported 'Harnessing Technology: Next Generation Learning' work programme. The aim of the project is to stimulate discussion about the potential of computer games use within schools. Several outcomes are now available online, including a policy recommendations report, a report for educators, a survey analysis report, and a scenarios poster illustrating some of the ways in which computer games can support learning in schools.
Further details...
Adult Informal Learning
This project, also part of the Harnessing Technology work programme, is investigating the role that digital technologies play in adult informal learning. Outcomes now available include a policy recommendations report, a report for educators, and a scenarios poster illustrating some of the ways in which technologies can support adult learning.
Further details...
Learning in Families
Another strand of our Becta-supported work programme, this project aims to provide greater understanding of learning in families, and to explore the potential of digital technologies to support this learning. Outcomes include a policy recommendations report, a report for educators, and a scenarios poster.
Further details...
Greater Expectations video
Greater Expectations explores the issues that matter to young people in their lives and learning, asks how they can feel empowered and motivated to achieve their aspirations, learn about their entitlements and create change, and examines what role digital technologies can play in that process. A new video documents the first year of the project, and explores its overall purpose.
Further details...
Dream Catcher research report
Dream Catcher is a prototype tool that supports young children to share their thoughts, feelings and informal learning with their family and early years practitioners. A new research report examines the project's aims and context, as well as detailing early trials and emerging findings.
Further details...
resources
Digital inclusion handbook
Our latest handbook, 'Using digital technologies to promote inclusive practices in education', provides educators with guidance on using digital technologies to promote inclusive practices, and includes case studies of current practice, and a directory of resources. Hard copies can be ordered online, or you can download a pdf version.
Further details...
Neurofeedback discussion paper
Neurofeedback is the presentation in real time of information about the state of the brain, allowing the subject to practise generating the state of mind most beneficial to their desired behaviour. A new discussion paper explores research in this area, and some of the concerns and potential uses for education.
Further details...
Latest web articles
Latest web articles include: 'Storybooks, puzzles and laptops: how do children learn?' by Kim Thomas, an interview with PhD student Sarah Eagle on her research into how parents introduce digital technologies to their children; and 'The revolution will be Tweeted', in which Merlin John visits an East London primary school whose innovative teaching methods have been praised by Ofsted.
Further details...
events
Research Discussion Day - 19 May, London
It's not too late to book onto this event, which will be an opportunity to find out more about the work that we're doing under three of our current themes (teachers and innovations, learning spaces, and informal and family learning), as well as details of the Beyond Current Horizons project.
Further details...
BridgED: Making connections between industry and practice - 9 July, London
There are still spaces available for this 'facilitated networking' event, which aims to support collaboration between industry and education practitioners. It will support managed introductions and conversations between educators and their peers from industry, and offer wider networking opportunities with all attendees, as well as an opportunity to hear from inspirational speakers from both sides of the sector.
Further details...
Diary date for autumn conference - 8 October, Bristol
This year's Futurelab conference - 'Seen and Heard: Learners creating digital media' - is dedicated to exploring the opportunities and challenges for young people in becoming 'digitally active', and the implications for the professionals who work with them. The conference will include keynote presentations, as well as young people presenting and discussing initiatives that have supported them as creative media producers and active citizens. More details available soon, but if you'd like to register your interest please e-mail events@futurelab.org.uk.
get involved
Learning spaces consultancy
We're carrying out workshops and consultancy with schools and local authorities to support innovative thinking around school redesign. These activities are aimed at the pre-engagement or visioning phase of redesign programmes such as Building Schools for the Future and the Primary Capital Programme. Through working with staff, pupils and other key stakeholders, the aim is to challenge schools and authorities to think differently in creating a compelling vision of a transformed educational future and to explore the possibilities of space, curriculum and school redesign in order to develop approaches to education appropriate for the 21st century. For further information please e-mail tim.rudd@futurelab.org.uk.
Greater Expectations online survey
As part of our Greater Expectations project (see above), we've set up a survey for 14-19 year-olds, to inform the development of the project's online resource. This resource aims to connect young people's interests and aspirations with information and inspiration that can support them to pursue what they'd like to see and do in their lives. We need to hear from a wide range of young people, so please help us by passing on the link below to anyone who might be interested. The survey takes 10-15 minutes to complete, and all entries will be entered into a prize draw for a £100 Amazon voucher. The deadline is 22 May.
Go to online survey...
other
21st Century Learning Alliance Fellowship
The 21st Century Learning Alliance - of which Futurelab is a member - aims to support schools seeking to develop and improve learning, and has just launched a teacher Fellowship scheme. The purpose is to support teachers who wish to set up a development project or small action-research
project that relates to the Alliance's four areas of focus. Full details will be available at www.21stcenturylearningalliance.com from 12 May, and the deadline for applications is 12 June.
Flux is a blog hosted by Futurelab which offers the space to discuss innovation and education. Here are some of the most recent posts:
- 'Where do you learn?': Tweeting to inform learning space developments
21 Apr 2009 | Bob Harrison - National Curriculum Inquiry
02 Apr 2009 | Ben Williamson - Great week for mobile learning
30 Mar 2009 | Bob Harrison - BSF but no butterflies?
23 Mar 2009 | Bob Harrison - Games Based Learning
20 Mar 2009 | Bob Harrison
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