Magic?

Need a bit of something to get the grey matter going? Have a read of this.

(photo is of Jane CD at the recent Digital Photography workshop, with tutor, Leigh Preston)

Terry to the rescue

I have just changed to a different lap top and was unable to get the projector and laptop to 'talk to each other'. No matter how many times I did what I had done in the past I had no luck and learners were about to arrive! Fortunately Terry Aldred (hope I have your surname spelt correctly Terry - apologies if not) arrived to offer IAG to my learners. Within seconds the problem was sorted. The Fn key (bottom left of the computer) and the F3 key (along top row of keys) were pressed and 'hey presto'. This just demonstrates how learning on one's own guarantees big gaps in fundamental knowledge. For some reason the old laptop and projector connected without this simple operation. I am sharing this in case there is someone else out there that did not have this crucial knowledge and also to flag up the need for continuing opportinities to join training courses for using the IT equipment. How about a monthly surgery - where we can come with unsolved problems and/or learn how to use another piece of equipment?
sara

Everybody's talking at me...

Just a quick note on the sort of activities we've been running in our programmes called 'The Amazing Family Space Circus'. The video shows how children and adults can practise their speaking/listening skills, improve on their ability to give and take instruction as well as have a bit of fun at the same time!
This activity has proved to be really popular; several children who attend our sessions have speech problems and are regularly seen by a speech therapist. Both the therapist and teaching staff have commented on the improvement of these children on their involvement in class and their contributions to class discussions.
How do you play this version? Well, you have to demonstrate the game first. One person draws an 'alien' on their mini whiteboard, without their partner seeing. They then have to describe the alien to their partner, who tries to copy it on their own mini whiteboard.
The game can then progress to making aliens out of playdough!
I have attached a short video of a group in action - it's a bit noisy, but gets the point across well.

You're never too old - sequel

further to my last blog, in the course evaluation one elderly lady's observation was that "her brain had been asleep and that this had woken her up, now she's thinking about things, and reading again ..."

I was going to attach mp3 audio file of this conversation to this blog, but couldn't work out how to!! is it possible, Jane?