DC SPARK Feedback by mark wood

2013-06-01 08:35:35 UTC

Some really good ideas, however a lot of the speakers were secondary base

2013-06-01 08:35:46 UTC

very beneficial. great that the focus was on the tools and in-class techniques. no selling or self-promotion. for next time: better networking options, ability to collaborate on existing or upcoming initiatives,....

Tamas Lőrincz (@tamaslorincz

2013-06-01 08:36:19 UTC

Fantastic. Thanks. Had a great time. Learnt a lot. Looking forward to the next event.

Trudi Drake

2013-06-01 08:36:24 UTC

This has been a fantastic event - a range of bite-sized immediately useable ideas for our schools. Look forward to trying some out and coming to the next one. Thanks spark organizers and spondors

Claire Broderick

2013-06-01 08:36:38 UTC

I really enjoyed the event! Great inspiration! I'm taking away lots of ideas that I would like to implement. Also looking forward to sharing ideas with my colleagues!

Neil Thomas

2013-06-01 08:37:22 UTC

Well worth the visit from Doha. Great CPD provided for free that I will now go back and share with my fellow teachers. Brilliant work Mark and Lee. Would be worth having a primary and secondary focus in two separate events.

@miss_staniland

hstaniland — 2013-06-01 08:37:49 UTC

Have you thought about a SPARKUAE twitter? I would definitely follow!

Anita kirkup

2013-06-01 08:38:06 UTC

A great morning , thanks for providing such a great forum. Could we have more primary based content?

2013-06-01 14:04:22 UTC

Well done for making this such a big success with so many teachers attending, maybe for next time there could be a range of rooms available and people sign up to which ever ones they fancy attending?

Ania Sikora

bytedome — 2013-06-01 15:40:06 UTC

Bitesize chunks of technology in learning, the video evidence of it in practice, deep learning and the collaborative approach very inspiring...well done - I have learnt a lot today -the best CPD and inset in a long time. Thank you Mark, Lee and all presenters -there is much to cascade...

Sarah Ellingham

sarah_ellingham — 2013-06-01 16:59:17 UTC

Thought the infographics and wordcloud ideas were the best for me to take away today and try out. Love that it is choppy and changes focus quickly. Would agree that more Primary focus would be useful for me ... as you said, separating them out might be a way to do this.. Obviously the 'flow' was better on the 1st TeachMeet but there was still a lot of great stuff to hear about today so it didn't matter! Thank you!!!

Keith Smithard

2013-06-01 17:41:49 UTC

It was actually worthwhile getting up on a Saturday morning. Loved aurasma and the infographics! Could see a lot of these ideas working in upper KS2 but agree that secondary schools were the main target audience today. Perhaps a Primary focused event would inspire more primary teachers to share?

Isabel

2013-06-02 03:07:36 UTC

The event was inspiring and I left buzzing and keen to explore further. I will definitely want to attend the next event on 26th October.

Karen Tarbet

2013-06-02 05:05:50 UTC

Thanks for the inspiring event. I will be passing on lots of the ideas and have already flagged up to the rest of our staff how worthwhile they might find the next event in October. I loved the format but would suggest perhaps two one hour sessions with a networking half hour in the middle might be better next time. Well done!

Gary Smith

2013-06-02 07:27:54 UTC

Very enjoyable and worthwhile event. The 2 minute and 7 minute presentation format made the presenters keep it simple clear and quick - that in turn makes the audience keep focused and alert. Some great ideas and apps and all teacher driven - very well done. and I really look forward to the next one! Thank you all for taking the time and making the effort to host this event.

Ed Mosley

2013-06-02 07:46:22 UTC

Once again I left with a number of ideas to apply to the classroom and to my other school responsibilities as Key Stage Co-ordinator. I would have liked to have met with a few more people and also had opportunity to develop my interest in a few of the presentations. Perhaps in future we could have workshops after lunch? All in all, a great morning! Thanks!!

Lana

2013-06-02 10:53:51 UTC

A great event. Some great ideas. I just hope I have enough time before the end of the year to put some into practice because after all, that's what it's all about! The word cloud was my favourite and ofcourse I now have a twitter account! Thank you to the organisers and all of the presenters for an inspiring day.

2013-06-02 12:04:59 UTC

Great event, really well run and organised. Well done to the presenters too. Timing of sessions spot on and loads of stuff to go away and try. Good time of year to run one of these events as we can use the last few weeks of the year as trials with our class. The October date too will be a good time to refresh our minds once the initial few weeks are out of the way. Looking forward to more in the future. Stephen Lee

Mandy Dawson

2013-06-02 14:22:02 UTC

I really enjoyed the event and definitely found it worth getting up on a Saturday morning. I've prepared a feedback sheet for the teachers at my school with links to the sites etc. if anyone is interested. The most beneficial presentations for me were Word Clouds, QR codes, Aurasma and using Twitter to create a professional network. I also liked that the presentations were short so those that were less relevant to me gave me a chance to open sites suggested by other presenters. I have recommended the next one to all teachers at my school Al Yasmina. Thanks again to the organisers, great job :)

Anna G

2013-06-02 14:56:31 UTC

Very good ideas and excellent organisation. I would like to see more presentations with a primary focus. The idea of having 2 hours of presentations followed by workshops then perhaps more presentations would be great. We have been having a lot of fun trying out some of the ideas today but I think it would have been easier if we practised while it was fresh in our minds. After feeling slightly overwhelmed by the use of technology in many of the presentations, I'm surprised how simple these apps are to use! Looking forward to the next one.

Rachael Edgar

2013-06-02 16:58:58 UTC

Really enjoyed the event guys, loads of great ideas to take away with us! The people from my school were still buzzing about it at school today. One has done a write up and 3 others are presenting to staff at a meeting 2moro about what they found. Agree with what has been said about the lack of primary presentations. So that is something we need to think about for October. I'm Feeling excited about hosting the next SPARK event, although slightly daunted as what a tough act I have to follow!! Speak soon

Jishe

jishe23 — 2013-06-02 17:44:30 UTC

I never thought that I could learn a lot from a 2 min presentation. It was fab!

I am very glad that I could attend. Thank you for planning and organizing such a useful event.

Sonia Kohli

2013-06-02 17:58:05 UTC

Kudos Team! A great opportunity to learn and implement simple strategies that can motivate students to enjoy learning by getting involved - Worth the time and energy spent on a Saturday. Rippling the information by sharing with my team of teachers. Loved the quote used by Rachael - Tighten up to be good... Loosen up to be Outstanding ! Info graphics, Word Cloud, Aurasma, Do it Again, Wordle .. It was practical and beneficial. Thank you Mark and Lee for your commendable effort.

Julien.

2013-06-03 08:38:20 UTC

It was a great event, I am usually not keen on given up my weekend, but it was so worthy. Many thanks to everyone who did a presentation or help to organize the event. It would be great if the all event was recorded and posted on YouTube so we can refer back to a presentation or re watch a presentation that we really enjoyed. (Maybe it has been already done, need to check on YouTube). Furthermore, in the future it will be great if we have a spark even with only 10 small presentations then have the possibility to go and work with that speaker on the apps or website he or she has been presenting. All the best and thank again.

Claire Hitchings

2013-06-04 06:14:12 UTC

Fantastic event, just as last time! Really enjoyed the variety. Perhaps next time do 50% Secondary and 50% Primary, giving options for a change over and those not in the room time to meet and discuss. Thought 18 talks a good number rather than 20+. I have been using infographics! Thank you!

Neal Oates

2013-06-04 06:14:14 UTC

Awesome event and put a lot of the CPD events I have been dragged through to shame. The model that was followed limiting speakers to a set time ensures the interest of those at the event and keeps the pressure on those presenting to do something interesting. We didn't have anyone speaking to fill the air or boring us to death because we knew that if it was not relevant to us it would be over pretty soon.

One idea for the future could be to have a section of the event dedicated to lesson activities which we could all go and try out having had them set up by different teachers. So in the first section we are told and shown different technology and ideas and in the second half teachers can go and try out this technology/activity and ask the questions they have. This could mean you could have shorter introductions and then staff seek out the presentation they want to hear more about.

Josie Eaves

2013-06-04 08:54:32 UTC

Fabulous Event, really enjoyed the whole day and the actual format/running of the day. Loved all the ICT links too as an ICT teacher! It was a very "full" day in that there was alot to take in and learn myself before I use it for my learners. It may have been useful to have a go at setting some of this up, dowloading the relevant apps etc. Will definatley be signing up for the October event :)

Barry Chat

2013-06-04 09:52:48 UTC

Great event, really love the fact that if something is not applicable to you, it is only 7 mins max (wish more of my PD courses had been the same!!). The best part for me is the chance to learn some new ideas and listen to people that have been using new initiatives successfully. I have already been implementing a handful of things in to my lessons and the response from the student's so far has been positive. Thanks once again for all of your work in organising this guys and see you in October!

Marie Nevard

2013-06-04 15:50:54 UTC

Thanks for some great CPD - I picked up some fantastic ideas and have since joined twitter (which I can see becoming quite addictive already), started using class dojo with one class and challenged another class to produce infograms today. I really liked the bite-size sessions and have been inspired to start using technology more in lessons. I'm looking forward to the next event in October. Thanks again for giving up your time to create an extremely useful event!

Joyeeta Bhattacharya

2013-06-04 17:21:58 UTC

Doable Empowering ! Read the rave reviews from a rather savvy teaching faculty crowd. Reiterate that Sparks June was highly informative and chock-full of practical information - exactly the type of hands-on practical skills transfer that we were looking for ! Nothing was disappointing - every presentation was of great value. The presentations on Twitter in the classroom, Infographics, Aurasma, Wordle and Tool for Quiz were particularly exhilarating for me. The two minutes -- seven minutes preceptors made the event enjoyable! Just a suggestion- the warning lights of the timer need not be necessarily accompanied by the jarring music! Kudos and Brownie points to Mark, Lee and the entire Sparks team for their commendable efforts.The corridors of The Indian High School are resonating with the ripple effect of the event.. Thanks again.

Ros

2013-06-04 17:39:07 UTC

Roshni Alex

2013-06-04 17:39:18 UTC

I really found it informative. each of the tools discussed can make my class a little more interesting. Teachers have to be tech savvy if we have to keep up with our expert students. I have to learn and speak their language. I have all praise for infograms and am working on them myself.Also flipping the classroom is something i am familiar with and and working on doing the same to mine.Lets see how it goes. On the whole a wonderful event. Would love to be a part of more spark events.

Alison

2013-06-04 17:55:56 UTC

Excellent PD that inspired and enthused me. A superb range of ideas to take straight back into school! I too would love more primary content. However, throughly enjoyed seeing what is being done with secondary students (and could see ways of adapting and applying many of these ideas in a primary setting).

Already seeing some ideas from presentations being used and shared around our school. Thanks for all of your efforts in making it a great success!

Stephen Fairfield

2013-06-05 03:25:49 UTC

Really enjoyed the event. The short and sharp speakers was a good idea. Maybe set up web link or have handouts for key info. (e.g. I had trouble writing down the top ten teacher apps, as the spelling is not always as it is pronounced). If speakers happy to do so they could provide key points to put in document that you could then send either as pre or post reading to the attendees. Have a few ideas based on the event I would like to try with my classes.

Glyn Lewis

2013-06-05 08:16:37 UTC

A really inspiring time, well spent. I was particularly taken with Wordle and have been playing around with it ever since. I've even used it's prioritising ability to check that written documents have the main message correct.

So inspiring that we will be holding our own mini Teachmeet during our end of year prep.week

Natalie Hodgson

2013-06-05 10:02:26 UTC

Excellent event! I found the presentations really useful and inspiring and came away excited about the teaching & learning ideas. will be applying for the next event in October

Jonathan Tate

2013-06-05 10:02:26 UTC

The spark event at Dubai College was probably the best CPD day I've ever had - loads of bite sized bits of really usable information and handy hints. I've made my first prezi as a result and am planning to work my was through the ideas I noted down on the day. Presenting was fun, but the 2 minutes seemed to go by in a flash - and I'm not sure that I didn't just waffle meaninglessly for 120 seconds! I'm really looking forward to the next one!

Tanya DrewA

2013-06-08 04:37:56 UTC

What a way to spend a Saturday morning- so many enthusiastic teaching professionals under one roof giving freely of their time. Excellent format- many inspiring presentations. I will definitely be bringing more of our staff to the next event- the impact on a school could be significant. have already shared the Infographics with some staff. Well done to all of the presenters and am looking forward to the October event.

Christina Smith

christinaj_smit — 2013-06-08 16:32:39 UTC

Really great to see so many enthusiastic practitioners; people with a passion for teaching. I picked up lots of great ideas - love the Word Clouds :) I am really looking forward to playing around with the Apps over the summer, ready to use in my new job in September at Rashid School for Boys.

I think it would have helped to know when speakers were "up" as I spent a lot of the morning worrying that my time to speak had come, where as if I knew the running order I could have relaxed (a little). All in all what a great idea from Mark and Lee - I can only imagine it will get bigger and bigger. Great Job!

Elizabeth

2013-06-19 08:55:06 UTC

Really enjoyed the whole event and the presentations given by the teachers. Some of the presentations were not relevant to my grade level but might be useful for other sections. Well done

Louise

2013-10-26 08:58:19 UTC

Another great Event. Excellent Hosting (Davina eat your heart out) by Miss Rachael Edgar. Worth spending a precious weekend day spent with colleagues being inspired. Looking forward to March and then May in Abu Dhabi! Thanks to all presenters ... Awesome. Great work Sparkers!

Roisin

2013-10-26 12:27:42 UTC

I can't remember the last time I felt so inspired and in awe of some many people. The wealth of knowledge and good practice is beautiful.

It would be great to get attendees and presenter twitter account names to make connections before the event so we are all ready to interact.

I cannot wait for the next SparkUAE and the future SparkQatar.

Maya

2013-10-26 13:02:45 UTC

Thanks so much really enjoyed today! Would love to see some less tech focused ideas next time. Although its fab to know whats out there and experiment with them, tech isnt a strongpoint at our school so some ideas for activities would be fab too!

The enthusiasm and passion for teching by the speakers was evident and very contagious - with our upcoming inspection I'm eager to try out some of the ideas.

PS. Thanks for encouraging me to use twitter. I've sent more tweets today then in my twitter lifetime!

Ian Plant

2013-10-26 13:07:26 UTC

A great event and far more productive than any training course you typically go on. I would like to see students and teachers co present at future meets perhaps and possibly include live Skype presentations from around the globe? Very well done to all that organized, your time and effort is greatly appreciated.

Ania Sikora

2013-10-26 14:05:41 UTC

Micro and nano presentations work...venue works...some inspiring speakers... great teaching/learning management tools out there...but I would like to know more about how the tools achieve deeper and meaningful learning - many presenters did speak how this was achieved in the classroom so thank you. Shouldn't we practise more what we preach rather than chalking and talking - more interactivity. I could've included a video to showcase the aha moment learning happening in my classroom -trying to condense an hour into 7 mins wasn't easy but perhaps a video would've brought the learning home to everyone in the audience -something future presenters could consider... Perhaps the morning needs dividing up? Secondary/ primary / tech / learning activities. Perhaps more guidelines on what makes a good presentation and what doesn't to guide and support all presenters? A list of presenter twitter usernames would have been helpful. Loved the little challenges and audience interactive moments throughout and the use of Twitter...Thanks everyone for the opportunities and all the effort - many ideas of which I'll be taking back into my classroom to experiment with...

Patricia Zamaraghdis

2013-10-26 16:12:33 UTC

Amazing event! well organised ! i loved the energy of the speakers and definitely got inspired and i will apply some of these ideas in my classroom ! thank you very much appreciated.

Please can you include for next time more ideas about teaching art as it is considered in many schools around Dubai and UAE as a secondary subject of studies.

Not much of attention is being given to art teachers usually :( and art is considered as an extra curricular activity in non IB schools for instance.

I cant wait for the next event SPARK and please let me updated

Claire

2013-10-27 05:17:41 UTC

Really great event again! Had some twitter conversations going on which proved interesting and informative. Would it be possible to have subject specific groups, maybe an hour to share subject specific ideas in a group and discuss them. (Could be done in a similar way to bring and brag). There was some repetition of topics from the last Spark Event. Overall though really enjoyed the event and came out feeling energised and more enthused!!

Neal Oates

2013-10-27 05:32:38 UTC

Excellent event as always missed the tables from the DC event as that was a bit more collaborative however that is not a big thing. I might have the bring and brag done at a break on a set of tables so staff can go along and look at some stuff teachers are doing and speak to them about it if they are interested after the event. Means we can see more stuff in the time we have and more sharing of great practice from teachers less willing to go up and shout about it.

All in all a well run day and some really interesting practice and theory covered. Really pleased with the VAK attack and helping students be helpless got me thinking about how I support students in the classroom!

Be good to be able to add to the presentations after with some Q&A from staff interested. Not sure how that would work from a technology point of view but I am sure there is someone who could come up with something

Kellie Hoult

2013-10-27 06:16:16 UTC

Excellent event which I will definately recommend to others. Loved the 2 and 7 minute format to keep the presentations to the point and me focused. A few great ideas to take home and play around with. Thank you to all who presented, especially the PE teachers :) It was also really nice to be able to put some faces to those twitter names!

Thank you to the organisers for your time, greatly appreciated.

Ed Mosley

2013-10-27 12:33:46 UTC

Enjoyed the event. A good range of presentations and I left with ideas. The 2 and 7min format works well. The only thing I missed personally was directed opportunity for speaking with the other attendees and speakers. I understand logistics were difficult due to the large number of people. The Q/A would maybe have worked better on a more personal set up at the intervals after presentations, or at the end of the day, rather than in the lecture room.

Thank you for your time and effort, very much appreciated by all!

Kerri-Ann

2013-10-29 17:14:29 UTC

Loved the event. Suggestion for future Spark events - have an IT only event/section (covering amazing apps etc. to use in the classroom.) Talks could be a little over 7 minutes on how the programme/app works. Everyone seemed very interested in how to use iPads in the classroom.

THANK YOU SO MUCH for all the effort. Very inspiring!

2013-11-02 10:30:56 UTC

Was the first I'd attended and really enjoyed this format of CPD. The 7 and 2 min presentations are a great way of learning lots, quickly! Rachael's organisation was fantastic; despite being a last minute sign-up I knew exactly what was expected when. Learned a lot from the presentations and will look forward to the next one.

Jenny Murray