Technology training project for teachers picks up awards

Sheffield College's Mobile Learning Network Academy has been running a professional development programme which has helped 400 education staff across six Sheffield secondary schools to get to grips with new technologies this year.

Academy tutors Dave Pickersgill and Jason Haslam have both received awards from the Learning and Skills Network (LSN).

College lecturers, schoolteachers and learning support assistants have been trained in the use of portable and compact personal computers, digital video cameras, head cameras, games consoles and mobile phones to support teaching in the classroom.

The academy was set up last year at Sheffield College and is funded by the LSN and the Skills Funding Agency. Six local secondary schools have taken part in the training: All Saints School, Chaucer Business and Enterprise College, the City School, Myers Grove School, Stocksbridge High School and Wisewood School.

Pupils and teachers at Chaucer Business and Enterprise College have been using mobile phones and video camcorders to capture performance during dance classes.

The footage has then been played immediately so that students get visual feedback on how to improve their moves. Game consoles have been applied to business administration and finance lessons for problem-solving and brainstorming ideas.

Students have also downloaded music using mobile telephones for use during their music classes. Around 300 pupils at the school have trialled devices during the past year, which include the iPod Touch, Nintendo Dsi consoles, Apple iPads and digital notepads as well as digital video and web cameras.