David Nettelbeck

Teachers know less than students so are afraid to make fools of themselves. I see more and more nervous teachers who watch the 'experts' flying ahead and are incresingly reluctant to take risks with new pedagogy and technologies. How do we encourage these experienced practioners to review their classroom practices in the light of changing literacies and technologies, take small risks and seek the support of colleagues?

A recent letter to a newspaper from an irate parent bemoaned the fact that it is just too tempting for students to use computers in class to play games, chat with friends and listen to music. 'Computers are for recreation and home use', the writer said. 'School is for serious learning. Let's get away from cuckoo technologies that devour valuable learning time and school resources.'