Technology in Learning

Posted on May 16, 2012 by dludlow

Technology is playing a vital and ever increasing role in education and training. Education and training organisations that do not keep up will simply be left behind. It is important to make cultural changes within an organisation over a period of time. This means having a strategy that takes the organisation into the unknown. We just cannot predict what technology will have to offer next year let alone in two, three, five, ten years and so on. The strategy must allow for an ever changing world. Organisations that stay waiting for everyone else to test and try new things will simply be left behind. To move forward in training and education, staff need to be allowed to try new ideas and encouraged to make things work rather than being allowed to say “we can do it quicker the old way”. The old way will just not be accepted by future learners, students and clients.  Training and education organisations need to remember technology is not just about efficiency for them but also effectiveness for the learner/student. OFSTED inspectors are not looking at how efficient the technology makes an organisation but what impact does the technology have on the learner/student. So in my opinion all organisations should have a strategy that is agreed with from top to bottom and  is implemented with honest enthusiasm. There needs to be a recognition throughout the organisation that implementation  of learning and teaching technologies is not an option but a necessity.

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Steve Jobs talks about managing people

Posted on March 2, 2012 by dludlow

This man had it right when it comes to managing people and a business.

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IT Literacy in Business

Posted on February 23, 2012 by dludlow

IT How many times have I heard the words “I’m no good at this IT stuff”. Trouble is if you say it enough you really start to believe it yourself. My view is that in this day and age, technology is so fast moving that each of us has to at least attempt to understand.

There is also an element of laziness especially if there is someone available or close by who can do it for you. Businesses who have an IT illiterate workforce will very quickly fall behind.

There is a part each individual can play in developing themselves, however, businesses should have an on-going programme of   staff IT literacy development.

Companies that hold back on technology are simply holding back on company and business development. There are many customers who have an expectation of a level of IT literacy, so it’s not about IT for IT sake it is a matter of technology and IT literacy for business and business growth sake.

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Sit down and shut up

Posted on January 28, 2012 by dludlow

What I do is my business, I don’t have to justify myself to anyone. People that stick there nose in are probably just jealous. There are some people with opinions, that’s fine but unless what I do affects you directly keep your opinions to yourself. Life is for living, hahaha some people think life is for gossiping well all I can say to you people is ***********

Strange how certain people put themselves above everybody and whats good for them is not good for everyone else.

So if you are the lazy loud person I know sit down, shut up and get on with what it is you are supposed to be doing.

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Respect

Posted on January 28, 2012 by dludlow

Respect at work is something that is earned. As a manager you cannot just expect staff to respect you. The following list are just some things you need to consider.

  • How do you communicate with staff?
  • What knowledge do you have
  • Do you respect the knowledge and skills of your staff
  • Are you a control freak
  • Do you let go and allow your staff some freedom

As a manager you should trust staff and allow them to develop. It is surprising what you will get back. If staff feel they have to come to you for every little decision then you are doing something wrong. Being consistent is also very important, having favourites is so noticeable by other staff. I believe in working hard and playing hard but there must be a noticeable line between the two. It is so sad when it is all work with no recognition of what you have achieved and along with that no fun. The happiness and motivation of staff starts right at the top and then cascades through the management team to all the staff. If your company is struggling you need to look at yourself and not blame all around you. Working life is a big part of all our lives and your job as a manager is yes to making a profit but importantly to make this big part of everyone’s life a happy experience.

Happy staff are productive staff.

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Puff the Magic Dragon

Posted on October 14, 2011 by dludlow

Lyrics | Peter, Paul & Mary lyrics – Puff, The Magic Dragon lyrics

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Having a Vision

Posted on October 5, 2011 by dludlow

My strap line in everything I do or work on is ‘Planning for Success’. In business, to start any kind of planning there must be a vision. A vision helps form a business plan. A vision helps employees understand and support the direction. How can you possibly plan unless there are some initial visions. Visions can be slightly crazy but at least it gives some sort of focus. Once there is a vision that everyone knows about then the thought process and planning can start to break the vision down into realistic and achievable bite size objectives. An unclear vision just does not send the right messages. A business can’t plan unless there are some clear visions. This normally has to come from the top with passion, with enthusiasm, with some understanding, with sincerity, with support, with trust and the list can go on. When staff understand the vision, they then understand the business plan and in turn understand more about how their tasks and objectives are contributing to fulfilling the vision. This will make more of a success of any business. Staff will contribute to the achievement of the vision but they need to know what it is and that it is a genuine vision.

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Hotels and Resorts Philippines

Posted on July 18, 2011 by dludlow
Hotels and Resorts Philippines

Hotels and Resorts Philippines

A great new web site with easy to navigate and search facilities to help you find a hotel or resort when booking places to stay for holidays and business trips in the Philippines.

The Philippines is such a great destination for a holiday with such lovely and friendly people. Hotels and Resorts Philippines

Posted in Cebu, holidays, Hotels, manila, philippines, Siquijor, Sunset, Tarsier, Travel | Tagged , , , | Comments Off

Creative Arts Directory

Posted on July 16, 2011 by dludlow

 

Creative Arts Directory.

Creative Arts Directory

A UK Directory of Self Employed, Freelance educational consultants in the field of Creative Arts. With the changes in the way UK schools deliver creative arts I can see this being very popular with both schools and the self employed teachers and consultants

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Social Networking in Business, Learning, Education and Assessment

Posted on July 14, 2011 by dludlow

This is a topic that could spark much discussion but there is no getting away from the fact that social networking is fast becoming an environment to communicate, share and network both in business life and personal life. The two are beginning to merge and in the world of learning and education are becoming accepted. There are a whole host of web sites and services that can come under this banner. I believe we should explore some of the possibilities.

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