When it comes to explaining GLOW to other teachers, we are in danger of missing something really important… We’d better get on board with it really soon or the parents are going to want to know why.

I’ve been involved in a couple of really interesting conversations recently that have made me realise that the ‘tipping point’ for Glow may be closer than we think. A friend recently turned round and asked me just what Glow was. After a brief explanation, I began to realise that, not only did he already have an idea what it was, he could also see its relevance and potential. How do I know that? Simply because what he really wanted to know was why his kids were being denied access to the resource. In short, he knew what it was and he wanted his kids using it…

I think this is something we lose sight of all too easily. We see Glow with the same eyes that see every other ‘big new thing’ in education… and sometimes people forget that education is not just for the educators… it’s actually for the pupils. And they have parents who have a vested interest in making sure their children have the best opportunities possible.

As more and more people do have access to the resources and facilities offered by Scotland’s National Schools Intranet, those who aren’t on board yet will find themselves at a potential disadvantage. Maybe it won’t be of the ‘moving to a Glowing Authority’ level yet, but I wonder how long parents will be happy at knowing their authority has yet to sign up…

Categories: Glow