Recently it was announced that LTS’ very own Laurie O’Donnell was given the great honour of being named as one of the Global Six by the George Lucas Foundation. Laurie was recognised for his work in leading developments with technology in Scottish Education. The people at the Foundation were particularly take with the vision that was and has become Glow. Congratulations to Laurie for this, such recognition helps to affirm that you are  most certainly on the right lines!

Through Laurie’s links with  Edutopia we had the pleasure of welcoming Milton Chen and Steve Arnold to Scotland last week. This was so that these gentleman could find out a little bit more about the work that LTS is doing in helping to lead developments with technology in Scottish schools. Andrew Brown from LTS took care of the programme for the Thursday and I had to organise the Friday programme.

After meeting Milton and Steve at the train station I was given time to share with them the work that we have been doing at the Consolarium. They were really taken with what I told them about and were particularly interested in our Dr Kawashima, Guitar Hero and Nintendog projects. In order to try and bring what we do to life for them we organised a visit to Clepington PS in Dundee to see a P.6 class who have been using Sonic and Mario at the Olympics for the Wii as the contextual hub for a cross-curricular project.

The children had recently held an open afternoon for parents so that they could show them the work that they had been doing with the game. I asked the children what their parents had thought of this idea of using a Wii in class and they said:

“…my mum and dad thought it was nonsense and that we were just playing games. That was until they saw what we had been doing and they couldn’t believe it. They were really impressed.”

“…parents think that games rot your brain but they don’t, they help you think and get smarter. My parents thought the project was magnificent…even great!”

“…my mum was dead surprised that I was doing all this writing. I don’t normally like writing but I didn’t mind it in this project.”

Milton and Steve spent time talking to the children at all the learning stations that were set up and they were impressed with the level of motivation and enthusiasm that was clearly in evidence but also impressed with the confident and articulate way they engaged with their American visitors.

A quick visit to Charleston PS to see one of the classes involved with the extended DS project was planned for the afternoon. A warn welcome was given by Chris Smith, Depute Head, and the P.6 class. We asked the children how they were all getting on with the DS and then watched them take their Brain Age check. It looks as though they are getting to grips with the game and making progress already!

Thanks to both schools who made themselves available to us that day and for giving such a warm welcome to our visitors. I know they had a very enjoyable and interesting day.