Berlin Day 8+9

Hello All

Back to work for all. We visited a technical college that specialised in plumbing and metalwork. It was interesting to see how they have dedicated classrooms that deal with practical and theory at the same time ( This could be a good idea for at Acton). The canteen was fantastic value with food that is cooked on site and the canteen was a pleasure to sit in.
The tilers had a little job to do for our hosts. (see the pics below). They had to plan the job go with the host to buy the materials and tools needed. Between the three of them they got half of it done with the other half to be completed on Wednesday afternoon. The electrictians and plumber went to a local power station to see how things are done here. Wednesday they will be visiting a matainance yard for the trains that are electric. I will be helping out with teaching some school children how to play cricket.

Berlin Days 6+7

Hello All

What abeautiful weekend here after Saturday morning rain. The group have relaxed in preperation for the weekend by sightseeing in Berlin and relaxing at the house. Woultrade has joined us from Embrace to give us some german lessons on trade related words for all trades. The photos above are on the right a church that was bombed during the war and has been left as a memorial and the other photo is a section of the berlin wall and No mans Land that has been preserved. When you delve into the history of it all it is a humbling experience makes you appreciate how lucky were are.

See you soon


Shrek

Berlin Day 5

Hello All

Yes we had sunshine again today. Everyone had the friday feeling about them. The skateboard ramp slats has been completed. Now the outside skin is being removed ready for a new skin. 3 students worked in the car workshop and 3 in the woodwork shop as well. In the evening we had a walk round the leafy suburbs of Berlin. We saw part of the wall and the tv tower that dominates the skyline. I will publish some photos later.

See you soon

Shrek

Berlin Day 4

Hello All followers

What a beautiful day again, sunshine and more sunshine. The students again worked hard on their various projects. The skateboard ramp ran short of timber at the end of the day but there is still plenty to be done. In the car workshop they removed the drive shaft on a car and replaced it. 2 students went into the carpentry workshop to work with fellow german students. At the end of day we had a BBQ which involved the two groups of students whom are getting on great and communicate very well. Thats all Folks. see you soon

Shrek

Berlin Day 3

Hello All

Welcome back for another exciting episode of the Berlin experience.
Today the students started to put together the skateboard ramp they took apart yesterday. 3 students took off a timing chain and adjusted the tappets on a Trabant engine. I was taken to the new premises of Kids&Co for a job they want us to do for them. It is approx 2-3m2 of wall tiles for a splashback. We have been bowling tonight for 3 hours which was enjoyed by all. Tomorrow is the first real test of German cuisine as their is fried chicken liver on the menu. Our hosts have been fantastic and have helped were ever possible.

See you soon

Shrek

Berlin Day 2

Hello All

Welcome to the Berlin experience. There is me and 3 tilers, 2 electricians and 3 plumbers.

We are here for 3 weeks of experiencing Berlin and construction over here. So far we have taken apart a skate ramp ready for new structural timbers and plywood. Three of the students spent the day in the car workshop working on a Trabant gerabox. This evening we went to a sportclub for youngsters and played pool, table tennis and pool then cycled back. Well thats it from me today see you tomorrow.

Stefan Read

The PP shows

These PowerPoint presentations were very impressive in content and how they have been put together. There is some interesting quotes that may appear in the not to distant future. I do see where some of this theory relates to our teaching and learning but I feel this is again over complicating the learning and teaching process.

The curse of research

Sorry to say this but I hate these type of sessions as I don't concentrate on the task in hand. I have found the concepts and theories confusing and difficult to get my head around.

There's no going back now

Finally got there with an idea for my Blended learning lesson. I going to do the following:-

• Bluetooth photos from students phones.
• Discuss relevence of photos to their NVQ evidence requirements.
• Students create notes.
• Students either create mind map or a podcast as a reminder to themselves about the NVQ evidence required.

Gcast looks very good and is user friendly so far.

Here comes the theory

Another interesting and thought provoking session. The delicious site will very useful hopefully for both students and fellow lecturers around the country. I have struggled with the Simdis activity and understanding the theory. No doubt I will pick this up when I look back at the SoW and my notes.

Technology behaving badly

Hi fellow bloggers.
An intresting and thought provoking session. It showed to me that you have to be prepared for when technology goes bad. The simple little tips on word and powerpoint will prove invaluable in the future no doubt. this session highlighted to me how bad I am at searching for academic material when the pressure is on.

Blogging a new frontier

Many appologies fellow bloggers I had posted my reflection on the class blog. So here we go again.

It was a useful session as it showed how others use technology within their lessons and ideas for future use. I may use audio and video podcasts for demonstrations, recap and revision for my students.