[dappple conference]

Right after the Portsmouth conference I zipped up to Glasgow with Sue and Gavin to take part in this workshop/seminar. Although it was aimed at educators there were certainly things to be learned by those working in other areas. I must say I was somewhat surprised at how much money schools in Britain are getting (from the government) to put towards IT. The conference centred on technology (in the classroom) and storytelling. Papers were presented on games which were designed to help students (some with physical and/or mental impairments) learn about themselves, others, and narrative. It was interesting to see what kinds of programmes are being designed but I think it's all still in very embryonic stages - especially if we think of games like Sims. The ideas are certainly pointing in the right direction - using computers in the classroom - but I think there is a way to go. That of course is part of a complex problem concerning the education of teachers (when would they have time to learn the software?) and money to provide that very necessary education.