David Miller

How would you like to find out about the very latest in web 2.0 technologies - and how they can transform teaching and learning - from a former Teacher of the Year who the Sunday Times described as ‘ A truly inspirational figure’?

There are many people out there who profess to tell teachers how best to use technology in the classroom but there are few who are not only doing it on a daily basis but who also have the stellar credentials of David Miller.

When the Teaching Awards judges observed David’s lessons they were not only bowled over by his skills as a teacher but also by, in the words of the judges, his ‘flexible and inspiring use of technology’ using it ‘creatively, effectively and effortlessly, rather than for show’.*

Since then David has kept one foot in the classroom in his school in Scotland but also one foot very much in the future, developing experience and expertise in what he calls the Wonderful World of Web 2.0 – Adventures in Digital Literacy! Teachers who come on David’s journey explore the benefits to their practice of a whole range of technologies including (in David’s own characteristically enthusiastic words):

Twitter, Social Media & the Power of the Personal Learning Network (or PLN!), Blogs, Wikis & the Digital Portfolio, Digital Storytelling, Prezi and the new presentation technologies, Animating the Classroom!, the wonderful world of Wordles!, Mapping the Mind, Timelines!, Collaborative Learning, Aural and Visual Literacy, Tagging, Bookmarking and RSS, The Virtual Fieldtrip, Collaborative Publishing, WEB 2.0 for the Science Class ...

David's varied career has seen him teach English in Milan and Copenhagen, work with Sir Philip Ledger at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama, fundraise for major Arts festivals and found a successful software company. His call to the teaching profession came in 2001 and was inspired by his work with the Youth Justice System in Scotland, the Children’s Panel, which gave David a vivid insight in to what happens when child and education disengage.

In eight years at St Ninian’s High School, David has had a profound effect on the teaching approaches of staff, and not just in the English Department. A recent report of HM Inspectorate of Education (Scotland’s Ofsted) described the learning environment in David’s English Department as ‘Sector Leading’. As well as teaching at St Ninian’s High School, David is in demand from Universities, local authorities, conference organisers and the Scottish Government. He regularly runs video-conference Masterclasses for Learning and Teaching Scotland. David is now on the TES Advisory Panel for English. Click here for more details.

We are delighted that David is part of the Independent Thinking team and doing his bit to help schools understand that the future is not an option and, as such, we either need to embrace technology and all the benefits it brings when used well, or else get out of their way while young people do it anyway.

*To read the full article and to see interviews with David click here.

Feedback from teachers who have benefited from David’s input include:

• Very thought provoking, lovely ideas to take back and share
• Very informative and made you feel at ease giving the confidence to go forward and have a go with the latest technology
• I felt that your empathetic and relaxed style of delivery was key, of which enthused the staff so that they could try out some new ideas.  Many of the staff gained enormous confidence on the day and it really has helped us to share the expertise that currently exists.  You certainly helped to make the staff feel that the ideas you presented were perfectly possible to incorporate, with not too much stress or worry
• The conference was a resounding success in encouraging heads to look at new technologies and brave the fear factor
• Thank you so much for your excellent presentation on Friday.  For many – it was the highlight of the conference
• Your input will not be forgotten easily
• The day with David was a real inspiration. Can’t wait for his next visit to Claydon High School!
• David’s training has had a huge impact on learning and teaching at Nailsea High School
  

People who benefited from David have also enjoyed Jim Smith.

Articles written by David Miller for the TES:

• Face Values
• Worlds Apart Together
• Poetry in Motion

To make contact with David to discuss how he can help you in your work please call the Independent Thinking office on 0844 589 0490 or e-mail us at learn@independentthinking.co.uk.

David's CRB number is 001240665778 issued 23rd June 2009.

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