Paul Marriott - The stuff you ought to know!

Hi, everyone!

My name is Paul Marriott, and for most of my life I have been quite the 'technology guru'! Anyone that knows me will instantly tell you that. :)

Computers, technology and ICT are my passion.

I have been living in Hong Kong pretty much all my life. As a former Primary and Secondary student of two prestigious ESF schools (Kennedy School and Island School respectively), a position at Australian International School Hong Kong (AISHK), Diocesan Boys' School Primary Division (DBSPD) and now Law Ting Pong Secondary School (LTPSS), I have been heavily-absorbed in diverse cultures and modes of learning.

My journey began as a freelance PC consultant in Hong Kong. I would make door-to-door visits to fix computers and offer expert advice. This led to an IT Support role at AISHK where I could apply my technical craft even further.

During my AISHK time, I really wanted to pursue teaching. So I took a PGDE with HKU in 2005, which I successfully attained in 2007. Then in 2008, I went from an International School setting to a Local School setting. I went to teach English and Computer Studies at DBSPD for three years.

My journey has now brought me to a position at LTPSS where I teach Computer Literacy to S1 and S2 students. I am also co-ordinator of a VLE (Virtual Learning Environment) environment called 'Frog' (http://frog.ltpss.edu.hk) where we hope to use this in the enhancement of learning experiences.

I have quite a range of skills and talents using various web and software applications. I also have extensive knowledge and skills on hardware (since I was an IT support person, that has greatly helped). Want to know specifics? Just ask and I'd be glad to show you. :) In addition, I am learning and absorbing a lot more since I purchased mobile Apple products (iPhone and iPad, particularly).

And YES, I am also here taking my first Masters (MEd) module...where I am back again at HKU! :)

I hope to use this module (MITE6024) as a way to not only learn new things and further my knowledge, but to collaborate and share information with other learners. I think this module can only be successful WITH collaborators and groups of people. This is a module where EVERYONE is a part of the teaching, the learning and the overall EXPERIENCE. A module of ACTIVE EDUCATORS and LEARNERS working together! :) We are already doing this as a part of our '2by2 Inspirations' group where are are learning in groups.

I believe I have ideas to bring to the table in terms of how technologies can shape and facilitate learning. This module will act as a platform to let me share what I know with others, and the opportunity to receive from others in the same way.
In terms of the future, only time will tell... I do hope to be an influential asset to the education sector in the shaping and developing of technologies for learning.

Looking forward to working with you all! Cheers!

- Paul

p.s. My RISAL name is 'pcmarriotthk'