How to write a ‘social media’ strategy without calling it ‘social media’: Part 1

Do you have a company strategy for using the telephone? Sending email? Probably not. And a strategy for ‘using social media’ is the same. It misses the bigger picture. That is, that social media is just one type of channel through which a modern company can choose to engage with its clients and networks. Call […]

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A dead blog

This blog is no more! He has ceased to be! ‘E’s expired and gone to meet ‘is maker! ‘E’s a stiff! Bereft of life, ‘e rests in peace! If you hadn’t added this last post ‘e’d be pushing up the daisies! ‘Is metabolic processes are now ‘istory! ‘E’s off the twig! ‘E’s kicked the bucket, […]

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Herding ducks in a barrel (Part 1)

The NCEA standards review, in English, has begun. And about time, too. As challenging as lining up ducks or herding cats? As easy as shooting those fish? Whichever way it goes, it’s got to be done. According to the NZQA website: The review will be carried out according to six principles developed by the expert […]

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Death by bullet (point)

“Students need to be effective oral, written and visual communicators” (revised NZC, English, p. 18) and “they recognise how choices of language, symbol and text affect people’s understanding” (Using Language, Symbols and Texts KC, p. 12) With so many of us using PowerPoint presentations these days, how can we make sure that they (and we!) […]

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Sssh…it’s the ‘s’ word

What did you say? Your subject is English? Tsk, tsk. Don’t you know we not allowed to say ‘subject’ now? How very siloed and partisan of you. ‘Subject’ is now a forbidden word, something only to be whispered when no-one can hear you. For now we live in the days of cross-curricular, integrated learning in […]

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